Which Rebreather Would You Choose & Why?

[Drmike]

Originally Posted by JJJBBB

At the moment I would choose the Topaz because 1) it is available to buy 2) has some serious safety benefits over others I have tried but 3) may be supeceded in my favouritism by the Evolution depending on how wet the cells can get on the Evo.

As the cells are in the same position I dont expect to see any difference in moisture build up.

I found insulating the scrubber outlet hose really helped to counter condensation and drip back to sensor faces.

[Decodiver]

I love the Inspiration, but faced with the new electronics available I am going to opt for the Evolution as it is still good for gas diving. The controller is good and the HUD improves safety.

However as Innerspace are looking to commence manufacture of Cis scrubbers I have ordered a Meg for the end of January. The long dwell time offered by this unit and the fact that it will pass it's CE mark next year, not to mention the cost of the cheap as shit dollar and Robert is your Dad's brother!!

The Inspiration is still a very good CCR though.

Cheers

Dave Cooper

[Robert Cook]

Although I have previously used a YBOd, my current choice is a Meg, and the 15.5 or Ourobouros are possible future choices.

YBOD - Bought second-hand due to extremely cheap price. Liked the whole idea of CCR, but I found the unit too bulky and lightly built. Used it for about 26 hours, then sold it (for a profit). Bought a Meg with the proceeds.

Meg - Bought this unit due to perceived (due to living in Australia I had not seen a unit prior to my course) build quality, size and modular nature. The unit is extremely heavily built - I use 2lbs with a shell drysuit and weezle compact. It is also much more streamlined than the YBOD (I have the old-style neoprene counterlungs). At the moment, my main requirement is for a unit that is small enough to transport easily, but still capable of fairly heavy diving. The Meg fits this perfectly for now. As my requirements are likely to change to a unit more suited for deep diving, I may need to replace it. If that happens, the Mk15.5 would be the choice of what is currently available. However, I'll be holding onto the Meg for at least the next year or two, so anything could come out in the meantime,

Thanks,
Robert

[BJ]

Just done 21 dives on a pre-production Evolution. The Vision electronics are fantastic. It's the best rebreather I have used yet. Available on the Inspiration. Don't waste your money buying anything else!!! You can read about it...guess where!

[Decodiver]

I guess you liked the auto setpoint switch then John?

Cheers

Dave Cooper

[BJ]

Originally Posted by Decodiver

I guess you liked the auto setpoint switch then John?

Cheers

Dave Cooper

Yes, among many other innovations like the scrubber use display, the deco calculations, the HUD. You can manually over-ride auto setpoints during a dive if you choose to....

[Decodiver]

Great piece of kit, dived one last month and we gave Martin some serious feedback about the crap sighting of the HUD, which only one out of twenty instructors could see properly.

I understand he has changed it now. Is the HUD mounting adjustable?

Cheers

Dave

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by JJJBBB

The Vision electronics are fantastic. It's the best rebreather I have used yet. Available on the Inspiration. Don't waste your money buying anything else!!!

Chance would be a fine thing! When are AP planning to release the Vision for the Inspo then?

[Decodiver]

It will be rolled out as the same time as the Evolution.

[BJ]

See Diver Magazine (March issue). You can get it free at LIDS.

I used the existing HUD mount with a deep lens mask (Cressi Matrix). I believe there is a new stalk mounting for those who want to continue to use old favourite masks.