Quote: (Originally Posted by n2diving)
Besides a good bit of diving on the Optima at the depths discussed...
there is some published test data on the unit at 10 ATA.... see..
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/libra...2testing.shtml CO2 breakthrough after 30some minutes isn't exactly a shining example of
good performance. "Good bits of diving" are more impressive than that.
Add-ited:
That's just my personal opinion, of course, and I don't want to knock the Optima.
It seems like a well build and generally well functioning rebreather. I believe that the cartridge will be controversial for some time to come, with many people enjoying the easy of use, appreciating the much reduced chance of caustic cocktails and willing to live with the higher cost and plastic trash. Other will distrust it and refuse to pay the premium.
Personally I believe that the cartridge is a step in the right direction and an improvement over axial granular scrubbers. Performance seems to be alike and a reasonable case can be made for the handling advantages. Once it becomes readily available in more locations, and Micropore will be able to get the price to a competitive level I would hope the technology becomes more widely available.
On the other hand radial scrubbers, may it be the ones currently available in form of the Azimuth, PRISM, Ouroboros, older designs like the UT240's or upcoming ones like the Meg's are way ahead in performance. The same I believe to be true for the annular axial design of the MK15.5/16, which for all practical purposes has like characteristics (wide but shallow scrubber bed).
For extreme diving I would prefer any of these over either cartridge or axial scrubbers, but that is just my personal preference.
Back to Jeff's original post, the best I can tell you is do your research and do it well. If you get a chance do intros on units you consider with an instructor to get a first hand look and feel for it. Be around when the rebreather is prepped for diving and ask questions. The PRISM and Optima are quite different, not just the scrubber but also the electronics. Understand what either will and will not do, and see what fits you, not someone else.
I prefer the simple PRISM electronics over the more feature rich alternatives as I believe there is safety in simplicity, at least for me. Much as I admire the Ouroboros for example, the VR3 already had me scratching my head so it's probably not the rebreather for me.
If any rebreather is worth the wait largely depends on how frustrating that wait is for the person in line. On merits I do believe the PRISM is worth it, but that doesn't mean you can or want to put with it.