Inspo - which leckies to go for?

HelenM · 14th March 2005, 10:20

Hi all,

I'm currently at the point of deciding whether or not to order a new Inspiration. Question for the wise owls of RBW first though... if it was you buying the unit would you go for the new Vision Electronics, or the original ones? Care to share your reasons for that decision?

I am leaning towards the 'Classic' electronics at the moment - clearly there is a significant lead time on the new leckies, and I'm not completely happy in my own mind that absolutely all flaws in them will have been ironed out. I am just a nasty, suspicious, cynical person when it comes to new software. That said, when I had a look at them at LIDS they did look VERY sexy...

Any thoughts? Pros and cons to either set? Especially from any instructors who have had the opportunity to play with the new kit - please PM me if you aren't happy to post publicly!

Thanks for your time & thoughts.
Kind regards,
Helen

***Beanie*** · 14th March 2005, 10:29

er pretty much down to wait time 7 months for new or now for classic

oh and £600-700 more

new electronics are swish though

***Decodiver*** · 14th March 2005, 10:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by HelenM)

Hi all,

I'm currently at the point of deciding whether or not to order a new Inspiration. Question for the wise owls of RBW first though... if it was you buying the unit would you go for the new Vision Electronics, or the original ones? Care to share your reasons for that decision?

I am leaning towards the 'Classic' electronics at the moment - clearly there is a significant lead time on the new leckies, and I'm not completely happy in my own mind that absolutely all flaws in them will have been ironed out. I am just a nasty, suspicious, cynical person when it comes to new software. That said, when I had a look at them at LIDS they did look VERY sexy...

Any thoughts? Pros and cons to either set? Especially from any instructors who have had the opportunity to play with the new kit - please PM me if you aren't happy to post publicly!

Thanks for your time & thoughts.
Kind regards,
Helen

Hi Helen,

As you have said there are pros and cons for both electronics.

I like the handset on the Vision as everything is in one place, the integrated deco is a bonus and of course the HUD, an additional safety feature.

I see the new electronics and HUD as a marked improvement safety-wise.

Lead time from the factory is long, and as you say there may be bugs, however I think the design is a definite improvement and the Evolution, itself ( I acknowledge that you are after an Inspiration) is a small neat package that I see as good for 100 metres. A friend of mine has dived his to 120 metres already.

As for lead time I have a new Evolution lying here for sale......

However the Classic has served us all well, more or less. As time goes on I expect AP to phase out production of the Classic.

If you have any more questions I will be happy to try and answer them.

Warm regards,

Dave Cooper

FathomsDown · 14th March 2005, 11:04

I went for the Vision electonics on my unit for exactly the reasons that Dave stated; I feel that the HUD and having the controllers potted (set in resin) in the head is a major safety improvement. I also believe that the days of the classic electronics may be numbered.

I agree with you that there may be bugs with the software, which is why I won't be leaving the side-slung cylinders and VR3 at home just yet, but I feel that the additional safety offered by it is worth the risk. (Why do I have visions of that statement being carved into me headstone?

).

***Decodiver*** · 14th March 2005, 11:07

Quote: (Originally Posted by FathomsDown)

I went for the Vision electonics on my unit for exactly the reasons that Dave stated; I feel that the HUD and having the controllers potted (set in resin) in the head is a major safety improvement. I also believe that the days of the classic electronics may be numbered.

I agree with you that there may be bugs with the software, which is why I won't be leaving the side-slung cylinders and VR3 at home just yet, but I feel that the additional safety offered by it is worth the risk. (Why do I have visions of that statement being carved into me headstone?

).

I just love your avatar. Cool

h2ophotopro · 14th March 2005, 14:06

Well I obviously the lag time for the new electronics is a major factor. I was not willing to wait that long, plus the significant expense of the new electronics was player in why I chose the classic. You can always upgrade your unit at a later date if you want the new electronics. Yes it will be slightly more expensive later on, but that is at least 7 months more diving you will get to do with your unit.

I also feel Id rather not be a test dummy for the new system. Let it be out for a while and see how it does, see how big the bugs really are.

Good luck

HelenM · 14th March 2005, 15:02

Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver)

Hi Helen,

As you have said there are pros and cons for both electronics.

I like the handset on the Vision as everything is in one place, the integrated deco is a bonus and of course the HUD, an additional safety feature.

I see the new electronics and HUD as a marked improvement safety-wise.

Lead time from the factory is long, and as you say there may be bugs, however I think the design is a definite improvement and the Evolution, itself ( I acknowledge that you are after an Inspiration) is a small neat package that I see as good for 100 metres. A friend of mine has dived his to 120 metres already.

As for lead time I have a new Evolution lying here for sale......

However the Classic has served us all well, more or less. As time goes on I expect AP to phase out production of the Classic.

If you have any more questions I will be happy to try and answer them.

Warm regards,

Dave Cooper

Many thanks to all of you for sharing your ideas so far... am sure that there is plenty more info to come!

Dave - It is definitely an Inspo I would want, rather than an Evo - otherwise I would have taken your hand off along with the breather.... sorry!

A follow up question for you.... (the first of many probably

)

The options as I see them are as follows:
a) Classic Inspiration
b) Inspiration with Vision Electronics
c) Classic Inspiration upgraded with Hammerhead Electronics.

Clearly you think the new leckies are preferable to the old - but what would be your thoughts on Vision vs Hammerhead?

Thanks!
H

***Decodiver*** · 14th March 2005, 15:08

I wouldn't touch the Hammerhead.

I don't feel they are as well built as the new electronics and don't like the fischer connectors.

Cheers

Dave

HelenM · 14th March 2005, 15:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver)

I wouldn't touch the Hammerhead.

I don't feel they are as well built as the new electronics and don't like the fischer connectors.

Cheers

Dave

Blimey, that was quick!

Sorry Dave, you are going to have to bear in mind that you are dealing with a total girl here

- "Fischer connectors"? Que?!!

Cheers,
H

FathomsDown · 14th March 2005, 15:27

Quote: (Originally Posted by HelenM)

Clearly you think the new leckies are preferable to the old - but what would be your thoughts on Vision vs Hammerhead?

I would go for the Vision electronics simply because they are designed into the unit where the Hammerhead is an additional system not tested by AP. Its because of this I have more faith in a Vision based system not to spring a leak whilst I'm using it.

BTW, the new Inspos are going to have a redesigned case, fixings and head so it looks like the current Hammerhead won't fit it. I'm not certain the "classics" are going to incorporate this design but it seems pretty likely as I doubt AP have got the manufacturing capacity to have machine tools set up for the old design when the new design is an improvement.

14th March 2005, 10:20	#1 (permalink)
HelenM Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 116	Inspo - which leckies to go for? Hi all, I'm currently at the point of deciding whether or not to order a new Inspiration. Question for the wise owls of RBW first though... if it was you buying the unit would you go for the new Vision Electronics, or the original ones? Care to share your reasons for that decision? I am leaning towards the 'Classic' electronics at the moment - clearly there is a significant lead time on the new leckies, and I'm not completely happy in my own mind that absolutely all flaws in them will have been ironed out. I am just a nasty, suspicious, cynical person when it comes to new software. That said, when I had a look at them at LIDS they did look VERY sexy... Any thoughts? Pros and cons to either set? Especially from any instructors who have had the opportunity to play with the new kit - please PM me if you aren't happy to post publicly! Thanks for your time & thoughts. Kind regards, Helen __________________ Would paper take tortoise?
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14th March 2005, 10:29	#2 (permalink)
*Beanie* Gallery Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In da house! yeah baby! Posts: 3,312	er pretty much down to wait time 7 months for new or now for classic oh and £600-700 more new electronics are swish though __________________ Beanie Gallery Admin & Library Assistant. www.outlawdivers.org.uk www.beandiving.co.uk www.beanengineering.co.uk
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14th March 2005, 10:31	#3 (permalink)
*Decodiver* Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Geneva Posts: 2,194	Quote: (Originally Posted by HelenM) Hi all, I'm currently at the point of deciding whether or not to order a new Inspiration. Question for the wise owls of RBW first though... if it was you buying the unit would you go for the new Vision Electronics, or the original ones? Care to share your reasons for that decision? I am leaning towards the 'Classic' electronics at the moment - clearly there is a significant lead time on the new leckies, and I'm not completely happy in my own mind that absolutely all flaws in them will have been ironed out. I am just a nasty, suspicious, cynical person when it comes to new software. That said, when I had a look at them at LIDS they did look VERY sexy... Any thoughts? Pros and cons to either set? Especially from any instructors who have had the opportunity to play with the new kit - please PM me if you aren't happy to post publicly! Thanks for your time & thoughts. Kind regards, Helen Hi Helen, As you have said there are pros and cons for both electronics. I like the handset on the Vision as everything is in one place, the integrated deco is a bonus and of course the HUD, an additional safety feature. I see the new electronics and HUD as a marked improvement safety-wise. Lead time from the factory is long, and as you say there may be bugs, however I think the design is a definite improvement and the Evolution, itself ( I acknowledge that you are after an Inspiration) is a small neat package that I see as good for 100 metres. A friend of mine has dived his to 120 metres already. As for lead time I have a new Evolution lying here for sale...... However the Classic has served us all well, more or less. As time goes on I expect AP to phase out production of the Classic. If you have any more questions I will be happy to try and answer them. Warm regards, Dave Cooper __________________ CCR/OC Trimix Instructor Trainer CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/COPIS-Megalodon/KISS/Sport KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com Rebreather World Terms & Conditions
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14th March 2005, 11:04	#4 (permalink)
FathomsDown New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: London Posts: 76	I went for the Vision electonics on my unit for exactly the reasons that Dave stated; I feel that the HUD and having the controllers potted (set in resin) in the head is a major safety improvement. I also believe that the days of the classic electronics may be numbered. I agree with you that there may be bugs with the software, which is why I won't be leaving the side-slung cylinders and VR3 at home just yet, but I feel that the additional safety offered by it is worth the risk. (Why do I have visions of that statement being carved into me headstone? ). __________________ Dive deep, stay long, deco for friggin' ages.
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14th March 2005, 11:07	#5 (permalink)
*Decodiver* Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Geneva Posts: 2,194	Quote: (Originally Posted by FathomsDown) I went for the Vision electonics on my unit for exactly the reasons that Dave stated; I feel that the HUD and having the controllers potted (set in resin) in the head is a major safety improvement. I also believe that the days of the classic electronics may be numbered. I agree with you that there may be bugs with the software, which is why I won't be leaving the side-slung cylinders and VR3 at home just yet, but I feel that the additional safety offered by it is worth the risk. (Why do I have visions of that statement being carved into me headstone? ). I just love your avatar. Cool __________________ CCR/OC Trimix Instructor Trainer CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/COPIS-Megalodon/KISS/Sport KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com Rebreather World Terms & Conditions
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14th March 2005, 14:06	#6 (permalink)
h2ophotopro Photo Pro Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 161	Well I obviously the lag time for the new electronics is a major factor. I was not willing to wait that long, plus the significant expense of the new electronics was player in why I chose the classic. You can always upgrade your unit at a later date if you want the new electronics. Yes it will be slightly more expensive later on, but that is at least 7 months more diving you will get to do with your unit. I also feel Id rather not be a test dummy for the new system. Let it be out for a while and see how it does, see how big the bugs really are. Good luck __________________ Mike Luzansky H2O Photo Pros Underwater Photo & Video Visit our New Showroom 2429 W. Coast Hwy, #101 Newport Beach, CA 92663
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14th March 2005, 15:02	#7 (permalink)
HelenM Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 116	Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver) Hi Helen, As you have said there are pros and cons for both electronics. I like the handset on the Vision as everything is in one place, the integrated deco is a bonus and of course the HUD, an additional safety feature. I see the new electronics and HUD as a marked improvement safety-wise. Lead time from the factory is long, and as you say there may be bugs, however I think the design is a definite improvement and the Evolution, itself ( I acknowledge that you are after an Inspiration) is a small neat package that I see as good for 100 metres. A friend of mine has dived his to 120 metres already. As for lead time I have a new Evolution lying here for sale...... However the Classic has served us all well, more or less. As time goes on I expect AP to phase out production of the Classic. If you have any more questions I will be happy to try and answer them. Warm regards, Dave Cooper Many thanks to all of you for sharing your ideas so far... am sure that there is plenty more info to come! Dave - It is definitely an Inspo I would want, rather than an Evo - otherwise I would have taken your hand off along with the breather.... sorry! A follow up question for you.... (the first of many probably ) The options as I see them are as follows: a) Classic Inspiration b) Inspiration with Vision Electronics c) Classic Inspiration upgraded with Hammerhead Electronics. Clearly you think the new leckies are preferable to the old - but what would be your thoughts on Vision vs Hammerhead? Thanks! H __________________ Would paper take tortoise?
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14th March 2005, 15:08	#8 (permalink)
*Decodiver* Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Geneva Posts: 2,194	I wouldn't touch the Hammerhead. I don't feel they are as well built as the new electronics and don't like the fischer connectors. Cheers Dave __________________ CCR/OC Trimix Instructor Trainer CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/COPIS-Megalodon/KISS/Sport KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com Rebreather World Terms & Conditions
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14th March 2005, 15:18	#9 (permalink)
HelenM Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cheltenham Posts: 116	Quote: (Originally Posted by Decodiver) I wouldn't touch the Hammerhead. I don't feel they are as well built as the new electronics and don't like the fischer connectors. Cheers Dave Blimey, that was quick! Sorry Dave, you are going to have to bear in mind that you are dealing with a total girl here - "Fischer connectors"? Que?!! Cheers, H __________________ Would paper take tortoise?
(Offline)

14th March 2005, 15:27	#10 (permalink)
FathomsDown New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: London Posts: 76	Quote: (Originally Posted by HelenM) Clearly you think the new leckies are preferable to the old - but what would be your thoughts on Vision vs Hammerhead? I would go for the Vision electronics simply because they are designed into the unit where the Hammerhead is an additional system not tested by AP. Its because of this I have more faith in a Vision based system not to spring a leak whilst I'm using it. BTW, the new Inspos are going to have a redesigned case, fixings and head so it looks like the current Hammerhead won't fit it. I'm not certain the "classics" are going to incorporate this design but it seems pretty likely as I doubt AP have got the manufacturing capacity to have machine tools set up for the old design when the new design is an improvement. __________________ Dive deep, stay long, deco for friggin' ages.
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