Newb to Closed Circuit

fr0sty8 · 13th January 2006, 15:36

I am very new to the idea of going to a CCR/SCCR. Trying to gather as much info as I possibly can in order to make a sound decision on what make model would fit me best. Thus far I am leaning towards the Meg or Optima..... any insight would definitely help me out.

ROB DAVIE · 13th January 2006, 16:46

Frosty,

First of all, welcome aboard Rebreather World. This has become the world's best site for information about all aspects of rebreather diving...and I do mean ALL. We have a great community of folks here who have tons of knowledge and experience, and, even better, are willing to share in a friendly way.

A good suggestion for the newbie who is looking to chart his or her course into the "Dark Side" of diving would be to pick up a copy of "Mastering Rebreathers" by Jeff Bozanic. While it does not have the latest offerings, it goes into detail about the various types, and pro's and con's of the various types.

The key to getting what you want is to read, ask questions, read, and ask more questions!

We've got a good "Library" section, thanks to the excellent work of our Miss Louby Lou. That is a good place to look as well.

Again, welcome aboard! We are glad you have decided to come to the "Dark Side" of diving, young Jedi.

Rob Davie
Rebreather World Admin

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 14th January 2006, 06:32

Welcome. This story sounds awful familiar.

I was where you are just a couple of months ago. I always liked things about the Optima. On the other hand, the Meg has a solid reputation.

Advanced Diver Magazine had a free Demo Day with mini-seminars on several models. In order to get ready for it, I first read several posts here, links to articles, and I also bought Jeff Bozanic's book, Mastering Rebreathers. Last, I bought and read the IANTD CCR Tech Manual. IANTD also has a somewhat dated but good DVD that you can check out.

After the demo, my choice was easy: I bought an Optima. I start training in seven hours!

You will figure it out after you go through the process.

***EBT*** · 14th January 2006, 07:36

Welcome to a world of choices

The best thing you can do is figure out the type of diving you'll be doing and try to drive your choices from that. A random (and no doubt incomplete) selection of questions you need to ask yourself;

How long are the dives?
How often can you dive (skills maintenance)?
Whats my "way out" when it all goes wrong (ie OHE/Deco environments)?
What sort of gases/pressures are available to refill my unit?
How easy is it to get a refill?
Will I be diving in zero visibility?
Whats my budget?
How much am I willing to fettle, or how easy is it to get support/parts?
How accessible is training?
Do you really want to look like a yellow turtle? <grin>
How much time do you have pre/post dive for preparation/maintenance?

/Zak

**JPJones** · 15th January 2006, 01:43

Welcome and I would recommend trying out as many units as possible before making a decission.

dive2dive2000 · 15th January 2006, 03:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by fr0sty8)

I am very new to the idea of going to a CCR/SCCR. Trying to gather as much info as I possibly can in order to make a sound decision on what make model would fit me best. Thus far I am leaning towards the Meg or Optima..... any insight would definitely help me out.

If you can make it down to NJ March 24-25, BTS Dive Expo. All the Major CCR Manufactures are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

fr0sty8 · 18th January 2006, 13:47

Thanks for the advice guys. going to the expo in March sounds like it may be doable. Just to give some insight into what type of diving I do. It usually consists of a mixture of cold and warm water wreck. I haven't gotten so bold as to try the cave route as of yet.

Cheers

megdiver12 · 19th January 2006, 12:49

I would recomed the meg

Duncan Price · 19th January 2006, 13:37

Quote: (Originally Posted by megdiver12)

I would recomed the meg

I would recommend that you make your own!

(I'm not serious - I'm just trying to add balance)

fr0sty8 · 19th January 2006, 17:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Duncan Price)

I would recommend that you make your own!

(I'm not serious - I'm just trying to add balance)

Right now I am leaning towards the Meg. I like the idea of using a non cartridge type scrubber material. I do like the HH electronics, so that may be an option in the future if I decide to replace the APECS or Shearwater.

13th January 2006, 15:36	#1 (permalink)
fr0sty8 Evo Driver - no standing! Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 158	Newb to Closed Circuit I am very new to the idea of going to a CCR/SCCR. Trying to gather as much info as I possibly can in order to make a sound decision on what make model would fit me best. Thus far I am leaning towards the Meg or Optima..... any insight would definitely help me out.
(Offline)

13th January 2006, 16:46	#2 (permalink)
ROB DAVIE Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: HOUSTON, REPUBLIC OF TEJAS Posts: 1,120	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Frosty, First of all, welcome aboard Rebreather World. This has become the world's best site for information about all aspects of rebreather diving...and I do mean ALL. We have a great community of folks here who have tons of knowledge and experience, and, even better, are willing to share in a friendly way. A good suggestion for the newbie who is looking to chart his or her course into the "Dark Side" of diving would be to pick up a copy of "Mastering Rebreathers" by Jeff Bozanic. While it does not have the latest offerings, it goes into detail about the various types, and pro's and con's of the various types. The key to getting what you want is to read, ask questions, read, and ask more questions! We've got a good "Library" section, thanks to the excellent work of our Miss Louby Lou. That is a good place to look as well. Again, welcome aboard! We are glad you have decided to come to the "Dark Side" of diving, young Jedi. Rob Davie Rebreather World Admin __________________ [SIZE=2]"CC Rebreathers will become a viable part of tech diving [U]WHEN PIGS FLY[/U]!!"--GI3[/SIZE]
(Offline)

14th January 2006, 06:32	#3 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,896	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Welcome. This story sounds awful familiar. I was where you are just a couple of months ago. I always liked things about the Optima. On the other hand, the Meg has a solid reputation. Advanced Diver Magazine had a free Demo Day with mini-seminars on several models. In order to get ready for it, I first read several posts here, links to articles, and I also bought Jeff Bozanic's book, Mastering Rebreathers. Last, I bought and read the IANTD CCR Tech Manual. IANTD also has a somewhat dated but good DVD that you can check out. After the demo, my choice was easy: I bought an Optima. I start training in seven hours! You will figure it out after you go through the process. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

14th January 2006, 07:36	#4 (permalink)
*EBT* Apprentice Luddite Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK, Brighton Posts: 1,837	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Welcome to a world of choices The best thing you can do is figure out the type of diving you'll be doing and try to drive your choices from that. A random (and no doubt incomplete) selection of questions you need to ask yourself; How long are the dives? How often can you dive (skills maintenance)? Whats my "way out" when it all goes wrong (ie OHE/Deco environments)? What sort of gases/pressures are available to refill my unit? How easy is it to get a refill? Will I be diving in zero visibility? Whats my budget? How much am I willing to fettle, or how easy is it to get support/parts? How accessible is training? Do you really want to look like a yellow turtle? <grin> How much time do you have pre/post dive for preparation/maintenance? /Zak __________________ Eagles May Soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines! Rebreather World Terms of service Real diving t-shirts for real divers
(Offline)

15th January 2006, 01:43	#5 (permalink)
JPJones O2ptima Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima Titan Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 367	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Welcome and I would recommend trying out as many units as possible before making a decission. __________________ NSS/CDS Training Chairman www.jpjscuba.com
(Offline)

15th January 2006, 03:42	#6 (permalink)
dive2dive2000 PRISM DIVER & LUVIN IT! Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 776	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Quote: (Originally Posted by fr0sty8) I am very new to the idea of going to a CCR/SCCR. Trying to gather as much info as I possibly can in order to make a sound decision on what make model would fit me best. Thus far I am leaning towards the Meg or Optima..... any insight would definitely help me out. If you can make it down to NJ March 24-25, BTS Dive Expo. All the Major CCR Manufactures are on hand to answer any questions you might have. __________________ Safe Diving, Martin "but what's the fun of getting what you need, instead of what you want?"
(Offline)

18th January 2006, 13:47	#7 (permalink)
fr0sty8 Evo Driver - no standing! Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 158	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Thanks for the advice guys. going to the expo in March sounds like it may be doable. Just to give some insight into what type of diving I do. It usually consists of a mixture of cold and warm water wreck. I haven't gotten so bold as to try the cave route as of yet. Cheers
(Offline)

19th January 2006, 12:49	#8 (permalink)
megdiver12 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Classic Kiss Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 71	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit I would recomed the meg
(Offline)

19th January 2006, 13:37	#9 (permalink)
Duncan Price Sump Monster Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Wells, Somerset, UK Posts: 336	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Quote: (Originally Posted by megdiver12) I would recomed the meg I would recommend that you make your own! (I'm not serious - I'm just trying to add balance)
(Offline)

19th January 2006, 17:00	#10 (permalink)
fr0sty8 Evo Driver - no standing! Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 158	Re: Newb to Closed Circuit Quote: (Originally Posted by Duncan Price) I would recommend that you make your own! (I'm not serious - I'm just trying to add balance) Right now I am leaning towards the Meg. I like the idea of using a non cartridge type scrubber material. I do like the HH electronics, so that may be an option in the future if I decide to replace the APECS or Shearwater.
(Offline)

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