Thanks, I figure if I am going to fork out $15,000 on gear and training, it would be best to ask around and do lots of research.
I think that would be the #1 reason to pay the extra bucks for the eCCR. However, you make a point (and it has been pointed out elsewhere on this board) that if the electronics bite it, your done diving.
Windwalker, I have been diving the Optima since the middle of last year and have enjoyed it tremendously. At first, I planned on diving primarily with the setpoint set lower and manually adding O2, but I found myself ultimately diving it exclusively electronically and letting the rebreather do the work for me; however, that doesn't mean I do not check the PO2 readouts on both my primary handset and on my VR3 (4th cell) very often. Furthermore, the backup features (HUD PO2 Display, Vibrating Warning HUD and Illuminating Handsets) the Hammerhead electronics offer me further add another layer of protection and go a long way towards allowing me to sleep very well at night with the choices I have made.
One other note, the EAC (Scrubber Cartridge), which is standard on the Optima and which has traditionally been a big source of debate online, is an area worth doing your homework about. Personally, the convenience it adds me is priceless. When I'm going diving, I just drop in a new cartridge, and off I go. However, others have made some good points within forums about the possible lack availability and cost, but I think the convenience and consistency in actual scrubbing performance far outway the minor inconvenieces that some feel they may have in acquiring them, but that's just my humble opinion.
I think you are approaching the whole rebreather transition thing from the appropriate angle by doing your homework. Also, don't underestimate the base of knowledge and friendliness found on the RebreatherWorld site (
Rebreather World - Rebreathers for Scuba Diving - the next step). I have become a very active member and learn a tremendous amount everytime I'm on the site.
One footnote, for me, the biggest selling point was the geographic distance and availability of a dive shop with a good instructor and good onging support of parts and service for your rebreather. I fortunately have an enormous and knowledgable Dive Rite Dealer (
Dive Rite Express) a few miles from my house, so I lucked out. Many people travel far distances to get trained there, but I have them at my doorsteps, and I do not think I would have enjoyed my unit as much, had that not been the case.
Best of luck with your decision, whichever one you make!