Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X

kawasakign · 13th February 2008, 23:06

So how many different generations of Optima are there?
From what I can tell there is the original, and fx, an fx with new HH components...but then I heard not all had the trimix onboard or there was an issue with unlocking for a fee on top of training fees (which was resolved).
Can anyone help with a list?

Tried searching to find a list of the different generations of Optima, but came up empty. I might not be using a good combo of keywords.

Also, for those who ultimately choose to purchase the Optima, what functions, features and/or feelings (after diving the unit perhaps) swayed you towards the Optima versus other units. For those who chose another unit but still lurk in the Optima forums...why the other unit vs Optima?

I have a rebreather demo day on the 9th, but i think only Megs and Insp/Evo's will be there.

Tienuts · 13th February 2008, 23:17

2 Generations. The Optima, which some now refer to as the Optima classic, and the Optima FX, which came out Summer 06.

On the FX, the case was changed to include a size-adjustable foot, followed by the delrin handsets.

Originally, I believe they did charge extra for the PIN to enable the trimix on the handsets, however this is now included, but still requires a separate PIN to be entered to activate the helium.

For me, I had narrowed my choice down to the Optima and the Meg. Both are excellent units, however I went with the Optima for the deco on the handsets, smaller loop volume, and the Extendair. Although many will disagree with the latter, I don't mind paying extra for the Extendair, and availability is not a problem for me here in So Fla.

**Dsix36** · 13th February 2008, 23:17

AFAIK there was the original Optima and then the Optima FX. They all had the HammerHead electronics but the earlier versions had the aluminum handsets and they are delrin now.

My reasons for an Optima were (in this order also):
1 - HammerHead electronics
2 - use of extendair cartridges
3 - location of training, parts, and service
4 - size, weight, configuration
5 - my diving style and plans

At the time, the Meg was my second choice, but now it would be the HammerHead CCR instead. I just like the HH electronics!

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 14th February 2008, 04:58

I decided on the Optima for the same reasons stated above. I, too, had narrowed it down the the Meg or the Optima, and I ultimately chose the Optima. I am a big fan of the Extend Air Cartridge, and at the time, that was the tie-breaker for me.

Like DSix36, my second place finisher today would be the Hammerhead CCR.

**sfldiver** · 14th February 2008, 10:34

The main reasons I personally went with the Optima definitely includes the one's previously mentioned; however, my decision specifically focussed on my geographical proximity to a shop that offered total support, complete spare parts inventory and unquestionable expertise to support my ongoing use of the rebreather. Furthermore, Dive Rite's reputation as a top notch manufacturer of technical diving equipment and my previous experience personally using their equipment for tech diving for many years made the dicision a no brainer in my book.

diverreb · 14th February 2008, 11:09

All of the above.... Plus one of the most important considerations for me was that the O2ptima is supported by a company that I know will be around for the long haul and who, through personal experience, offered outstanding product support and customer service throughout their product line.

Richie

dnscarboro · 15th February 2008, 00:34

Support is great. Normally a phone call away. Us new rebreather diver sometimes have crazy questions, but I have yet to be disappointed by my Optima. Training in this area is great!. If I could only get my new VR3 to work as well! I promise I am going to break it-- the VR3 has a mind of it own...

jiseson · 15th February 2008, 02:45

seems like a strange survey request? but love th unit and the support has been tops-both at DR and Kevin @ HH!

kawasakign · 15th February 2008, 02:54

Any of you dive other units or use to dive them? What is better on the Optima or HH for that matter. On paper I have to say that the Optima has my vote right now and as far as price it seems that it is very competitive and "bang for your buck". I do like the new Sentinel but I'm sure that will be even harder to find training near me and its more expensive (at least right now).

mriopel · 15th February 2008, 04:21

[quote=Dsix36;168661]AFAIK there was the original Optima and then the Optima FX. They all had the HammerHead electronics but the earlier versions had the aluminum handsets and they are delrin now.

My reasons for an Optima were (in this order also):
1 - HammerHead electronics
2 - use of extendair cartridges
3 - location of training, parts, and service
4 - size, weight, configuration
5 - my diving style and plans

I like the colors (ha ha ). For the basic reasons as quote. DR is close and they have great service. Training was also close with some good instructors, The Meg was next (price seem to be too high) And support to far away for me. Some day may have one or would like try out the new HH/

Mike

13th February 2008, 23:06	#1 (permalink)
kawasakign New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 17	Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X So how many different generations of Optima are there? From what I can tell there is the original, and fx, an fx with new HH components...but then I heard not all had the trimix onboard or there was an issue with unlocking for a fee on top of training fees (which was resolved). Can anyone help with a list? Tried searching to find a list of the different generations of Optima, but came up empty. I might not be using a good combo of keywords. Also, for those who ultimately choose to purchase the Optima, what functions, features and/or feelings (after diving the unit perhaps) swayed you towards the Optima versus other units. For those who chose another unit but still lurk in the Optima forums...why the other unit vs Optima? I have a rebreather demo day on the 9th, but i think only Megs and Insp/Evo's will be there.
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13th February 2008, 23:17	#2 (permalink)
Tienuts Chief Prankster Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 205	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X 2 Generations. The Optima, which some now refer to as the Optima classic, and the Optima FX, which came out Summer 06. On the FX, the case was changed to include a size-adjustable foot, followed by the delrin handsets. Originally, I believe they did charge extra for the PIN to enable the trimix on the handsets, however this is now included, but still requires a separate PIN to be entered to activate the helium. For me, I had narrowed my choice down to the Optima and the Meg. Both are excellent units, however I went with the Optima for the deco on the handsets, smaller loop volume, and the Extendair. Although many will disagree with the latter, I don't mind paying extra for the Extendair, and availability is not a problem for me here in So Fla.
(Online)

13th February 2008, 23:17	#3 (permalink)
Dsix36 Going Down? Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida Posts: 1,053	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X AFAIK there was the original Optima and then the Optima FX. They all had the HammerHead electronics but the earlier versions had the aluminum handsets and they are delrin now. My reasons for an Optima were (in this order also): 1 - HammerHead electronics 2 - use of extendair cartridges 3 - location of training, parts, and service 4 - size, weight, configuration 5 - my diving style and plans At the time, the Meg was my second choice, but now it would be the HammerHead CCR instead. I just like the HH electronics! __________________ THE MORE THAT I LEARN, THE MORE THAT I STILL NEED TO LEARN!!!!!!
(Offline)

14th February 2008, 04:58	#4 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,138	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X I decided on the Optima for the same reasons stated above. I, too, had narrowed it down the the Meg or the Optima, and I ultimately chose the Optima. I am a big fan of the Extend Air Cartridge, and at the time, that was the tie-breaker for me. Like DSix36, my second place finisher today would be the Hammerhead CCR. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

14th February 2008, 10:34	#5 (permalink)
sfldiver S.C.R.U.B.'S Photographer Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 784	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X The main reasons I personally went with the Optima definitely includes the one's previously mentioned; however, my decision specifically focussed on my geographical proximity to a shop that offered total support, complete spare parts inventory and unquestionable expertise to support my ongoing use of the rebreather. Furthermore, Dive Rite's reputation as a top notch manufacturer of technical diving equipment and my previous experience personally using their equipment for tech diving for many years made the dicision a no brainer in my book. __________________ *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.
(Offline)

14th February 2008, 11:09	#6 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 596	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X All of the above.... Plus one of the most important considerations for me was that the O2ptima is supported by a company that I know will be around for the long haul and who, through personal experience, offered outstanding product support and customer service throughout their product line. Richie
(Online)

15th February 2008, 00:34	#7 (permalink)
dnscarboro New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 36	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X Support is great. Normally a phone call away. Us new rebreather diver sometimes have crazy questions, but I have yet to be disappointed by my Optima. Training in this area is great!. If I could only get my new VR3 to work as well! I promise I am going to break it-- the VR3 has a mind of it own...
(Offline)

15th February 2008, 02:45	#8 (permalink)
jiseson DSIX/O2PTIMA Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island,ny Posts: 562	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X seems like a strange survey request? but love th unit and the support has been tops-both at DR and Kevin @ HH! __________________ *Jonathan D Iseson* Last edited by jiseson : 15th February 2008 at 23:24.
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15th February 2008, 02:54	#9 (permalink)
kawasakign New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 17	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X Any of you dive other units or use to dive them? What is better on the Optima or HH for that matter. On paper I have to say that the Optima has my vote right now and as far as price it seems that it is very competitive and "bang for your buck". I do like the new Sentinel but I'm sure that will be even harder to find training near me and its more expensive (at least right now).
(Offline)

15th February 2008, 04:21	#10 (permalink)
mriopel Sadly Missed (RIP) Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: usa Posts: 167	Re: Optima generation list? Optima vs Rebreather X [quote=Dsix36;168661]AFAIK there was the original Optima and then the Optima FX. They all had the HammerHead electronics but the earlier versions had the aluminum handsets and they are delrin now. My reasons for an Optima were (in this order also): 1 - HammerHead electronics 2 - use of extendair cartridges 3 - location of training, parts, and service 4 - size, weight, configuration 5 - my diving style and plans I like the colors (ha ha ). For the basic reasons as quote. DR is close and they have great service. Training was also close with some good instructors, The Meg was next (price seem to be too high) And support to far away for me. Some day may have one or would like try out the new HH/ Mike
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