Confused beginner from Rio

SWstorm · 25th October 2007, 12:34

Hello silent guys

I'm planning to start no-bubbles diving in a near future. I live in Brazil and at this moment we have the choice of only two different rebreathers to purchase: The OPTIMA from DiveRite and APD Inspiration. The first one is easier to purchase and get technical assistance and maintenance because of DiveRite offices nearby. The Inspiration is possible to purchase but has no representative in Brazil so is unclear how effective the assistance would be.
I would like to hear any advice you could post concerning these two equipments.
Another question: Is there any recommended Inspiration training facility in Italy ?

Regards

**sfldiver** · 25th October 2007, 13:47

I can't speak about the Inspiration, but I do own and dive the Optima. The Optima is a great rebreather from a reputable company. It is fully electronic and can be used for both recreational and deeper technical diving.

One of the main selling points for me was the fact that it is manufactured by a company that I was very familiar with. I personally used lots of Dive Rite products for technical diving and have always been pleased with the design and quality of their products.

The Optima also uses the EAC catridge as a scrubber. You will find that many rebreather divers do not like the Optima because of that fact; however, most divers making those comments have never actually used the EAC's, so they are not speaking from experience. The EAC's are extremely convenient to use. Instead of having to pack a scrubber, you just drop in a new cartridge and you are set. The use of the EAC's also ensures that your scrubber function is always consistent, because it is not depentent on you personally packing the scrubber material. I know several other divers who use the Optima for warm water dives and most of us have been exchanging the cartridge every four hours or so, but upon inspection of the cartridge after we remove it, it appears as though the cartridge is only about 1/2 to 3/4 used, but four hours seems to be a nice conservative point to exchange it.

One other point, unlike open-circuit, rebreathers require much more maintenance. Furthermore, there is always fine tuning and minor glitches that must be addressed; therefore, if I were you, I would not buy a unit that you did not have support close at hand. I live a few miles from Fill Express (a.k.a.: Dive Rite Express and Rebreather Express - Rebreathers and Accessories. Full Warranties. Free Shipping.). There have been times when I have had to go by their shop for minor troubleshooting with the rebreather - I can't imagine owning a unit and not having support close at hand.

I hope some of this information helps you make a decision.

Good luck and safe diving!

mattmexico · 25th October 2007, 13:52

hi there in Brazil

As I live in Mexico and do dive an Optima here I have at times trouble to get Extend Air cartridges here, and if I get them they are very expensive, in the range of $ 50.00 usd a piece.

To get granule absorbent is a little easyer for the Megalodon, Inspiration, KISS, etc as I can borrow some from other divers or at times use medical absorbent which I can get within Mexico.

The service or suport for rebreathers is almost the same for all ...... it helps a lot if you have a functioning FedEx, DHL or UPS outlet near you ..... and can do all unit specific service yourself. For bigger stuff such as electronic problems, cracked or flooded handsets it has to go back to the manufacturer anyway .. again you need FedEx, DHL or UPS ....

greetings
Matt

diverreb · 25th October 2007, 14:58

I can only speak about the O2ptima.... I dive mine in the colder waters of the Northeast part of the US. Like SFLDIVER, one of the main reasons I chose the O2ptima was because it is backed by DiveRite. They have aways stood behind their products and I've had nothing but positive experiences with them & their products over the years.

The O2ptima has performed well for me and any minor service issues have been dealt with quickly.

I much prefer the EAC's to the granules. The only downside is availability of the EAC's in some areas and the cost factor. They are a bit more money than the granules.

The availability issue can be overcome by keeping a large supply of them at your location and shipping a case to where ever you may be traveling to. They have shelf life of well over two years.... The one's I have show a use by date of April, 2010. When I get down to two cases (8 Cartridges) I order three or four more cases.

It's almost impossible to flood the loop on an O2ptima..... short of tearing off a hose or ripping a lung, by design, it won't flood..... but if it does flood, you don't have to worry about caustic cocktails with the EAC. We tried to flood the units in class by removing the mouth pieces with the DSV open and very little water seeps in. Whatever does come in is easily removed with a simple maneuver.

The HH electronics are great, as is the service from Juergensen Marine. I had an issue with my secondary and sent the head back to Kevin. It arrived there on a Tuesday & I had it back by that Friday. Didn't miss a dive.

Redundant Deco in both handsets is another positive feature....

Good luck & welcome, whichever way you go....

Richie

zmcave · 25th October 2007, 16:28

Bem vindo,

It's really hard to figure out what to get, specially when, like us, you live in a place where RBs are rare (specially CCRs). My decision was based on the support I could get down here. Dive Rite has a representative, APD does not, yet. I believe both units are capable to do most types of diving.
One issue for the optima is having the ExtendAir down here. It gets expensive to ship. Anyway, I love using extendair!

Good luck with your choice and feel free to ask any more questions.

Zé.

mriopel · 25th October 2007, 22:16

Quote: (Originally Posted by zmcave)

Bem vindo,

It's really hard to figure out what to get, specially when, like us, you live in a place where RBs are rare (specially CCRs). My decision was based on the support I could get down here. Dive Rite has a representative, APD does not, yet. I believe both units are capable to do most types of diving.
One issue for the optima is having the ExtendAir down here. It gets expensive to ship. Anyway, I love using extendair!

Good luck with your choice and feel free to ask any more questions.

Zé.

If it is easy for him to get support maybe if you guys live close to each other when you order EAC you can order more and split the cost and maybe save some money. if not you will at least have someone whom could help you on issues on the o2ptima. By the way I have had mine almost 1 year and about 80 hours on it and love it. So i would say go for the o2pitma and the close support.

Mike

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 26th October 2007, 03:58

Ze is the man.

zmcave · 26th October 2007, 23:36

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

Ze is the man.

Actually.... HOWARD is the man, I'm just trying to get to his level.

brunospf · 2nd February 2008, 17:27

Hi SWstorm, I live in Brazil too and get an Megalodon CCR. My instructor give to me the option to get course of O2ptima too, but I prefer Meg because it´s a solid piece of equipment and I can buy sorb for the scrubber here in Brazil.I think the O2ptima have best electronics, but the EAC is so expensive to import. Because of that, in my opnion an Meg or Inspo is better for you.cheers,

paulraymaekers · 2nd February 2008, 19:47

hello Beginner,

I will probably conduct a rEvo course near Natal or Recife, in august this year, and then we will have some rEvo divers over there too.
Perhaps part of the dives at Fernando de Noronha, but not sure yet.
one advantage for the rEvo is that it needs little/no maintenance from the factory, and that the unit must not come back if there would be an issue (... unless a truck ran over your unit, like it happened already once :-)
if interested, you mail me at the office

regards
paul

25th October 2007, 12:34	#1 (permalink)
SWstorm New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 1	Confused beginner from Rio Hello silent guys I'm planning to start no-bubbles diving in a near future. I live in Brazil and at this moment we have the choice of only two different rebreathers to purchase: The OPTIMA from DiveRite and APD Inspiration. The first one is easier to purchase and get technical assistance and maintenance because of DiveRite offices nearby. The Inspiration is possible to purchase but has no representative in Brazil so is unclear how effective the assistance would be. I would like to hear any advice you could post concerning these two equipments. Another question: Is there any recommended Inspiration training facility in Italy ? Regards
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25th October 2007, 13:47	#2 (permalink)
sfldiver Team Optima Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 663	Re: Confused beginner from Rio I can't speak about the Inspiration, but I do own and dive the Optima. The Optima is a great rebreather from a reputable company. It is fully electronic and can be used for both recreational and deeper technical diving. One of the main selling points for me was the fact that it is manufactured by a company that I was very familiar with. I personally used lots of Dive Rite products for technical diving and have always been pleased with the design and quality of their products. The Optima also uses the EAC catridge as a scrubber. You will find that many rebreather divers do not like the Optima because of that fact; however, most divers making those comments have never actually used the EAC's, so they are not speaking from experience. The EAC's are extremely convenient to use. Instead of having to pack a scrubber, you just drop in a new cartridge and you are set. The use of the EAC's also ensures that your scrubber function is always consistent, because it is not depentent on you personally packing the scrubber material. I know several other divers who use the Optima for warm water dives and most of us have been exchanging the cartridge every four hours or so, but upon inspection of the cartridge after we remove it, it appears as though the cartridge is only about 1/2 to 3/4 used, but four hours seems to be a nice conservative point to exchange it. One other point, unlike open-circuit, rebreathers require much more maintenance. Furthermore, there is always fine tuning and minor glitches that must be addressed; therefore, if I were you, I would not buy a unit that you did not have support close at hand. I live a few miles from Fill Express (a.k.a.: Dive Rite Express and Rebreather Express - Rebreathers and Accessories. Full Warranties. Free Shipping.). There have been times when I have had to go by their shop for minor troubleshooting with the rebreather - I can't imagine owning a unit and not having support close at hand. I hope some of this information helps you make a decision. Good luck and safe diving! __________________ *Currently piloting & shooting...* Dive Rite O2ptima FX Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.* Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera *Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes.
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25th October 2007, 13:52	#3 (permalink)
mattmexico Rebreather World Writer Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Prism Topaz Sport Kiss RB80 / Clone Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mexico, Q.Roo, Playa del Carmen Posts: 752	Re: Confused beginner from Rio hi there in Brazil As I live in Mexico and do dive an Optima here I have at times trouble to get Extend Air cartridges here, and if I get them they are very expensive, in the range of $ 50.00 usd a piece. To get granule absorbent is a little easyer for the Megalodon, Inspiration, KISS, etc as I can borrow some from other divers or at times use medical absorbent which I can get within Mexico. The service or suport for rebreathers is almost the same for all ...... it helps a lot if you have a functioning FedEx, DHL or UPS outlet near you ..... and can do all unit specific service yourself. For bigger stuff such as electronic problems, cracked or flooded handsets it has to go back to the manufacturer anyway .. again you need FedEx, DHL or UPS .... greetings Matt __________________ N 20' 37.617' W 87' 04.693' www.andreaswmatthes.com
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25th October 2007, 14:58	#4 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 512	Re: Confused beginner from Rio I can only speak about the O2ptima.... I dive mine in the colder waters of the Northeast part of the US. Like SFLDIVER, one of the main reasons I chose the O2ptima was because it is backed by DiveRite. They have aways stood behind their products and I've had nothing but positive experiences with them & their products over the years. The O2ptima has performed well for me and any minor service issues have been dealt with quickly. I much prefer the EAC's to the granules. The only downside is availability of the EAC's in some areas and the cost factor. They are a bit more money than the granules. The availability issue can be overcome by keeping a large supply of them at your location and shipping a case to where ever you may be traveling to. They have shelf life of well over two years.... The one's I have show a use by date of April, 2010. When I get down to two cases (8 Cartridges) I order three or four more cases. It's almost impossible to flood the loop on an O2ptima..... short of tearing off a hose or ripping a lung, by design, it won't flood..... but if it does flood, you don't have to worry about caustic cocktails with the EAC. We tried to flood the units in class by removing the mouth pieces with the DSV open and very little water seeps in. Whatever does come in is easily removed with a simple maneuver. The HH electronics are great, as is the service from Juergensen Marine. I had an issue with my secondary and sent the head back to Kevin. It arrived there on a Tuesday & I had it back by that Friday. Didn't miss a dive. Redundant Deco in both handsets is another positive feature.... Good luck & welcome, whichever way you go.... Richie Last edited by diverreb : 25th October 2007 at 15:01.
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25th October 2007, 16:28	#5 (permalink)
zmcave www.rebreather.com.br Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 176	Re: Confused beginner from Rio Bem vindo, It's really hard to figure out what to get, specially when, like us, you live in a place where RBs are rare (specially CCRs). My decision was based on the support I could get down here. Dive Rite has a representative, APD does not, yet. I believe both units are capable to do most types of diving. One issue for the optima is having the ExtendAir down here. It gets expensive to ship. Anyway, I love using extendair! Good luck with your choice and feel free to ask any more questions. Zé.
(Offline)

25th October 2007, 22:16	#6 (permalink)
mriopel Sadly Missed (RIP) Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: usa Posts: 167	Re: Confused beginner from Rio Quote: (Originally Posted by zmcave) Bem vindo, It's really hard to figure out what to get, specially when, like us, you live in a place where RBs are rare (specially CCRs). My decision was based on the support I could get down here. Dive Rite has a representative, APD does not, yet. I believe both units are capable to do most types of diving. One issue for the optima is having the ExtendAir down here. It gets expensive to ship. Anyway, I love using extendair! Good luck with your choice and feel free to ask any more questions. Zé. If it is easy for him to get support maybe if you guys live close to each other when you order EAC you can order more and split the cost and maybe save some money. if not you will at least have someone whom could help you on issues on the o2ptima. By the way I have had mine almost 1 year and about 80 hours on it and love it. So i would say go for the o2pitma and the close support. Mike
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26th October 2007, 03:58	#7 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,937	Re: Confused beginner from Rio Ze is the man. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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26th October 2007, 23:36	#8 (permalink)
zmcave www.rebreather.com.br Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 176	Re: Confused beginner from Rio Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) Ze is the man. Actually.... HOWARD is the man, I'm just trying to get to his level.
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2nd February 2008, 17:27	#9 (permalink)
brunospf New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Salvador, BA Posts: 73	Re: Confused beginner from Rio Hi SWstorm, I live in Brazil too and get an Megalodon CCR. My instructor give to me the option to get course of O2ptima too, but I prefer Meg because it´s a solid piece of equipment and I can buy sorb for the scrubber here in Brazil.I think the O2ptima have best electronics, but the EAC is so expensive to import. Because of that, in my opnion an Meg or Inspo is better for you.cheers, __________________ Bruno S P Fagundes IANTD Megalodon CCR Diver TDI Extended Range Diver TDI Trimix Diver DSAT Trimix Gas Blender PDIC Divementor
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2nd February 2008, 19:47	#10 (permalink)
paulraymaekers rEvo's daddy Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: rEvo Other CCR Home Build Join Date: May 2005 Location: belgium Posts: 1,377	Re: Confused beginner from Rio hello Beginner, I will probably conduct a rEvo course near Natal or Recife, in august this year, and then we will have some rEvo divers over there too. Perhaps part of the dives at Fernando de Noronha, but not sure yet. one advantage for the rEvo is that it needs little/no maintenance from the factory, and that the unit must not come back if there would be an issue (... unless a truck ran over your unit, like it happened already once :-) if interested, you mail me at the office regards paul __________________ www.rEvo-rebreathers.com .... the earth is flat, Elvis is alive, and radial scrubbers give longer dwell time than axials...
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