new XS Scuba Altair (octopus) hard to release?

[davidbaraff]

I'm a brand new diver (did the pool sessions for my OW last week, going to Monterey in 2 weeks to finish completely). I bought a bunch of new equipment, which has seen a total of 2 days use, all in the pool.

Among other things, I got an XS Altair for my octopus. I got it specifically because I like the fact that it clips to my BC, so I'll always know where it is, but I'm very concerned because the "release" mechanism doesn't seem so automatic.

I assume that it should *NOT* be necessary for me to squeeze in on the latches with my fingers when trying to pull it out of the clip -- I sure hope so, because with gloves on, and in a panic situation, I'm not sure I'd get it right away to hand off to someone who needs it. I just want to pull it away from myself, and be able to hand it off.

So am I just supposed to yank on it real hard to release it? Or, being brand new, is there something I need to do to make it release easier? (One of the technicians at my course sprayed it with some silicone spray, but I don't know it made much difference).

Suggestions?

[My instructor (wisely!) told me to leave it unclipped while we were in the pool, as we were doing OOA drills, thank goodness!]

 

[Teamcasa]

... How much more was it as opposed to a standard octo? If it was more than a buck you got screwed. I'm generally a big fan of xs products. Have quite a few but that is just plain dumb.

Easy Jim, I have one and it works quite well. If I need it, a quick tug and it free. No problem. On the plus side it breaths pretty well also.

 

[XS Scuba]

Hello David:
Congratulations on becoming a diver. Sorry to hear you have difficulty with the attachment buckle. To answer your question correctly, yes the AltAir is designed so that with a pull the octopus releases without squeezing the latches. The AltAir utilizes the same patented quick-release buckles used on today's most modern BC's. The male buckle is designed to work with the female buckle included with AltAir or the 1" female side-release buckle sewn to your BC (if manufactured by ITW Nexus or Duraflex). Your difficulty could be caused by a female buckle from a different manufacturer or from a molding issue with the male buckle. Either way give me a call when you have time and I'll help figure it out. Toll-Free 866 977-2822.

 

[davidbaraff]

Hello David:
To answer your question correctly, yes the AltAir is designed so that with a pull the octopus releases without squeezing the latches. The AltAir utilizes the same patented quick-release buckles used on today's most modern BC's. The male buckle is designed to work with the female buckle included with AltAir or the 1" female side-release buckle sewn to your BC (if manufactured by ITW Nexus or Duraflex). Your difficulty could be caused by a female buckle from a different manufacturer or from a molding issue with the male buckle.

Thanks for a *correct* :blinking: reply; I am using the buckle that shipped with the AltAir. But I'm good now -- yours and the previous reply solved it for me. They key was knowing I'm not expected to squeeze the buckle, but more importantly, the operative word is "tug" or "jerk". I was exerting a slow steady pull, expecting it to give way, and then I stopped at a certain point because I thought I might break something.

However, if I grab the regulator firmly, and give a sharp, abrupt tug, it pops right off. (And, since in an emergency, I'm sure a frantic tug to get it to a buddy will be my *first* instinct, all the better.)

I really like the design -- the regular is in a consistent place right below my right upper D-ring, so I can put my hand right on it. The non-tangling hose bit, now, that I understand it is also great. Thanks for a great product.

(I got the AltAir along with the TriMetal -- wow, that TriMetal breathes nice and smooth so far!)