ybod or meg

***caveseeker7*** · 13th May 2005, 23:02

Between the two I'd choose the Meg any day.

Build quality is considerably higher, engineering better and layout much more versatile.

The Inspiration is a large and heavy unit that's a pita to travel with, the entire electronics system leaves quite some to be desired (the Vision electronics are a step up from the Classic, but they still lack in my view), you're limted to the tanks you can use due to the case. Gas path/condensation points simply suck.

The main advantages of the Inspiration were price (less than half when it was inrtoduced towards other rigs) and APD's production capabilities (they seem to have as much or more backlog currently as others). CE certification meant exclusive factory distribution in Europe.

Well, Jetsam put a dent in that one, selling more units to Europe than in North America, so if they can be purchased and used there, so can other non-CE (yet) rigs.

For you in the UK the Inspiration is a home game, and due to the high production numbers and (relatively for RBs) long production run there is some strength in numbers.

Nevertheless I consider the Meg a better life support system.

As you can see from my avatar, I decided on the PRISM, and think you should consider it, too.
I prefer it to either Meg or YBOD for reasons I stated in my article.

Cheers

***caveseeker7*** · 13th May 2005, 23:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by RebreatherDave)

... scrubber ...

As Stuart pointed out, the Meg's scrubber is insulated. While metal may not be the best material, it doesn't seem to have much of an impact on the duration rating. Both Meg and YBOD are rated for 3 hours.

Add to that the flexibility of the multiple scrubber sizes and designs, and the Meg comes out ahead. The radial scrubber, with or without hydrophobic membrane, will be more efficient, the membrane will add safety, and the Mini Meg cannister is great for warm water vacations.

OMG builds metal scrubber cannister that perform very well, too, by the way.

Quote:

Aluminum is far easier to manufacturer than engineered/welded plastic.

Not in the numbers that APD supposedly builds. Injection molding becaomes much easier, less time consuming and less expensive.

Quote:

Since all oxygen sensors and electronics in salt water have issues, if any other rebreathers were out there in remotely the same quantitites of the Inspiration, you would be hearing of far more issues too.

That's simply not true. The Inspiration's problems with the sensors derive from water condensating on the sensors. That's due to lack of engineering skills, not due to salt water. You'll have the same problems in fresh water. Salinity of the water doesn't make the difference, the temperature does.

The MK series placed the sensors in the center of the cannister, the warmest space, split the gas flow and allowed for condensation against the lid. No sensor issues. The Cis also has the split gas path (such reducing the amount of moist gas running past the sensors) and a moisture trap before the sensors. As well as the posssibilty to blow gas across the sensors. No issues. The PRISM allows for condensation on the bucket and has a moisture trap. No issues.

I have yet to hear of Meg users reporting sensor issues.

Quote:

Remember, there are more Inspirations out there than all other rebreathers COMBINED!

That's like saying buy an air-cooled beetle because it outsold other cars.
Sure the beetle drives. But that's about all it does ... .
Hint: The US ad slogan for the new one: 0 to 60: YES!

Drmike · 14th May 2005, 01:35

No comparison. In my view the Meg wins over the YBOD especially in terms of build quality, robustness and flexibility.

As for condensation on the sensors, Stefan is spot on.

cedricverdier · 14th May 2005, 08:41

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

No comparison. In my view the Meg wins over the YBOD especially in terms of build quality, robustness and flexibility.

I have an Evolution, an Inspiration and a Meg. I spent the last 6 years teaching people how to use the YBOD and I have traveled and dived with my units in very remote location. I have the Meg since last year and the difference is obvious:

The meg is:
- very robust

- easy to pack and carry
- very flexible to travel with (you can use any cylinder)
- very reliable and easy to maintain or repair

The YBOD is:
- the most popular CCR worlwide (easy to find spare parts)
- thoroughly tested and used
- a good market for 3rd part accessories (4th cell, HUD, larger box, etc)

Both units are available with built-in decompression software (Shearwater vs Vision).

So the main questions is: do I travel a lot with my rebreather? If the answer is Yes, I would definitely choose the Meg.

Cheers

robprice · 14th May 2005, 10:47

I have only owned my YBOD since Jan 05.
Have now dived it 45 hrs.
Had 1 problem due to batttery bounce.
Other than that I do love the thing, coming from OC with all the bits attached to you looking like a mule this is a breath of fresh air.
Also there are lots of people around for this unit to give goood advice and help when you need it. So if you do have a problem or a worry at most dive places there will be some one there to give advice.
At the end of the day it is your choice, as for waiting I got the classic with in the month of ordering. I did look in to others the only I came close to considering was the KISS.

Robprice

***Decodiver*** · 14th May 2005, 10:58

Colin,

I have had 3 Inspirations, an Evolution and a Meg over the years.

The Meg is abo****ely streets ahead of the YBOD and Evolution on build quality, modularity and ease of travel.

The set-up is streamlined, the unit dives like a dream and just oozes quality.

I teach both the Meg and YBOD to Mixed Gas level, my advice would be to get a Meg, you will not be disappointed.

Get intouch with me if you want to get a look at a unit, that can be arranged.

I will be at Capenwray next weekend then in the Lakes for a KISS Instructor course I am assessing.

Cheers,

Dave Cooper.

silent running · 22nd June 2005, 09:58

Hello Colin, I agree with Mr. caveseeker, given the choice btw, the Meg and the AP units, the Meg is a better unit. But if you are considering the US made Meg, consider the Prism as well. I wonder why you didn't list it as a possibility. It took me a lot of thinking and much research and I chose the Prism. 270 hrs and much international travel later, I'm still very happy with mine. Caveseeker's article lays out the case very well. But don't take my or anybody else's word for it. Do your homework and the differences will start to become clearer and the more you know, the easier it gets to make a decision. If something is confusing, stop and ask more questions until it's not. An educated customer is the only one a CCR manufacturer should want to have. You also need to have a firm idea of exactly how you will use your unit now and in the future. This will be almost as important to your decision making as the facts about the units themselves. Good luck and take your time.

Pelagian · 24th July 2005, 15:41

The Evolution/Inspiration are the best out of the box no customizing units you can buy(in it's price class), and the new electronics are dynomite.

But The MEG. Oh My! If you are into customising in ANY way the Meg is the choice.

A wise man once said " There's nothing that comes out of a box that can't be made better !"

If your not into tinkering than the EVO/Inspo with new leccies is great, if your a tinkerer like myself and apperntely a lot fo other people on this thread ;o), thna the meg is the way.

Cheers

Seb

tech123 · 26th July 2005, 00:39

hi I dive a meg and love it.

bmattson · 26th July 2005, 01:07

The YBOD is a good rebreather, but I like my Meg better.

13th May 2005, 23:02	#11 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,451	Between the two I'd choose the Meg any day. Build quality is considerably higher, engineering better and layout much more versatile. The Inspiration is a large and heavy unit that's a pita to travel with, the entire electronics system leaves quite some to be desired (the Vision electronics are a step up from the Classic, but they still lack in my view), you're limted to the tanks you can use due to the case. Gas path/condensation points simply suck. The main advantages of the Inspiration were price (less than half when it was inrtoduced towards other rigs) and APD's production capabilities (they seem to have as much or more backlog currently as others). CE certification meant exclusive factory distribution in Europe. Well, Jetsam put a dent in that one, selling more units to Europe than in North America, so if they can be purchased and used there, so can other non-CE (yet) rigs. For you in the UK the Inspiration is a home game, and due to the high production numbers and (relatively for RBs) long production run there is some strength in numbers. Nevertheless I consider the Meg a better life support system. As you can see from my avatar, I decided on the PRISM, and think you should consider it, too. I prefer it to either Meg or YBOD for reasons I stated in my article. Cheers __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
(Offline)

13th May 2005, 23:31	#12 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,451	Quote: (Originally Posted by RebreatherDave) ... scrubber ... As Stuart pointed out, the Meg's scrubber is insulated. While metal may not be the best material, it doesn't seem to have much of an impact on the duration rating. Both Meg and YBOD are rated for 3 hours. Add to that the flexibility of the multiple scrubber sizes and designs, and the Meg comes out ahead. The radial scrubber, with or without hydrophobic membrane, will be more efficient, the membrane will add safety, and the Mini Meg cannister is great for warm water vacations. OMG builds metal scrubber cannister that perform very well, too, by the way. Quote: Aluminum is far easier to manufacturer than engineered/welded plastic. Not in the numbers that APD supposedly builds. Injection molding becaomes much easier, less time consuming and less expensive. Quote: Since all oxygen sensors and electronics in salt water have issues, if any other rebreathers were out there in remotely the same quantitites of the Inspiration, you would be hearing of far more issues too. That's simply not true. The Inspiration's problems with the sensors derive from water condensating on the sensors. That's due to lack of engineering skills, not due to salt water. You'll have the same problems in fresh water. Salinity of the water doesn't make the difference, the temperature does. The MK series placed the sensors in the center of the cannister, the warmest space, split the gas flow and allowed for condensation against the lid. No sensor issues. The Cis also has the split gas path (such reducing the amount of moist gas running past the sensors) and a moisture trap before the sensors. As well as the posssibilty to blow gas across the sensors. No issues. The PRISM allows for condensation on the bucket and has a moisture trap. No issues. I have yet to hear of Meg users reporting sensor issues. Quote: Remember, there are more Inspirations out there than all other rebreathers COMBINED! That's like saying buy an air-cooled beetle because it outsold other cars. Sure the beetle drives. But that's about all it does ... . Hint: The US ad slogan for the new one: 0 to 60: YES! __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
(Offline)

14th May 2005, 01:35	#13 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,325	No comparison. In my view the Meg wins over the YBOD especially in terms of build quality, robustness and flexibility. As for condensation on the sensors, Stefan is spot on.
(Offline)

14th May 2005, 08:41	#14 (permalink)
cedricverdier S21 M.I.B. Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Worldwide! Posts: 497	Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) No comparison. In my view the Meg wins over the YBOD especially in terms of build quality, robustness and flexibility. I have an Evolution, an Inspiration and a Meg. I spent the last 6 years teaching people how to use the YBOD and I have traveled and dived with my units in very remote location. I have the Meg since last year and the difference is obvious: The meg is: - very robust - easy to pack and carry - very flexible to travel with (you can use any cylinder) - very reliable and easy to maintain or repair The YBOD is: - the most popular CCR worlwide (easy to find spare parts) - thoroughly tested and used - a good market for 3rd part accessories (4th cell, HUD, larger box, etc) Both units are available with built-in decompression software (Shearwater vs Vision). So the main questions is: do I travel a lot with my rebreather? If the answer is Yes, I would definitely choose the Meg. Cheers __________________ Cedric Verdier PADI Course Director, ANDI-IANTD-PSAI-TDI-DSAT-DAN-NAUI-CMAS Instructor Trainer Trimix (CCR and OC) and Cave Diving Instructor Trainer www.CedricVerdier.com DIRrebreather member
(Offline)

14th May 2005, 10:47	#15 (permalink)
robprice Bob.P Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dubai Posts: 44	Your choice in the end. I have only owned my YBOD since Jan 05. Have now dived it 45 hrs. Had 1 problem due to batttery bounce. Other than that I do love the thing, coming from OC with all the bits attached to you looking like a mule this is a breath of fresh air. Also there are lots of people around for this unit to give goood advice and help when you need it. So if you do have a problem or a worry at most dive places there will be some one there to give advice. At the end of the day it is your choice, as for waiting I got the classic with in the month of ordering. I did look in to others the only I came close to considering was the KISS. Robprice
(Offline)

14th May 2005, 10:58	#16 (permalink)
*Decodiver* Administrator Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Geneva Posts: 2,181	Colin, I have had 3 Inspirations, an Evolution and a Meg over the years. The Meg is abo**ely streets ahead of the YBOD and Evolution on build quality, modularity and ease of travel. The set-up is streamlined, the unit dives like a dream and just oozes quality. I teach both the Meg and YBOD to Mixed Gas level, my advice would be to get a Meg, you will not be disappointed. Get intouch with me if you want to get a look at a unit, that can be arranged. I will be at Capenwray next weekend then in the Lakes for a KISS Instructor course I am assessing. Cheers, 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
(Offline)

22nd June 2005, 09:58	#17 (permalink)
silent running Mature mouth breather Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: U.S.A. Brooklyn, New York Posts: 1,832	Hello Colin, I agree with Mr. caveseeker, given the choice btw, the Meg and the AP units, the Meg is a better unit. But if you are considering the US made Meg, consider the Prism as well. I wonder why you didn't list it as a possibility. It took me a lot of thinking and much research and I chose the Prism. 270 hrs and much international travel later, I'm still very happy with mine. Caveseeker's article lays out the case very well. But don't take my or anybody else's word for it. Do your homework and the differences will start to become clearer and the more you know, the easier it gets to make a decision. If something is confusing, stop and ask more questions until it's not. An educated customer is the only one a CCR manufacturer should want to have. You also need to have a firm idea of exactly how you will use your unit now and in the future. This will be almost as important to your decision making as the facts about the units themselves. Good luck and take your time.
(Offline)

24th July 2005, 15:41	#18 (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	The Evolution/Inspiration are the best out of the box no customizing units you can buy(in it's price class), and the new electronics are dynomite. But The MEG. Oh My! If you are into customising in ANY way the Meg is the choice. A wise man once said " There's nothing that comes out of a box that can't be made better !" If your not into tinkering than the EVO/Inspo with new leccies is great, if your a tinkerer like myself and apperntely a lot fo other people on this thread ;o), thna the meg is the way. Cheers Seb __________________ 'Because... I was Inverted!'
(Offline)

26th July 2005, 00:39	#19 (permalink)
tech123 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: st.paul MN,usa Posts: 3	hi I dive a meg and love it.
(Offline)

26th July 2005, 01:07	#20 (permalink)
bmattson New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 21	The YBOD is a good rebreather, but I like my Meg better.
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode