Meg or Optima and why?

***schford*** · 15th December 2006, 11:11

Quote: (Originally Posted by JAM)

Hey folks,

thanks for all of the great responses. I'll tell you which direction I am leaning when I get back from vacation!

Thank you,

James

Just remember there is no right answer or is that no wrong answer!

Go get yourself try dives on both of them!

**Gill Envy** · 15th December 2006, 16:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by sailordiver@msn.com)

The Optima will be able to accomodate granular scrubber soon... so one of their reps told me at the LB Scuba show in May.

I was told over a year ago that they would be out last spring....i'll believe it when i see it and the optima will step up a notch in my mind...Add a temp stick and i'd start hemming and hawing.

Later i was more or less told that it was an issue of propriatary agreement with micropore to help get them off the ground.

**Gill Envy** · 15th December 2006, 16:44

scuba dad, you have been such a proponent of the EAC, i'm just curious, and i don't mean this in a spiteful way but have you ever packed a granular scrubber...i'm wondering if you have inflated this task in your mind because it just is not that big a deal to me but i remember how daunting it sounded before i actually learned how to do it.

Ultimately i will be very curious to see if the optima market explodes when that scrubber adapter comes out. I'm of the mind that not having that adapter is the biggest thing holding back the growth of the optima, a unit that should otherwise, IMHO be selling like hot cakes. If the EAC is so great, and i can't say i have used one, then creating a crossover unit that introduces a granular sorb centric market to option of the EAC and granules seems like a better approach than offering a unit that exclusively uses the EAC. If the EAC is so great than why not offer both options and let it catch on naturally rather than forcing it's use?

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

We Optima divers can pee farther than Meg divers. So, for this reason alone you should get an Optima.

Kidding aside, I have my reasons for going with the Optima compared to the Meg.

Low work of breathing throughout the dive, not just at the beginning with fresh scrubber. When you are at the end of a longer dive, that's not when you want to have to work harder IMHO.
Ever go out in rough seas on a boat? I would worry about packed granuals getting tamped down as my boat pounded through the waves no matter how hard I had packed it beforehand. With the EAC, no worries.
No hassle to switch EACs while on a live aboard boat in rolling seas.
Optima's premix rod injects O2 so that it mixes thoroughly before reaching sensors.
Streamline case and hoses. For me, a big plus in wreck diving.
Major manufacturer in the scuba industry. More and more dealers around that will have parts and EACs.
Fast turn time if you ever need service.
EACs virtually eliminate the chances of a caustic cocktail. People will try to minimize this issue. However, run a search on Rebreather World, and you will see that the CC is indeed a real issue for units using granular.

The Meg is a solid piece of equipment. I just elected to go with the Optima. My final two candidates were the Optima and the Meg. The above reasons are why I made my choice.

The EAC is more expensive if you are going for short dives and then have long intervals until your next dive outing. It is pretty cost effective if you are going on longer dives or dive frequently. Besides, I am saving so much on Helium since going CCR that I am not worrying that much about the small difference for the cost in the scrubber.

The EAC is becoming more widely available in more remote areas. However, if that is where you spend all of your time diving, you should either wait to get the unit with the EAC or elect to get one using granular. I am just going to ship mine well ahead of making my trips when it comes to that. However, this could be more or less of a priority to you, and you should take this into consideration.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 15th December 2006, 17:11

Quote: (Originally Posted by Gill Envy)

have you ever packed a granular scrubber . . . ?

I think you ask a fair question, and I take no offense. I think one should always question everything (see my signature tag line). Here's how it went down:

After doing all of my research, I narrowed my choices down to the Meg and the Optima. I went to the Advanced Diver Magazine demo for some more information. At the time, a buddy of mine and I were both at the same point, trying to decide which to get between the two.

At the demo, we went to the water for the in water demo. The units were prep'd with us observing. There was a light breeze blowing in a constant direction, and the person packing the scrubber told everyone to move out of the way that was down wind. He opened up the granular scrubber material and started pouring it into the canister.

The dust began to blow away. Despite my buddy and I being well off to the side (and not down wind), we caught a strong blast of the dust from about 10 to 15 feet away, burning the inside of my noise. That was strike one and two for me.

Next, we observed the demonstrator taking the scrubber canister and whacking against the table on which the unit was standing, explaining about how packing scrubber is more an art than a science. That was strike three for me.

Then came the water tests. The Optima breathed so well that the decision was made, and I promptly parted with a large sum of money shortly thereafter.

The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do.

There is always some kind of channeling going on with granular. It might not be enough for there to be any bypass, but the end result is that some parts of the sorb will barely (or not at all) react while the main channel will be where the reaction is happening. With the EAC, the manufacture process creates even routes for the gas to pass consistently, which is why less material will work better than the same amount of granular. (If they both work without bypass, I don't really care about the efficiency. My concern is that one day when there is a little settling, some crushing and then some channeling at the same time.)

Since there is no swelling of loose scrubber material due to water absorption, the WOB remains consistent with the EAC over the course of the dive.

All of this being the case, I made my decision.

Now, if I were to travel someplace with my Optima and it had the option of using granular, I would rather dive than not dive because of no EAC available. However, given a choice, I would always go the EAC route. Also, I am willing to deal with planning ahead and shipping so that I don't have to put myself in this position.

Presenting options is a good thing. So, I am all for making the adapters for granular for the Optima. It's not so much that I am against anything; it is more than I am for the EAC.

decoweenie · 15th December 2006, 17:24

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do.

Here is the difference:

You only seen someone packed the scrubber with (loose) sorb ONCE and became an expert on the Internet on how bad it is (i.e. as it shows up on almost every single one of your posts).
In almost 10 years of diving with (loose) sorb in multiple units all around the world, I have yet to have a "bad" pack even when I had to endure hours of boat rides or 3-hour one-way driving trip each week-end for a few years.

Can you give it a rest ?

ADDited:

OK, upon re-reading my post, it might sound a little strong. So let me add...

Howard, if you had written your view a little bit differently, I could give you the benefit of the doubt since it is true that anyone could pack the scrubber wrong in the same light as pre-breath the unit wrong, or analyze the diluent gas wrong, etc. Human errror!

But that is why we take the course and learn to do the right method... For instances, don't stand downwind when peeing or someone is pouring loose sorb. And how to pack a scrubber correctly. By the same token, you could make mistake leaving an o-ring out when packing yours as well. Again human error.

But it doesn't mean that a bouncy boat/car ride will mean an absolute bad pack for sure as you will definitely see more Rebreather fatalites or incidents.

silent running · 15th December 2006, 17:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do.

There is always some kind of channeling going on with granulars.

Now, if I were to travel someplace with my Optima and it had the option of using granular, I would rather dive than not dive because of no EAC available. However, given a choice, I would always go the EAC route. Also, I am willing to deal with planning ahead and shipping so that I don't have to put myself in this position.

SDM, the spring load of most granular scrubbers does not result in any significant crushing that I've seen. And after even a few minutes of use, the moisture released from the granuals will damp down any dust. By the end of the dive, the springs and the expansion of the granuals from the moisture will pack the scrubber more even more tightly. So as long as you have a spring loaded lid/bottom, unless you pack a scrubber really poorly, I don't see settling having much of an impact on performance. If anything, a rough boat ride coupled with moisture expansion of the granuals may improve performance by making the voids smaller.

And remember, channeling does not happen nearly so much in a granular radial as there is much less smooth surface area against which to channel. Chaneling is not necessarily a granular issue.

The EAC may be a better way to go for axials, considering the channeling and insulating qualities of granualar axials, but it remains to be seen in any decent side by side testing.

As for the travel issue, have you looked into how much it would cost to send 16 EACs to the south pacific? That's how much you'd need for a 2 week trip assuming 4hrs a day and 2 extra. They don't just charge you for weight, but also volume, called dimensional weight. If you were to send it by post or boat, you can almost guarantee that it will be mishandled/crushed/sunbaked/waterlogged. And it will take forever, and then you wil pay duty of the customs officer's choosing. And what do you think he will do with something he's never seen before? They're not known for underestimating something's value or importance. I'd still rather bring my sorb with me in my luggage, if only to save myself from the anxiety of hoping the EACs arrived in good shape and the anxiety of doing paperwork on the other end with someone who can ruin my trip if I so much as look at them the wrong way...

quickean · 15th December 2006, 19:44

ISC has advertised being able to use the Extendair cartridge on their website for as long as I started researching them.
InnerSpace Systems Corp
If you have any doubts or questions, give them a call! They can give you better answers than anyone here.
The best answer is to do a pool demo on the two units with an instructor. You can get a lot of info that way - there's a substantial difference how the two units fit and feel underwater. The WOB on the optima is extremely good, but I happen to like the feel of the Meg a lot more - feels very solid and compact (you'll know what I mean if you try one on).

mverick · 15th December 2006, 21:42

Reason I went meg is expandability. Scrubber can be smaller or larger. Just a new can and scrubber. Different tanks, not a problem.

I liked how sleek the Optima was, but I hated the scrubber and having to use the 27's. I don't want all my eggs in the same basket. For bailout I carry a tank anyway. SO, I like having the ability to use other tanks on the Meg.

The hammerhead battery thing reminded me of my HS explorer problems. I'd rather have a larger battery pack inside the head. I've went back and forth about the Hammerhead. Love the features. But, I have the old shearwater. It works well for me. If it craps out, I'll probably go to the new version of the shearwater as it keeps one battery pack in the head.

Easy to reverse the flow of the Meg also, don't know about the Optima. Good for the radial scrubber.

I would like back mounted counterlungs for them. both though.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 16th December 2006, 05:14

Hey, I was only pointing out why the Optima and EAC was the right choice for me. I have made the personal decision to avoid granular sorb for reasons that seem strong enough to me to justify using the EAC instead. That doesn't mean that I will spend our dive time ragging on you if you decide to go another way. (Well, I will have to have a poke at you every now and again.

)

If I ever travel to remote regions, sending the EAC will be a concern. I only hope to be so lucky as to have the time and chance to make such travels some day. Probably by then, the EAC will be everywhere because it could be a while before I am making trips like that. I have had zero problems getting them to the Bahamas, and SeaFox just brought a bunch into Mexico (where they stock them anyway). They carry them in the Caymans. My wish list includes the Red Sea, and I don't know if they are there yet. They have them in Austrailia. If I ever to to remote areas of the Pacific, that could be an issue.

BTW, the Optima FX just came out at DEMA. It has a cool case that changes size so that the user can change bottles to the smaller size if desired. I like the 27s especially for diluent because it gives me some time to bail out on the Air II or using the BOV while deploying the regulator from my sidemount setup. However, anyone that wishes to use the smaller tanks can go that route if desired.

Edit: This says it better than I ever could: Optima and Extendair Interview

henckell · 16th December 2006, 10:33

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

Probably by then, the EAC will be everywhere because it could be a while before I am making trips like that. I have had zero problems getting them to the Bahamas, and SeaFox just brought a bunch into Mexico (where they stock them anyway). They carry them in the Caymans. My wish list includes the Red Sea, and I don't know if they are there yet. They have them in Austrailia. If I ever to to remote areas of the Pacific, that could be an issue.

I know there are a few Optima divers in Sweden. How do you get hold of EAC? How about the rest of Europe? We (R E K O D E K O) were promised to become their retailer in Sweden, but the cartridges never showed up and our emails were never answered...

Regards,
Henrik

15th December 2006, 11:11	#21 (permalink)
*schford* Despotic Overlord Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 3,671	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by JAM) Hey folks, thanks for all of the great responses. I'll tell you which direction I am leaning when I get back from vacation! Thank you, James Just remember there is no right answer or is that no wrong answer! Go get yourself try dives on both of them! __________________ Bailout and Kit Management account for Murphy's Law The only bad question is one you did not ask and later wish you had. Use of Rebreather World is subject to the Rebreather World Terms & Conditions of Use
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15th December 2006, 16:32	#22 (permalink)
Gill Envy Shearwater Copis Diver Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Other CCR Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: seattle Posts: 1,302	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by sailordiver@msn.com) The Optima will be able to accomodate granular scrubber soon... so one of their reps told me at the LB Scuba show in May. I was told over a year ago that they would be out last spring....i'll believe it when i see it and the optima will step up a notch in my mind...Add a temp stick and i'd start hemming and hawing. Later i was more or less told that it was an issue of propriatary agreement with micropore to help get them off the ground. __________________ Gill Envy ...Because I wasn't born with gills! ><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°> Last edited by Gill Envy : 15th December 2006 at 16:35.
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15th December 2006, 16:44	#23 (permalink)
Gill Envy Shearwater Copis Diver Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Other CCR Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: seattle Posts: 1,302	Re: Meg or Optima and why? scuba dad, you have been such a proponent of the EAC, i'm just curious, and i don't mean this in a spiteful way but have you ever packed a granular scrubber...i'm wondering if you have inflated this task in your mind because it just is not that big a deal to me but i remember how daunting it sounded before i actually learned how to do it. Ultimately i will be very curious to see if the optima market explodes when that scrubber adapter comes out. I'm of the mind that not having that adapter is the biggest thing holding back the growth of the optima, a unit that should otherwise, IMHO be selling like hot cakes. If the EAC is so great, and i can't say i have used one, then creating a crossover unit that introduces a granular sorb centric market to option of the EAC and granules seems like a better approach than offering a unit that exclusively uses the EAC. If the EAC is so great than why not offer both options and let it catch on naturally rather than forcing it's use? Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) We Optima divers can pee farther than Meg divers. So, for this reason alone you should get an Optima. Kidding aside, I have my reasons for going with the Optima compared to the Meg. Low work of breathing throughout the dive, not just at the beginning with fresh scrubber. When you are at the end of a longer dive, that's not when you want to have to work harder IMHO. Ever go out in rough seas on a boat? I would worry about packed granuals getting tamped down as my boat pounded through the waves no matter how hard I had packed it beforehand. With the EAC, no worries. No hassle to switch EACs while on a live aboard boat in rolling seas. Optima's premix rod injects O2 so that it mixes thoroughly before reaching sensors. Streamline case and hoses. For me, a big plus in wreck diving. Major manufacturer in the scuba industry. More and more dealers around that will have parts and EACs. Fast turn time if you ever need service. EACs virtually eliminate the chances of a caustic cocktail. People will try to minimize this issue. However, run a search on Rebreather World, and you will see that the CC is indeed a real issue for units using granular. The Meg is a solid piece of equipment. I just elected to go with the Optima. My final two candidates were the Optima and the Meg. The above reasons are why I made my choice. The EAC is more expensive if you are going for short dives and then have long intervals until your next dive outing. It is pretty cost effective if you are going on longer dives or dive frequently. Besides, I am saving so much on Helium since going CCR that I am not worrying that much about the small difference for the cost in the scrubber. The EAC is becoming more widely available in more remote areas. However, if that is where you spend all of your time diving, you should either wait to get the unit with the EAC or elect to get one using granular. I am just going to ship mine well ahead of making my trips when it comes to that. However, this could be more or less of a priority to you, and you should take this into consideration. __________________ Gill Envy ...Because I wasn't born with gills! ><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>
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15th December 2006, 17:11	#24 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,044	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by Gill Envy) have you ever packed a granular scrubber . . . ? I think you ask a fair question, and I take no offense. I think one should always question everything (see my signature tag line). Here's how it went down: After doing all of my research, I narrowed my choices down to the Meg and the Optima. I went to the Advanced Diver Magazine demo for some more information. At the time, a buddy of mine and I were both at the same point, trying to decide which to get between the two. At the demo, we went to the water for the in water demo. The units were prep'd with us observing. There was a light breeze blowing in a constant direction, and the person packing the scrubber told everyone to move out of the way that was down wind. He opened up the granular scrubber material and started pouring it into the canister. The dust began to blow away. Despite my buddy and I being well off to the side (and not down wind), we caught a strong blast of the dust from about 10 to 15 feet away, burning the inside of my noise. That was strike one and two for me. Next, we observed the demonstrator taking the scrubber canister and whacking against the table on which the unit was standing, explaining about how packing scrubber is more an art than a science. That was strike three for me. Then came the water tests. The Optima breathed so well that the decision was made, and I promptly parted with a large sum of money shortly thereafter. The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do. There is always some kind of channeling going on with granular. It might not be enough for there to be any bypass, but the end result is that some parts of the sorb will barely (or not at all) react while the main channel will be where the reaction is happening. With the EAC, the manufacture process creates even routes for the gas to pass consistently, which is why less material will work better than the same amount of granular. (If they both work without bypass, I don't really care about the efficiency. My concern is that one day when there is a little settling, some crushing and then some channeling at the same time.) Since there is no swelling of loose scrubber material due to water absorption, the WOB remains consistent with the EAC over the course of the dive. All of this being the case, I made my decision. Now, if I were to travel someplace with my Optima and it had the option of using granular, I would rather dive than not dive because of no EAC available. However, given a choice, I would always go the EAC route. Also, I am willing to deal with planning ahead and shipping so that I don't have to put myself in this position. Presenting options is a good thing. So, I am all for making the adapters for granular for the Optima. It's not so much that I am against anything; it is more than I am for the EAC. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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15th December 2006, 17:24	#25 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,510	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do. Here is the difference: You only seen someone packed the scrubber with (loose) sorb ONCE and became an expert on the Internet on how bad it is (i.e. as it shows up on almost every single one of your posts). In almost 10 years of diving with (loose) sorb in multiple units all around the world, I have yet to have a "bad" pack even when I had to endure hours of boat rides or 3-hour one-way driving trip each week-end for a few years. Can you give it a rest ? ADDited: OK, upon re-reading my post, it might sound a little strong. So let me add... Howard, if you had written your view a little bit differently, I could give you the benefit of the doubt since it is true that anyone could pack the scrubber wrong in the same light as pre-breath the unit wrong, or analyze the diluent gas wrong, etc. Human errror! But that is why we take the course and learn to do the right method... For instances, don't stand downwind when peeing or someone is pouring loose sorb. And how to pack a scrubber correctly. By the same token, you could make mistake leaving an o-ring out when packing yours as well. Again human error. But it doesn't mean that a bouncy boat/car ride will mean an absolute bad pack for sure as you will definitely see more Rebreather fatalites or incidents. __________________ "...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..." - Rebreather World PM Last edited by decoweenie : 15th December 2006 at 18:39.
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15th December 2006, 17:58	#26 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,810	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) The end result: Even with the springs inside, rough handling/boat rides will result in crushing and settling of the scrubber granuals. You will never get a consistent pack even if you tell yourself that you do. There is always some kind of channeling going on with granulars. Now, if I were to travel someplace with my Optima and it had the option of using granular, I would rather dive than not dive because of no EAC available. However, given a choice, I would always go the EAC route. Also, I am willing to deal with planning ahead and shipping so that I don't have to put myself in this position. SDM, the spring load of most granular scrubbers does not result in any significant crushing that I've seen. And after even a few minutes of use, the moisture released from the granuals will damp down any dust. By the end of the dive, the springs and the expansion of the granuals from the moisture will pack the scrubber more even more tightly. So as long as you have a spring loaded lid/bottom, unless you pack a scrubber really poorly, I don't see settling having much of an impact on performance. If anything, a rough boat ride coupled with moisture expansion of the granuals may improve performance by making the voids smaller. And remember, channeling does not happen nearly so much in a granular radial as there is much less smooth surface area against which to channel. Chaneling is not necessarily a granular issue. The EAC may be a better way to go for axials, considering the channeling and insulating qualities of granualar axials, but it remains to be seen in any decent side by side testing. As for the travel issue, have you looked into how much it would cost to send 16 EACs to the south pacific? That's how much you'd need for a 2 week trip assuming 4hrs a day and 2 extra. They don't just charge you for weight, but also volume, called dimensional weight. If you were to send it by post or boat, you can almost guarantee that it will be mishandled/crushed/sunbaked/waterlogged. And it will take forever, and then you wil pay duty of the customs officer's choosing. And what do you think he will do with something he's never seen before? They're not known for underestimating something's value or importance. I'd still rather bring my sorb with me in my luggage, if only to save myself from the anxiety of hoping the EACs arrived in good shape and the anxiety of doing paperwork on the other end with someone who can ruin my trip if I so much as look at them the wrong way...
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15th December 2006, 19:44	#27 (permalink)
quickean Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 126	Re: Meg or Optima and why? ISC has advertised being able to use the Extendair cartridge on their website for as long as I started researching them. InnerSpace Systems Corp If you have any doubts or questions, give them a call! They can give you better answers than anyone here. The best answer is to do a pool demo on the two units with an instructor. You can get a lot of info that way - there's a substantial difference how the two units fit and feel underwater. The WOB on the optima is extremely good, but I happen to like the feel of the Meg a lot more - feels very solid and compact (you'll know what I mean if you try one on).
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15th December 2006, 21:42	#28 (permalink)
mverick ScubaPimp Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 509	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Reason I went meg is expandability. Scrubber can be smaller or larger. Just a new can and scrubber. Different tanks, not a problem. I liked how sleek the Optima was, but I hated the scrubber and having to use the 27's. I don't want all my eggs in the same basket. For bailout I carry a tank anyway. SO, I like having the ability to use other tanks on the Meg. The hammerhead battery thing reminded me of my HS explorer problems. I'd rather have a larger battery pack inside the head. I've went back and forth about the Hammerhead. Love the features. But, I have the old shearwater. It works well for me. If it craps out, I'll probably go to the new version of the shearwater as it keeps one battery pack in the head. Easy to reverse the flow of the Meg also, don't know about the Optima. Good for the radial scrubber. I would like back mounted counterlungs for them. both though.
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16th December 2006, 05:14	#29 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,044	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Hey, I was only pointing out why the Optima and EAC was the right choice for me. I have made the personal decision to avoid granular sorb for reasons that seem strong enough to me to justify using the EAC instead. That doesn't mean that I will spend our dive time ragging on you if you decide to go another way. (Well, I will have to have a poke at you every now and again. ) If I ever travel to remote regions, sending the EAC will be a concern. I only hope to be so lucky as to have the time and chance to make such travels some day. Probably by then, the EAC will be everywhere because it could be a while before I am making trips like that. I have had zero problems getting them to the Bahamas, and SeaFox just brought a bunch into Mexico (where they stock them anyway). They carry them in the Caymans. My wish list includes the Red Sea, and I don't know if they are there yet. They have them in Austrailia. If I ever to to remote areas of the Pacific, that could be an issue. BTW, the Optima FX just came out at DEMA. It has a cool case that changes size so that the user can change bottles to the smaller size if desired. I like the 27s especially for diluent because it gives me some time to bail out on the Air II or using the BOV while deploying the regulator from my sidemount setup. However, anyone that wishes to use the smaller tanks can go that route if desired. Edit: This says it better than I ever could: Optima and Extendair Interview __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com Last edited by ScubaDadMiami : 16th December 2006 at 05:47. Reason: Added link
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16th December 2006, 10:33	#30 (permalink)
henckell New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 90	Re: Meg or Optima and why? Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) Probably by then, the EAC will be everywhere because it could be a while before I am making trips like that. I have had zero problems getting them to the Bahamas, and SeaFox just brought a bunch into Mexico (where they stock them anyway). They carry them in the Caymans. My wish list includes the Red Sea, and I don't know if they are there yet. They have them in Austrailia. If I ever to to remote areas of the Pacific, that could be an issue. I know there are a few Optima divers in Sweden. How do you get hold of EAC? How about the rest of Europe? We (R E K O D E K O) were promised to become their retailer in Sweden, but the cartridges never showed up and our emails were never answered... Regards, Henrik
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