The dreaded 'recreational rebreather' question!

digital_steve

Hey all,
I'm hoping to get some views about rebreather diving within recreational limits.
I know for myself, i'm interested in rebreathers and their benefits, but at this stage i'm not a 'tech'/deco diver and after having a think about that route, i'm not sure i even want to be.
Most of the diving in my area is within the 40m range and i don't want to be under water for several hours... just longer than the average single tank fill.

Taking all this into account, i'm wondering if there would be any benefit for me persuing a CCR route as opposed to a SCR route as i only intend to be within recreational depth and time limits?
I have to say that i love the idea of a meg copis and the whole manual CCR thing, but the cost seems prohibitive for someone such as myself, especially when you look at things like this (Drager Dolphin Rebreather Complete Kit - eBay, Other Scuba, Scuba, Snorkeling, Sport. (end time 18-Feb-08 20:19:40 AEDST)) and take the cost into account.

I'd love some input/advice/views

Cheers

RebreatherNut

Hi there,
Well, I guess all depends on what you want to do.
But if you do want to go down the rebreather route, I would recommend to skip the SCR stage and look for a used Sport KISS rebreather. With just a bit more money invested in your rebreather, you go from "some bubbles" to practically no bubbles at all. Nice small rig which is intended for recreational Rebreather Diving.

my 2 cents,

RBN

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kevin stone

Another vote for the Sk
but
i may be partial
K

Gobfish1

twinset and a side can of nitrox or oxygen ,, for deco ...

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chunter

I think the Sport Kiss is ideal for that. It is a very simple unit, has proven to me to be totally reliable, and it will make you a better diver even if you change over to an ECCR unit later on.

In general, most of the deco (or no-deco) benefit of CCR is in the 40 meter and less range.

If you are a person who can take care of gear, who can be systematic and thoughtful, and realizes the additional risks of a CCR, then it may be a great tool for you.

Personally, I'd steer clear of the SCR. The major reason is that you still need to blend your mixture for your exact dive profile, and if that changes because of conditions, you are stuck with a given mix. CCR is much more adaptable and brings greater benefit on multi-level dives.

Good luck.

Aloha,
Charlie

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Drmike

there is imo 3 basic reasons why people want/use rebreathers:-


1) I want a rebreather cos I like to play with gadgets and have lots of toys
2) I want a rebreather cos I actually need one to do the kind of diving Im doing (safety, logistics, cost)
3) I want a rebreather cos I enjoy diving with them



I suspect based on the type of diving your aspiring to then (2) is out, and seeing as you havent dived one yet then (3) is out


so guess your a 'gear head' like the majority of users


Nothing wrong with that - we dont have to make up excuses

I have 5 Rebreathers at home...but given your diving Id be looking at twin tanks and deco stage. Bags simpler, heaps and heaps safer and cheaper.


Spend the dosh on a less dangerous bit of 'gear' to satisfy that gear itch.

Like a nice shinny new Lotus exige for eg
- my new toy

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digital_steve

Careful mike... you might get a warning for calling a forum user a 'gear head'
It's definately number one, definately not number 2 and i can see that it would be number 3 if i'd had the chance.
The trick is, for me, not owning lots of toys but owning the ones i want and i'm going to get the most use out of.
I'd hate to buy a full twins rig and then a couple of months later buy a a big shiney rebreather 'gadget'

i take it you're saying that without doing the dives that would require a Rebreather, it's not worth the risk?

cheers for the info as well mike and the others, keep it coming... love the read

Drmike

that's a personal assessment i guess.

personally id say its definitely not

Rebreather diving is far riskier. Rebreather diving is far more complicated and more hassle (compared to oc recreational diving)

its so refreshing to just throw a set of twins on your back if that's applicable to the dive.

Ive been diving mostly OC over the last few months because the dives Ive been doing over last few months are safer and easier on OC. When that changes Ill be diving one of my RBs.

I try to use the right tool for the job.

Bare in mind if diving of a lob or with an oc buddy you may not be able to reap the extended dive time benefits. in that case you will be doing same dives as oc buddy only with greatly increased risk and hassle.

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Drmike

if you do you will need regs and tanks for bailout anyway. So you could pull apart the twin tanks and reconfigure the regs - it wont go to waste

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jtoorish

Getting back to the original question --I agree with those who have suggested the Sport KISS. It is designed specifically for the type of diving you have described.

Jeff

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