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Halthron · 1st May 2006, 00:26

I'm a newish diver (two years, Adv. Nitrox w/ Deco cert) that has gotten a bit tired of the effect of being an air hog and have started looking at the possibility of buying a rebreather. Since the answer to many questions is "it depends", my background and desires are listed toward the bottom. I'm rather nervous about just plunking down a lot of money on a unit.

What's a realistic cost assessment for comsumables and repairs? Naturally, you'll have to replace the lime, batteries and O2 sensors. That's sort of like buying a car and talking about gas, filters and brakes. How often does the transmission or clutch go out in these things and what sort of costs are involved? How do you know when to replace the sensors?

When comparing money saved on gas (trimix) to the cost of other consumables, is there still a net savings?

I know it'll probably vary by Rebreather but what sort of weight is needed to make a RB neutral in the water, assuming it isn't already?

At what point is someone "ready" for a Rebreather? I expect that the basic requirements are that you have Nitrox/Adv. Nitrox level knowledge and monitor your equipment during dives. Anything else?

How long does it usually take to qualify for the trimix level of training?

Electronic or manual? Besides the cost difference, should someone new start with the manual controls? Are there any upsides for the new Rebreather diver to starting with electronics?

I am forgetful, I'm guessing that a "pre-dive checklist" of some sort would be a good idea.

Can these units handle several months to a year of storage well?

What are some of the conditions that, if present, someone should just forget about using a Rebreather?

Thanks for any info you're willing to give.

Background

I've been diving for two years in a variety of environments. I learned in the cooler waters of the Med and while in the tropics have dives all over the range to 130 ft with a few overhead (wreck penetration, instructor escorted) dives. The plan is to get wreck certified this summer and expand my depth options. I don't have an interest to dive deeper just to dive deep, especially with the way I breathe gas, I prefer to see/do something. I expect to be heading back to Europe next year and hope to do more wreck penetrations.

I tend to be anal about checking the SPG & computer on OC, checking every couple of minutes just to be sure things are as they ought to be.

1st May 2006, 00:26	#1 (permalink)
Halthron New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Philippines Posts: 6	Newbie Rebreather Questions I'm a newish diver (two years, Adv. Nitrox w/ Deco cert) that has gotten a bit tired of the effect of being an air hog and have started looking at the possibility of buying a rebreather. Since the answer to many questions is "it depends", my background and desires are listed toward the bottom. I'm rather nervous about just plunking down a lot of money on a unit. What's a realistic cost assessment for comsumables and repairs? Naturally, you'll have to replace the lime, batteries and O2 sensors. That's sort of like buying a car and talking about gas, filters and brakes. How often does the transmission or clutch go out in these things and what sort of costs are involved? How do you know when to replace the sensors? When comparing money saved on gas (trimix) to the cost of other consumables, is there still a net savings? I know it'll probably vary by Rebreather but what sort of weight is needed to make a RB neutral in the water, assuming it isn't already? At what point is someone "ready" for a Rebreather? I expect that the basic requirements are that you have Nitrox/Adv. Nitrox level knowledge and monitor your equipment during dives. Anything else? How long does it usually take to qualify for the trimix level of training? Electronic or manual? Besides the cost difference, should someone new start with the manual controls? Are there any upsides for the new Rebreather diver to starting with electronics? I am forgetful, I'm guessing that a "pre-dive checklist" of some sort would be a good idea. Can these units handle several months to a year of storage well? What are some of the conditions that, if present, someone should just forget about using a Rebreather? Thanks for any info you're willing to give. Background I've been diving for two years in a variety of environments. I learned in the cooler waters of the Med and while in the tropics have dives all over the range to 130 ft with a few overhead (wreck penetration, instructor escorted) dives. The plan is to get wreck certified this summer and expand my depth options. I don't have an interest to dive deeper just to dive deep, especially with the way I breathe gas, I prefer to see/do something. I expect to be heading back to Europe next year and hope to do more wreck penetrations. I tend to be anal about checking the SPG & computer on OC, checking every couple of minutes just to be sure things are as they ought to be.
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