Shopper From people who have bought this item do you use this as a primary octo? or is this simply an extra line of defense where you have an octo and this as a backup?
-Thanks!
PETER V When I bought this I intended to use it as an Octo on my vacation rig, but Iscrapped that idea after trying it the first time.
Because of the small size of the BC hose orifice it doesn't flow enough air to breath on normally.
It works ok in shallow water if you stay calm and don't exert yourself, but I don't expect that will be the case if I ever REALLY needed to use my octo. If you were even slightly nervous or trying to fight a current it would never work.
So now it just takes up space in my box of extra scuba crap.
LANSON R Honestly, I intended to use it as an octo replacement. When I tried it out, it didn't have enough airflow to use comfortably. If I were to buy another, I would definitely get the high flow model.
JOSE Y Hi, shopper, I use Air buddy Alternate air source, how a octopus gear, but is very importan know and have practice to use, excellent up level advanced.
RICHARD S The product was good for emergency use, but doesn't supply enough air to use normal. It is a great idea, small compact, and easy to use.
JOE V I would not suggest using it as a primary Octo, it is not the easiest thing to breath with, takes lots of practice. Someone not used to it would most likely panic. Of course this is my personal opinion.
Hope this helps
CAIO S I use as my primary octo, I've practice a few times under water just to be comfortable in an emergency situation. It works OK, takes a little to get comfortable with. Hope it helps.
Kareem M Thanks everyone for the great feedback! its definatley insightful to hear everyone's experiances!
JOHN H My intent when buying this was to use it as my octo. However in an emergency situation I don't believe it is the ideal thing. In theory it works well when everyone is calm. I am still glad I have it and have used it many times to fill lift bags and marker bouy's by squeezing the actuator with my fingers.
...jOHN
MARK S I had TWO Zeagle Octo-Z's over the last 8 years and both have failed. (The Octo-Z is a combination inflator and octopus (alternate air source)). One time it freeflowed and I had to borrow the Captain's rig including BC or my entire trip would have been scrapped. I replaced that Octo-Z and this last time, same thing, so I disconnect the power pressure inflator connection and had to maintain neutral boyancy using oral inflation. So, don't think of buying an Octo-Z!
The air buddy is used as a SIMPLE alternate air source (octopus) which is still inline with the single BC inflator hose. It's quick disconnect so you could remove it in seconds if it causes problems. The manufacturer recommends using the air buddy as your own air source if you need to share air since it is different than a normal regulator operation. If your buddy runs out of air, that's the wrong time to teach them how to breath through this thing. It works just like the bite-valve on a camelback hydration system.
To directly answer your question, it is my primary octo... but then I was diving before alternate air sources were even used! Hope this helps...
BARRY G I use it as my octo to have one less hose to get tangled. However, if used for that purpose, it would serve in an emergency as the primary divers secondary air source, while your 2nd stage would be offered to a diver in distress. The "air buddy" itself takes some practice in non-emergency situations to be ready in an emergency, since it works differently from a normal octo. I prefer to remove the "air buddy" portion and attach my second stage from my octo to the inline part of the AB. That way I have the standard 2nd stage octo, but it's attached to my low pressure inflator.
FRANK V I use It at a primary Octo. I works very well have been diving with it several years, you should practice with it, so you are comfortable if the need to use it arises. I practice with it at least once a season.
ZARING R It is primary. But, per manufacturer's suggestion, I would use the Air Buddy myself, and hand my own second stage to my buddy, because (a) the hose is short and (b) I have practiced with its unfamiliar use.
KEN D I would strictly use it as a backup secondary air source. We use them to suffice L&I regulations but most of my divers carry a primary alternate air source because the ABAAS doesn't breathe very well. It can get you out of a jam but that is about it. You have to bite down on the mouth piece and make sure you sift out any incoming water to the mouth.
KDD DNR,Master Diver
KEN D I would strictly use it as a backup secondary air source. We use them to suffice L&I regulations but most of my divers carry a primary alternate air source because the ABAAS doesn't breathe very well. It can get you out of a jam but that is about it. You have to bite down on the mouth piece and make sure you sift out any incoming water to the mouth.
KDDDNR,Master Diver
JON E I used the AB as my only octo for 250-300 dives. I have since switched to a DIR configuration for my local diving and continue to use the AB with my travel regulator setup. In an emergency, you have to donate your primary and use the Air Buddy yourself. I would practice breathing through the AB for five minutes or so on each dive. They are bulletproof, although they take some practice to use properly.
V DAVE K This is a nice compact unit that takes LOTs of practice to use effectively. I like it because it is small and does not get caught on things as it fits in the BC line.
Because it is difficult to use I would give my normal regulator to my buddy and keep this one for myself. This I use as my Primary Octo -
The only problem was in the installation where you have to remove the extra deep valve core from the BC line. I solved this issue by using my dremel to modify one of my old valve core removers.
Enjoy! Dave
JEFFREY G It could be used as the primary octo, but I use it as a backup.
DAN B Even at shallow depths, I just don't think this can deliver sufficient air for sustained survival. When you are in an emergency situation, you typically are excited, and thus will require extra air. I found this device could not supply sufficient air for even relaxed swimming. I purchased an inflator / reg combo (Mares) and would recommend going that route.
CODY W I use mine as a primary octo, it fit into my budget better than a 'normal' octo and it's a lot more streamline.