Megaladon Versus Optima Fx

sensor330 · 20th January 2008, 03:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by CCR-Wrecker)

Scott,
I'm with you bro. I don't have " super lungs" however, I'm just a gorilla. I have dived YBOD, KISS and a Meg. I find no real difference in WOB. I also go from Poseidons to Mares to Apex on OC and don't really see to much of a difference. I don't look for one either. My philosophy is simple (like me

)
I'm breathing = good, not breathing= bad.

Where's my banana?

Andy

Thats funny man! I have to admit I am a bit of a gorilla.

diverreb · 20th January 2008, 04:17

Quote: (Originally Posted by Barfab)

Apart the Hammerhead's battery problems, we can see that the new Hammerhead, the one that looks like a copy of Meg, of course adds new interesting features, and is well build and designed. I can't understand why to build Optima, I don't see new features noting else apart the need that everyone has now to have a rebreather in his list to sell.

In my view the only "New Feature" that would be meaningful would be a CO2 monitor. All of the top units function in pretty much the same manner. Making a rebreather isn't exactly rocket science. Most of the mCCR's are pretty much the same as are the eCCR's as far as function is concerned.

Designs vary as far as lung placement & materials. Valves & tank types vary, frame designs vary, but basically all function in pretty much the same fashion. Whether you use an EAC or Sorb, they both scrub CO2. Changes are pretty much evolutionary as far as I can see, not revolutionary. If one guy can add something to their line up that works due to design & price point.... More power to them. Dive-Rite has done just that with the O2ptima. Will it take over the market? Of course not. Will it survive and grow. I'm sure it will... Until someone comes out with something truly revolutionary. Like a unit that weighs 40 pounds, costs under $5,000.00 and includes all the bells & whistles and then some.... But until then no one unit is going to dominate the marketplace, especially here in the US.

Just because you may think that say BMW's are the best cars in the Marketplace doesn't mean that others won't think the same thing about Toyota's or Acura's or Lexus or whatever. They all sell & there is a market for all. Same thing with Breathers... If a unit or manufacturer really sucks, then it won't take long for the market to figure it out and it will be gone.

Richie

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 20th January 2008, 04:49

If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima.

If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it.

If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form.

Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC.

The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it.

Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts.

sensor330 · 20th January 2008, 05:09

Well back on topic of the Megaladon Versus Optima Fx. Well I've never dove a Optima but I have used the HH very extensively. Kevin was reasonably good with the customer support but I have to say that I had a less then enjoyable experience with my HH. I had between 175-200 (125hrs appox) and I had to abort between 5-7% of my dives due to problems with the handsets. The new HH sounds better I can't really say because I have no experience with them.

On the other hand I've got 95 hours on my Meg and have not missed or bailed from a dive because of equipment problems. Yes the electronics and simple but at the end of the day they work, and they work well. When the APECS 3 finally emerges I will buy it. I used on board deco on the HH along with a stand alone computer and never really noticed a huge difference in the deco obligations. One big advanage of having on board deco in both handsets is less gear which will equal less clutter on your arms.

Scott

Mixaddict · 20th January 2008, 05:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima.

If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it.

If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form.

Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC.

The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it.

Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts.

Well said Howard. Have some green!

**SeaBass** · 20th January 2008, 05:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by mverick)

OK, Meg has it's problems but I'll answer your questions cause those aren't it's problems.

Bad thing about the Meg. It seems they take forever to upgrade there unit. And, I hate that. I asked for some info about other parts for my Meg. They said they'd get back to me about price for the parts.

What specifically are the shortcommings you are referring too. I didn't thing there were any factory upgrades that were not included with a new rig.

Thom

diverreb · 20th January 2008, 13:31

Sea Bass,

Just curious as to why you aren't including the new Hammerhead in the mix of rebreathers you are considering? It seems to have the Meg beat as far as features, in that it comes with a Golem BOV & dual deco handsets. It's gotten rave reviews on this board so far....

Richie

mverick · 20th January 2008, 13:34

Quote: (Originally Posted by SeaBass)

What specifically are the shortcommings you are referring too. I didn't thing there were any factory upgrades that were not included with a new rig.

Thom

Problems with a meg.

I prefer the in to out flow. Not out to in like it has.

The sensor carriage has a couple extra O rings. I'd prefer it was one in the same with the head.

O2 sensors are on both sides of the breathing gas. Would prefer to insert them and only on one side.

Prefer the O2 injection would be onto the O2 sensors for a reality check ability and to dry up the O2 cells since the O2 is dry gas.

Prefer a insulated can.

Prefer a Radial Scrubber.

Prefer 90degree wire terminals. Or 45degree at least. Easier on cords.

Prefer 45 degree hose inlet and outlets.

Prefer less clutter so I actually like my Shearwater with 1 handset and 1 hud.

Upgrades to the Meg. From Manufacturer

Computer, You can have Leon send it to anyone. Is it Factory installed? No. But, it is a normal thing many have done. It's not a problem. Lot of Hammer Megs out there and Shearwater Megs.

Tank mounting Options

Insulated can or aluminum can.

Lung size and material.

Upgrades that took to long from the time they released info about it.
Radial Scrubber
Apecs 3
Insulated can

If you ain't gonna release it this year. Don't tell people you are working on it.

I also don't "LOVE" or have an attraction to my unit. Like the others. I also don't teach on them or have any affiliation with any of them. I don't know Leon or anyone at Dive Rite or at Jurgenson or Prism. I also dive other Home Builds and like them for what they do.

What I do look for is one that hasn't had a lot of little problems that had to be sent back to the factory for a fix. I don't like being a betta tester when I didn't pay betta testing price for the unit.

My IDA71 and 72 I expected that. As I was redesigning them. The Meg, Optima, Prism, HammerHead, Inspiration Family, Etc. I expect to be sorted and not have little problems that should have been caught before they released them.

So far, apecs on the Meg is the only one like that.

Pretty much any of the Rebreather market is like this. HS Explorer is junk. To many problems. VR3's have shut off underwater and had problems. Not nearly as bad and not even in the same ball park of the HS. HammerHeads have had problems with little things. Think they've went through 3 case designs. Even the first Shearwaters, which were what I had, had problems. But, mine was checked out and didn't have the problem. Never had an issue with it.

Haven't heard much about the Apecs controller. Which, is a good thing. A lot of them are out there. I'd actually like to have one from one of the HammerMegs or ShearwaterMegs.

WOB on either unit. Optima or Meg is fine. You ain't gonna notice a difference. It won't effect you.

If you can't get the EAC's. You're going to notice that. If you Hammerhead has a problem or you're Apecs has a problem. You're going to notice that. If you run the Apecs you can always have a VR or SHeawater for your deco schedule. If the VR or SHearwater dies you can still dive. If the Hammerhead or Apecs dies you're done diving. If you want a different Alogrithm. With the Apecs you can dive ANY profile. WIth the Hammerhead you dive it's profile. If you have to change a battery every dive or once a year, you'll notice that. If you have to use tanks from your destination you'll notice that. If they don't have ones that will fit your unit. Meg, ANY will fit. You wanna slap on a set of 121 LP's. They'll fit. Al80's. They'll fit.

I'm pretty much talking myself into the theory that NOT having Deco on the unit is a Good thing. Want to upgrade your DECO profile later. Buy a new dive computer. No hook up needed.....

But, I do still like my Shearwater on the Meg. But, Easier, isn't alway's better.

With a Meg you have lots of Options. With the Optima you don't. Now, those options do cost MONEY. Having a Hammerhead or Shearwater put on the Meg will cost you more then just buying a Optima.

No Options for Granular pretty much killed the Optima for me. I can have a Small or large Radial built for my Meg. Although, Sorb is cheap. I just use a large one. Not being able to fit any tanks onto it was also a bad thing.

Now, people can talk all day about how EAC's are getting out there. And tanks the proper size are becoming more and more available.

But with a Meg. You don't have any worries about that.

Pick what you want. They are both great units.

mverick · 20th January 2008, 13:53

Chill out dude. I'm just telling the info of why I like the Meg.

I ain't kickin your mom in the shin.

"Tear It Up and install whatever other computer" LOL...... Yep, that's how it works. LOL

I don't see anywhere we weren't getting along. Tell the plus's and minus's of a unit and you take offense. LOL.... You're to sensitive for a moderator.... LOL

On the Meg, I don't have to worry about carrying any batteries. With the Optima. You do. Change them before you leave? Sure. I don't have to though. Usually once a year on the Meg. Now, HammerMeg, you're back to that and I don't like that. ShearwaterMeg uses the Meg Battery Box. I like that.

I actually think the Military is going to go to EAC's. But, they tend to bring a lot of stuff with them. They want quick and easy. EAC's are Quick and Easy.

Guess I'll get another red blob for this. LOL... Oh well.....

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima.

If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it.

If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form.

Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC.

The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it.

Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts.

Pelagian · 20th January 2008, 14:04

Quote: (Originally Posted by mverick)

Problems with a meg.

O2 sensors are on both sides of the breathing gas. Would prefer to insert them and only on one side.

The way I see it the cells are sealed from the exhaust side so they'd only be on the inhalation side of the loop, just downstream from the scrubber.

Am I missing something here. It seems small, but could be a major misunderstanding for me in the way my Meg is built.

Cheers

Seb

20th January 2008, 03:38	#41 (permalink)
sensor330 Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 583	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by CCR-Wrecker) Scott, I'm with you bro. I don't have " super lungs" however, I'm just a gorilla. I have dived YBOD, KISS and a Meg. I find no real difference in WOB. I also go from Poseidons to Mares to Apex on OC and don't really see to much of a difference. I don't look for one either. My philosophy is simple (like me ) I'm breathing = good, not breathing= bad. Where's my banana? Andy Thats funny man! I have to admit I am a bit of a gorilla.
(Offline)

20th January 2008, 04:17	#42 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 595	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by Barfab) Apart the Hammerhead's battery problems, we can see that the new Hammerhead, the one that looks like a copy of Meg, of course adds new interesting features, and is well build and designed. I can't understand why to build Optima, I don't see new features noting else apart the need that everyone has now to have a rebreather in his list to sell. In my view the only "New Feature" that would be meaningful would be a CO2 monitor. All of the top units function in pretty much the same manner. Making a rebreather isn't exactly rocket science. Most of the mCCR's are pretty much the same as are the eCCR's as far as function is concerned. Designs vary as far as lung placement & materials. Valves & tank types vary, frame designs vary, but basically all function in pretty much the same fashion. Whether you use an EAC or Sorb, they both scrub CO2. Changes are pretty much evolutionary as far as I can see, not revolutionary. If one guy can add something to their line up that works due to design & price point.... More power to them. Dive-Rite has done just that with the O2ptima. Will it take over the market? Of course not. Will it survive and grow. I'm sure it will... Until someone comes out with something truly revolutionary. Like a unit that weighs 40 pounds, costs under $5,000.00 and includes all the bells & whistles and then some.... But until then no one unit is going to dominate the marketplace, especially here in the US. Just because you may think that say BMW's are the best cars in the Marketplace doesn't mean that others won't think the same thing about Toyota's or Acura's or Lexus or whatever. They all sell & there is a market for all. Same thing with Breathers... If a unit or manufacturer really sucks, then it won't take long for the market to figure it out and it will be gone. Richie
(Offline)

20th January 2008, 04:49	#43 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,130	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima. If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it. If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form. Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC. The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it. Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

20th January 2008, 05:09	#44 (permalink)
sensor330 Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 583	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Well back on topic of the Megaladon Versus Optima Fx. Well I've never dove a Optima but I have used the HH very extensively. Kevin was reasonably good with the customer support but I have to say that I had a less then enjoyable experience with my HH. I had between 175-200 (125hrs appox) and I had to abort between 5-7% of my dives due to problems with the handsets. The new HH sounds better I can't really say because I have no experience with them. On the other hand I've got 95 hours on my Meg and have not missed or bailed from a dive because of equipment problems. Yes the electronics and simple but at the end of the day they work, and they work well. When the APECS 3 finally emerges I will buy it. I used on board deco on the HH along with a stand alone computer and never really noticed a huge difference in the deco obligations. One big advanage of having on board deco in both handsets is less gear which will equal less clutter on your arms. Scott
(Offline)

20th January 2008, 05:14	#45 (permalink)
Mixaddict Always Learning! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Other CCR Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Draper, Utah USA Posts: 476	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima. If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it. If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form. Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC. The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it. Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts. Well said Howard. Have some green! __________________ Randy Thornton (MixAddict) Inspiration, Evolution,Hammerhead & Sentinel CCR Instructor
(Offline)

20th January 2008, 05:32	#46 (permalink)
SeaBass Thom Susko Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Ray Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Ray Home Build Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Clemente, CA Posts: 232	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by mverick) OK, Meg has it's problems but I'll answer your questions cause those aren't it's problems. Bad thing about the Meg. It seems they take forever to upgrade there unit. And, I hate that. I asked for some info about other parts for my Meg. They said they'd get back to me about price for the parts. What specifically are the shortcommings you are referring too. I didn't thing there were any factory upgrades that were not included with a new rig. Thom
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20th January 2008, 13:31	#47 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 595	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Sea Bass, Just curious as to why you aren't including the new Hammerhead in the mix of rebreathers you are considering? It seems to have the Meg beat as far as features, in that it comes with a Golem BOV & dual deco handsets. It's gotten rave reviews on this board so far.... Richie
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20th January 2008, 13:34	#48 (permalink)
mverick ScubaPimp Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 543	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by SeaBass) What specifically are the shortcommings you are referring too. I didn't thing there were any factory upgrades that were not included with a new rig. Thom Problems with a meg. I prefer the in to out flow. Not out to in like it has. The sensor carriage has a couple extra O rings. I'd prefer it was one in the same with the head. O2 sensors are on both sides of the breathing gas. Would prefer to insert them and only on one side. Prefer the O2 injection would be onto the O2 sensors for a reality check ability and to dry up the O2 cells since the O2 is dry gas. Prefer a insulated can. Prefer a Radial Scrubber. Prefer 90degree wire terminals. Or 45degree at least. Easier on cords. Prefer 45 degree hose inlet and outlets. Prefer less clutter so I actually like my Shearwater with 1 handset and 1 hud. Upgrades to the Meg. From Manufacturer Computer, You can have Leon send it to anyone. Is it Factory installed? No. But, it is a normal thing many have done. It's not a problem. Lot of Hammer Megs out there and Shearwater Megs. Tank mounting Options Insulated can or aluminum can. Lung size and material. Upgrades that took to long from the time they released info about it. Radial Scrubber Apecs 3 Insulated can If you ain't gonna release it this year. Don't tell people you are working on it. I also don't "LOVE" or have an attraction to my unit. Like the others. I also don't teach on them or have any affiliation with any of them. I don't know Leon or anyone at Dive Rite or at Jurgenson or Prism. I also dive other Home Builds and like them for what they do. What I do look for is one that hasn't had a lot of little problems that had to be sent back to the factory for a fix. I don't like being a betta tester when I didn't pay betta testing price for the unit. My IDA71 and 72 I expected that. As I was redesigning them. The Meg, Optima, Prism, HammerHead, Inspiration Family, Etc. I expect to be sorted and not have little problems that should have been caught before they released them. So far, apecs on the Meg is the only one like that. Pretty much any of the Rebreather market is like this. HS Explorer is junk. To many problems. VR3's have shut off underwater and had problems. Not nearly as bad and not even in the same ball park of the HS. HammerHeads have had problems with little things. Think they've went through 3 case designs. Even the first Shearwaters, which were what I had, had problems. But, mine was checked out and didn't have the problem. Never had an issue with it. Haven't heard much about the Apecs controller. Which, is a good thing. A lot of them are out there. I'd actually like to have one from one of the HammerMegs or ShearwaterMegs. WOB on either unit. Optima or Meg is fine. You ain't gonna notice a difference. It won't effect you. If you can't get the EAC's. You're going to notice that. If you Hammerhead has a problem or you're Apecs has a problem. You're going to notice that. If you run the Apecs you can always have a VR or SHeawater for your deco schedule. If the VR or SHearwater dies you can still dive. If the Hammerhead or Apecs dies you're done diving. If you want a different Alogrithm. With the Apecs you can dive ANY profile. WIth the Hammerhead you dive it's profile. If you have to change a battery every dive or once a year, you'll notice that. If you have to use tanks from your destination you'll notice that. If they don't have ones that will fit your unit. Meg, ANY will fit. You wanna slap on a set of 121 LP's. They'll fit. Al80's. They'll fit. I'm pretty much talking myself into the theory that NOT having Deco on the unit is a Good thing. Want to upgrade your DECO profile later. Buy a new dive computer. No hook up needed..... But, I do still like my Shearwater on the Meg. But, Easier, isn't alway's better. With a Meg you have lots of Options. With the Optima you don't. Now, those options do cost MONEY. Having a Hammerhead or Shearwater put on the Meg will cost you more then just buying a Optima. No Options for Granular pretty much killed the Optima for me. I can have a Small or large Radial built for my Meg. Although, Sorb is cheap. I just use a large one. Not being able to fit any tanks onto it was also a bad thing. Now, people can talk all day about how EAC's are getting out there. And tanks the proper size are becoming more and more available. But with a Meg. You don't have any worries about that. Pick what you want. They are both great units.
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20th January 2008, 13:53	#49 (permalink)
mverick ScubaPimp Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 543	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Chill out dude. I'm just telling the info of why I like the Meg. I ain't kickin your mom in the shin. "Tear It Up and install whatever other computer" LOL...... Yep, that's how it works. LOL I don't see anywhere we weren't getting along. Tell the plus's and minus's of a unit and you take offense. LOL.... You're to sensitive for a moderator.... LOL On the Meg, I don't have to worry about carrying any batteries. With the Optima. You do. Change them before you leave? Sure. I don't have to though. Usually once a year on the Meg. Now, HammerMeg, you're back to that and I don't like that. ShearwaterMeg uses the Meg Battery Box. I like that. I actually think the Military is going to go to EAC's. But, they tend to bring a lot of stuff with them. They want quick and easy. EAC's are Quick and Easy. Guess I'll get another red blob for this. LOL... Oh well..... Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) If you aren't willing to spent less than $1 per day on batteries (or to use batteries that last two weeks for about $10), and that is what is most important to you in the selection of a rebreather, then go someplace else where you have options that resolve this issue. If you prefer to "make" batteries for a unit rather than using batteries that are easily available around the world, then buy something other than the Optima. If you don't like the fact that the Optima comes right from the manufacturer already with two fully functional decompression computers on it (Hammerhead, which was just awarded a major military contract and is one of the main contenders of rebreather computer technology), then buy a stripped down version of something else, tear it up and add whatever other computer you want to it. If you are located where obtaining the EAC is a problem for you, then don't buy the Optima in its present form. (By the way, due to the rapid growth of the Optima sales, you will find that there are new places around the globe where this won't be a serious issue even compared to six months ago.) If traveling to an area that does not carry the EAC, and you aren't willing to carry or ship the EAC's to those areas where they are not available, then don't get the Optima in its present form. Dive Rite didn't just throw an EAC onto a backplate in its current design and orientation by luck. The Optima was specifically designed by Dive Rite and Micropore working closely together so that it starts from the EAC and builds the loop around this. (You can't compare this to other rebreathers that have build adapters to make an EAC fit into them.) It holds the canister horizontally and has a very short breathing loop for very significant reasons that revolve around minimizing work of breathing and creating an optimal flow through the EAC. The EAC is much more efficient at scrubbing CO2 per weight than sorb, does not have issues with channeling, and is consistent to within 5 percent per unit (compared to scrubber than can run 15 or more percent from batch to batch). Most importantly, the EAC virtually eliminates the risks of caustic cocktails. To some of us, these factors are important. If they aren't for you, then go buy a different rebreather and enjoy it. Can't we all get along? Look, every major production rebreather on the market must be doing something right, or it wouldn't develop a following. So, please don't put down another unit just because you love yours. Optima divers don't just love our units because of the cool cases (even if the cool case is yet another reason to love them). So, let's play nice and try to stick to the facts.
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20th January 2008, 14:04	#50 (permalink)
Pelagian Multi-Circuit Meg Monkey! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Sport Kiss Optima Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 282	Re: Megaladon Versus Optima Fx Quote: (Originally Posted by mverick) Problems with a meg. O2 sensors are on both sides of the breathing gas. Would prefer to insert them and only on one side. The way I see it the cells are sealed from the exhaust side so they'd only be on the inhalation side of the loop, just downstream from the scrubber. Am I missing something here. It seems small, but could be a major misunderstanding for me in the way my Meg is built. Cheers Seb __________________ 'Because... I was Inverted!'
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