Safe second inflators

[rjasonc]

I'm creating a new regulator setup for diving and looking at the options. I've been diving with a set Poseidons since 1989. After 17 years I'm thinking its time for another setup. I'd like something I can dive on for the next 20 years so I'm not shy about paying top dollar for the best setup. Here is what I'm considering getting.

For primary I'd like to use the Atomic Aquatics new titanitum T2 on a 7' hose (which I breathe and donate in out of air situation). Then for backup I'm thinking about using AA's SS1 which is an integrated inflator hose and regulator. See http://www.atomicaquatics.com/SS1.html

I'm a big believer in streamlining and minimizing unnecessary gear. I was trained by Steve Gerrard under the Hogarthian Method. Its my thought that by using this integrated inflator and secondary regulator eliminates an extra hose. Now I'm not throwing safety completely to the wind. Scuba Diving magazine's ranked the AA's SS1 its top choice of integrated regs and said "The SS1 breathes better than many primary-use regulators and generated the best overall simulator performance among the integrated inflator/regs."

I'd like to hear some thoughts from others out there.

Jason

[FW]

I know Steve didn't call a backup regulator a "safe second" :-)

If you aren't afraid to spend the money, get the new Poseidon Xstream regualtors. They are smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the older ones.

Remember, *you* are the one that may have to use your backup regulator, don't you want it as good as your primary?

[curtschu]

I have never seen anyone use an integrated inflator/reg in 16 years cave diving. I would be really surprised if an instructor sanctioned this type of setup. The Idea of stream lining is sound but there are several other things that you could do. Hve you tried to share with that unit. In the unlikely event that you lose the use of the long hose then have to share using the integrated unit you will find that very difficult. These things are for swallow/warm Recreational open water diving not Tech.

As I am not an instructor and never played one on TV this is just my Opinion and observation from Experience.

Curt

[JDostal]

Inflator/octo combos are bad. They work for a short and quick ascent to the surface, but trying to manage your buoyancy with one is a nightmare. They don't work in cave diving.

I use the a Poseidon XStream as my primary on the long hose w/ a Jetstream bungied around my neck. Those things are flawless.

If you are a member of The Deco Stop forums do some searches on "Air2" over there. You'll find many long discussions on the merits (demerits?) of those octo/inflators.

Also not an instructor, so my opinion may not count...

[jmaddox]

Might want to consider the Ti/O2 relationship...the M series regs are supposed to be nice.

[rjasonc]

FW said "*you* are the one that may have to use your backup regulator, don't you want it as good as your primary?"

Yes, of course. I hadn't really considered this option except that the Atomic Aquatics SS1 is better than many other primary regulators in performance. I'll probably go ahead and purchase a standard octo for the rig and try it both ways to see what I like. And you right, Steve surely didn't say safe second but I was staring at the Atomic Aquatics page when I typed that.

I'm abandoning Poseidon (which I've loved) because they are too hard to service in the US, I doubt I'll purchase another one.

I'm reading the Deco Stop thread now.

Jason

[ARY]

new titanitum T2 ....SS1 which is an integrated inflator hose and regulator.....
I'm a big believer in streamlining and minimizing unnecessary gear....the Hogarthian Method...
Hugh? Hogarthian?
Oh well my thoughts: Apex XTX-50, or easy on budget Aqualung Titans.

[BradfordNC]

the Atomic Aquatics SS1 is better than many other primary regulators in performance.

if its better than other primary regs, then why not use it as a primary reg?

hmmm, i know i wouldn't do that, would you???

then i wouldn't use it as a backup either.



i'm just a plain diver, so thats just my opinion

[DeepSea]

How do you plan on keeping the SS1 stowed to your rig?

It seems to me that because of the manner in which most LP inflators/corrugated hoses are rigged, using the SS1 would be challenging in a OOA scenario. Most of us (from my experiences) have an elastic hose retainer keeping the inflator/hose nicely stowed. I would expect that by conituning to use this setup could add some delay if not confusion and at a minimum an extra step in a real OOA situation -- derigging the hose from the elastic retainer and getting it to your mouth.

_My_ 3 step process for primary reg donation is:
1) pass primary reg
2) put backup in mouth
3) fully deploy long hose

Here is what I can imagine if _I_ were to have the SS1:
1) pass primary reg
2) wrestle the SS1 from rigging
3) put SS1 in mouth
4) fully deploy long hose

However you slice it, it just isn't as easy as reaching down and moving the backup reg to your mouth. However, as with anything, repetitious practice and muscle memory is what is required to become proficient at any skill.