V4TEC or Golem ?

Mark Chase · 8th November 2007, 19:59

I thought the V4tec was excellent because it was well made easy to use/operate and it breathed nice even deep.

I sold it because it wouldn't do neg tests and I got a deal on a Golum.

They now do a plate which slides across to enable neg tests on the V4tec.

The Golum was a tad disappointing at first because it had a free flow problem but they sent me an upgrade spring which seems to have sorted it (only two dives on new spring)

The Golum is also well made lovely to use and breaths well at any depth (Tested down to 80m so far) and it very very nearly holds negative. (Occasional bit of fafing required)

Both the Golum and the V4tec are big and heavy in the mouth there is nothing to choose between them.

Right now I would recommend the Golum not because its considerably better than the V4tec (because I dont think it is) but because of the excellent customer service I have received. That is pure gold to me.

Also I believe that Golum have brought out a small compact version of the original which may be better if size weight is an issue. Personally its not and i am more interested in WOB and how it performs deep and on single handed operation.

The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath and too stiff for single handed operation.

ATB

Mark Chase

colinicky · 8th November 2007, 20:12

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase)

The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath and too stiff for single handed operation.

As standard stock I would agree it is crap but if you machine out the ends of the inspo adapters you can then fit the inspo mushroom valves which gives a heck of lot better WOB . I have only used the bailout in anger twice & having taken it to pieces when I got it & using O2 grease on everything I can turn it with ease one handed & I found the breath Ok @ 50m with a CO2 hit so chuffing alot

(BTW the Co2 hit was user error )

Drmike · 9th November 2007, 03:30

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase)

The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath

which renders it absolutely useless in the case of anything other than a bail during very early noticed onset of CO2 symptoms

WOB is everything when trying to get off the CO2 spiral ride of death

IMO having BOV that breathes poorly is like using made in Thailand condoms May make you feel safer - but doesnt provide any real protection

8th November 2007, 19:59	#11 (permalink)
Mark Chase RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,867	Re: V4TEC or Golem ? I thought the V4tec was excellent because it was well made easy to use/operate and it breathed nice even deep. I sold it because it wouldn't do neg tests and I got a deal on a Golum. They now do a plate which slides across to enable neg tests on the V4tec. The Golum was a tad disappointing at first because it had a free flow problem but they sent me an upgrade spring which seems to have sorted it (only two dives on new spring) The Golum is also well made lovely to use and breaths well at any depth (Tested down to 80m so far) and it very very nearly holds negative. (Occasional bit of fafing required) Both the Golum and the V4tec are big and heavy in the mouth there is nothing to choose between them. Right now I would recommend the Golum not because its considerably better than the V4tec (because I dont think it is) but because of the excellent customer service I have received. That is pure gold to me. Also I believe that Golum have brought out a small compact version of the original which may be better if size weight is an issue. Personally its not and i am more interested in WOB and how it performs deep and on single handed operation. The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath and too stiff for single handed operation. ATB Mark Chase __________________ See my "Doing It Chasey" video where I'm locked into a padded room, naked, with two ball bearings and within an Hour, I manage to lose one and break the other!!! Kevin Juergensen 16/11/08 [/quote]
(Online)

8th November 2007, 20:12	#12 (permalink)
colinicky RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: uk Posts: 682	Re: V4TEC or Golem ? Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase) The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath and too stiff for single handed operation. As standard stock I would agree it is crap but if you machine out the ends of the inspo adapters you can then fit the inspo mushroom valves which gives a heck of lot better WOB . I have only used the bailout in anger twice & having taken it to pieces when I got it & using O2 grease on everything I can turn it with ease one handed & I found the breath Ok @ 50m with a CO2 hit so chuffing alot (BTW the Co2 hit was user error ) __________________ Colin I trust my rebreather completely , I just don't trust the user onwards & downwards
(Offline)

9th November 2007, 03:30	#13 (permalink)
Drmike RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,378	Re: V4TEC or Golem ? Quote: (Originally Posted by Mark Chase) The Paragon is small and lite but I thought it was a crap breath which renders it absolutely useless in the case of anything other than a bail during very early noticed onset of CO2 symptoms WOB is everything when trying to get off the CO2 spiral ride of death IMO having BOV that breathes poorly is like using made in Thailand condoms May make you feel safer - but doesnt provide any real protection __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode