Rebreather Migration

Ken

I believe Rebreather divers are technically oriented and comfortable with innovation and evolution. As a result, trading up or down is determined by a variety of factors that may include a perceived/real need to get something that fits or exceeds the needs of the mission as well as fulfilling some vanity needs. There I said it.

In the earlier days of the Rebreather diving (and that was not too long ago) I certainly remember folks thinking it was the bee's knees to have the latest tricked out piece of kit and show up with the newest version of the Cis-Lunar, or reminted MK's. For a minority it was a self esteem tool.

If anything, the variety of Rebreather's out there allow for a healthy level of competition and a necessary evolution of the species.

Mark Chase

A couple of years ago to be a serious and cool rebreather diver you had to have a Mk15.5. This was the holy grail of CCR. Now they are not even in the running in the urber cool stakes which I find surprising and even more surprising its the Boris that has hit the No1 spot very quickly indeed.

I really wanted a 15.5 but then I looked into it a bit more deeply and realized the cost of refurbishing one was outrageous and you relay had to know what you were doing to do it properly.

ATB

Mark Chase

__________________
Is it supposed to make that noise ?

I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit.

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"Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System

Ken

Yes! Uber Cool - best description.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLkv1...pimp%20un-pimp

trob09

Heck I still want one. But I ruled it out for one of the same reasons you list - cost to acquire and refurbish.

But then, I still want that Electrolung that got me interested in rebreathers so very long ago...

T

wizbang

See, this is why you don't have a single unit yet.

The Dolphinator is for sale.!
Lets beat that B.A. Degree.!

wizbang

With regard to people "upgrading" from X to Meg, I am sure it is a combination of things and different reasons for different people.

For those new Rebreather divers that have never dived or even seen one before ordering I truely wonder why, it can only be from hear say reviews.

The Uber Cool factor will always be with us for those that can afford it.

I also see the leverage factor for some. They get the best rebreather they can afford and when the time is right and more money available they sell and "upgrade".

I would like to know how many people "upgrade" to a vision Rebreather from what ever rebreather. I am sure the numbers will still be with AP.

Micko

well said Whiz.. i have already done my meg coarse so i was fortunate to have use before order.

wizbang

Thanks Micko, and having the only Australian Meg Instructor as a neighbour dosn't hurt.

Steve, you can remove the subliminal tapes from under Micko's bed now.
Oh and send a demo unit to Melbourne for "trials", care of me of course.

Jason Blackwell

I think it comes down to the fact that as a user, you have spent $?,000.00 (of what ever currency you like here) most people will not bag their own unit as they are “financially tied”* to their purchase. So they wait until something else comes along purchases it. (And it always is an upgrade in their eyes)

You know I don’t think there is a “BAD” rebreather amongst the current batch we are talking about here, but as others have already said, some units suit particular needs more than others.

To be in the “in” crowd is where a lot of divers want to be. Wait until someone perfects a market ready BOB. Everyone will rush out and get one (gee I wonder if it will need a unit specific cert?). But then again there are LOTS of rebreathers coming and I am sure we will see similar “vocal”** transitions in the future.

*either because they don’t have the $$$ to change to another unit OR they don’t want to damage their egos

** the “my penis is bigger than yours syndrome”

Cheers Jason…who is still waiting for his ultimate CCR :- Rear counter-lunged, CIS scrubbered, conventional gas path, external tanked, integrated deco. With FFM and a heads down display……but who knows, that may change too.

silent running

Hi mverick, thanks for the info. What I'm pointing out is the relative complexity and bulk/weight of handsets vs non button operated displays and switches. Not just the number of cables...

The Prism 2ndry is passive and has no high current in it when the unit is turned off. It's the only production unit currently available that is able to isolate the high and low current sides of the system, underwater. So the magnetic rotary sensor dial is purely mechanical and not part of the electronics. Also, the Prism cables will not leak back into the head if cut. Not sure about the Shearwater cables. And all of the electronics are in the head, not in the handsets, and thus less vulnerable to shock and abuse. The Prism on/of switch is very small-the size of a thumb-and fits on the inflator hose.

I was also refering to the YBOD, Boris, HammerHead and non deco Megs. I'm guessing the Shearwater is the only one with this simplicity of cables. Sure, you could tuck away the Shearwater controller, but it's meant to be put on the arm and it needs power to run it, unlike the Prism 2ndry, and I'm guessing it's bigger and heavier than the Prism 2ndry.
All the other units above have their merits and of course, some of us may have different ideas about the Kiss concept to begin with, so comparisons are difficult but still informative. -Andy