WTB - O2ptima or Inspiration

Jordan

MissBJ is a man? Damnit!..... I was about ready to send a PM to MissBJ because I was envisioning MissBJ as a woman who enjoyed Rebreather diving and afterwards gave out BJ's.

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MissBJ

Sorry about the introduction - Another diver pointed the post out to me and as i'm new to this forum it was not clear how to proceed quickly - I see there is a newby section - I'll visit there next. I've been diving rebreathers, SCRs & CCRs, for about eight years now. I am currently using an Optima but have an older Inspiration and can only use one at a time. My diving is mostly Cave (Florida and Yucatan) but some open water but it needs to be warm.. (70 degF or greater). So, yes, I'm a wuss. Micropore does make an insert and ExtendAir scrubber cartridges for the Clasic Inspiration. They are convient to use, esp. if you have to do fills on a boat but slightly more expensive than the loose fill.

MissBJ

seafox

Howard, you're so disciplined!
But as you see, we don't have to plug the Optima anymore,
they've seen the light, they're moving to it naturally!!!!!

Cornel

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Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.


Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards!

gjackson

Hi,

I have a classic Inspiration for sale. Head is currently being fully re-built/upgraded. You can even specify if you want molex or coax connectors for cells. The unit is a classic Inspiration with the following details:

• medium counterlungs attached
• 2nd set of medium lungs that are detached and seperated.
• APD ADV and Bob Howell original ADV blocks included.
• original BCD attached
• OMS stainless steel backplate and webbing harness with Drings
• original 20cf tanks (UK versions)
• several sets of spare O rings, scrims, counterlung inner bags, etc
• several sets of spare hoses and hose hardware (connectors, etc)

Since the head is being rebuilt, the unit will be pretty well brand new, and even improved (new sealed battery compartment, new covers for handsets, etc....)

I am willing to sell for $4500. I live in Massachusetts, but would be willing to travel a bit to meet you for exchange, just let me know where you are.

I also have a KISS DSV that I would be willing to sell if you are interested.

Thanks!

Greg Jackson
978-842-4040 (home)
978-930-0181 (cell)

Jeffmedic

I teach in the mid atlantic area. I am in Annapolis, Md.
Of course i can get you a new unit but understand wanting the value of a used unit.

Jeff Johnson
IANTD, TDI, PSA Tech Instructor
Jeff@Divesafety.net

Gill Envy

Ok, lets get the debate going. if you are talking an Inspo classic vs an optima, i'd go for the optima, personally. but I'm guessing your are talking about an inspo vision, in which case i'd go with the vision. And i'm assuming that since the EAC is an exclusive/self limiting feature of the optima that the EAC is part of what attracts you to the optima.

Similarities: Both are eCCR's and come with the vulnerabilities of complex electronics with many failure points. both share some intersection points of electronics, which some say creates a common failure point. Both the vision and hammerhead have had their share of quirks, but seem largely to have overcome them. both have a HUD and other po2 alarm that help add redundancy. Both seem relatively reliable and are enjoyed by many respective owners. Both can take multiple tank sizes and valve types if cowling is modified/removed/replaced... they are both ultimately modular, but not out of the box like the Meg.

Pros of the Vision inspo: it takes granular sorb and the EAC...If you really like the EAC you don't need to make this choice based on it, just know there is crossover compataility of the EAC and focus on the rest of the differences. the temp stick is possibly the single most appreciated aspect of the vision for me, it rocks and no one else has it (however not compatible with the EAC). the batteries last a relatively long time. Very reliable company to deal with, excellent customer service. Beautifully layed out electronics. One screen, easy to read...simple. for those living in Europe, the proximity to the manufacturer is a bonus when servicing is needed.

Pros of the optima: very nice harness/wing options and in IMHO is easier to deal with in terms of buoency. Diverite is a well respected and solid company, also good track record... mostly standard fittings, maybe more field servicable. Two separate screens, more isolation between set point controllers. I have very limited experience on one but liked the experience I had. for those living in the US, Proximity to the manufacturer is a bonus when servicing is needed.

Downsides of the Vision: As with all eCCR's, they are complicated and when something goes wrong it can be a show stopper. having only one screen increases the chances for a common failure point between both controllers. Batteries are harder to find and more expensive... best baught in bulk. the vision is very sensative to battery brand. If you don't live in the UK, servicing has it's challenges and delays.

Downsides of the optima: You are totally dependent on the availability of the EAC's which are harder to get ahold of in remote locations. they are also much bulkier than sorb which can really catch up with you when doing long trips in remote places. Enough sorb (1 40 lb keg) for roughly 60 hours of diving can be fit in a medium size duffle bag to be checked, compared to 15-20ish EAC's. As with all eCCR's, they are complicated and when something goes wrong it can be a show stopper. Eats batteries (though they are cheap and readily available), even if you can get them cheaply you'll be opening the battery compartment and changing them a lot (it's recommended after every dive!). If you live outside the US, servicing has it's challenges and likely delays.

Reason I decided not to go with the optima:
didn't want to be forced into purchasing and using the EAC, which is harder to find than sorb and 2 to 3 times the price per hour of diving...I wanted the choice between types of sorb I can use and the promised granular adapter for the optima never materialized. I was never convinced that the threat of caustic cocktail was big enough, especially with todays typically front mounted counter lungs, to make it much of a concern... also, most modern sorb is less caustic anyway. Ultimately, the upsides of the optima did not outway the apparent downsides to only being able to use one very specific type/brand of sorb.

Reason I would go with the vision Inspo: You have the choice of using the EAC when available or tow major brands and two major sizes of sorb that are more readily available at Rebreather friendly locations. The electronics are arguably the best on the market. AP arguably has the best testing ability of all manufacturers and certainly the largest number of units out on the market.

Reason why i'm thining of going mCCR: well that's a whole other story which can be found in other threads. The long and short of it is eCCR's are overkill for the type of diving I do and all that extra complexity is not as high a priority to me as field servicability and apparent "safer" statistics (training and skill not withstanding).

good luck with your choice. Remember, there is no one right rebreather for everyone. Each of us has to weigh our priorities, likes and dislikes... the choice is ultimately a very personal one.

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Gill Envy

...Because I wasn't born with gills!
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Dave Faye

Greg. How old is the unit? I have a buddy who is looking for a Classic Inspo. He is already certified on the classic by Tom H. I think he was looking in the $4,000.00 range. I will pass your post on to him.

PM me if you want.
Dave

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Dave

http://www.Bostondeepwrecks.com

http://www.Fayelaw.com

ForTheFight

Thank you everyone, I have found a unit.