Comments about Oceanic Air XS regulator/inflator combination Complete:

The idea with this, or any similar product, is that you do as follows:

Your buddy signs "I need air!"

1. YOU put the secondary air source in your mouth and hand him your normal second stage (which is still in your hand -- you just took it out of your mouth).

2. You grasp him by the lapels and hold him close (he doesn't have enough hose to wander off, so you are in control -- a Good Thing if he's a little panicky).

3. Ascend safely.

The three advantages of one of these things are that (a) you KNOW where your spare is, all the time, (b) You control your buddy, not vice versa, (c) you don't drag your octopus across the bottom or get it snagged somewhere.

Personally, I'll never go back to a standard octopus (this one isn't mine, I have a ScubaPro Air II, but same idea. I'm getting this for my son, because I'm that sold on its being a safer option, and he dives an Oceanic BC).

I'll grant you, your octopus SHOULD be secured, but they don't always stay that way. With the Air II, I always KNOW right where it's at.

Comments about Oceanic Air XS regulator/inflator combination Complete:

Takes a few dives to become very familiar with its operation. You give your primary for buddy breathing, or your going to make it a uncomfortable and difficult return to surface.

No issues with free flow, generally have it serviced annually. Additionally I insure that it is rinsed out and dried thourghly after each dive. It doesn;t get abused as most other lenghty octos. You won;t be acccidently dragging it thru the sand and bumping it on coral. (Unless you have some serous bouyancy issues)

While in transit or traveling I tuck it inside my BCD for protection.

My only gripe is that the quick disconnect to the unit is non-standard and difficult to find or replace.

Comments about Oceanic Air XS regulator/inflator combination Complete:

Installs in a snap, and the integrated controls just work as intended, with no drama.

Comments about Oceanic Air XS regulator/inflator combination Complete:

Wouldn't go back to diving with a normal octo unless teaching. You can eliminate hoses with this piece and its actually easier to find in an emergency, just inches below your mask, same location you would reach for your inflator hose.

Comments about Oceanic Air XS regulator/inflator combination Complete:

a longer hose makes it easy to find and use no free flow and easy to install.