Octo clip

[gfisher4792]

I'm wondering what others are using for an octo clip. I just have a simple stretchy band, and the stupid thing always lets my octo fly free during a dive, eventually. Are scum balls good? Rodales had something called an Octo-Quik, by St. Claire's diving, but I can't find anything else about it (not even where to see/buy one)Just want some suggestions that can keep my octo where I want it, and keep it from free flowing. Thanks a bunch.

[joens]

first off there is no need to post the same message in different sections most of us read everything anyway .I feel a bungeed backup reg is the only way to go.
Joens

[cyklon_300]

$1 worth of bungee cord and you're set...

[gfisher4792]

Yeah, I realized that I didn't need to post the same message, but after I posted both of them. And the delete function isn't cooperating. What fun to be a newbie on a message board. Good thing it's Friday!

[joens]

welcome to the board.

Joens

[Walter]

An alternative is a snorkel keeper on a D ring.

You can edit your own posts. Regulators can delete them. The other thread is now gone.

[awap]

Scubapro has a pretty good looking octo holder. I've never tried it but it seems to be more secure than something like a scumball. Downside is it looks that much harder to attach octo to the clip.

I tried the scumball but had problems with keeping the octo in place and detecting & correcting freeflow. Also was a minor PITA before each dive pulling the octo, testing, and reinstalling. I like to actually breath it rather than just test with purge.

I soon went to the bungee. Never comes loose accidentally, freeflow under your chin quickly detected and corrected, and easy to test before dive. Does occasionally bump your chin or primary but I hardly notice that anymore.

[nickjb]

Anything that stops you properly testing the reg before a dive is a bad thing and a PITA. Safety checks are already easy enough to skip without giving yourself more reasons. I know, I've been there :)

The scumball type do tend to damage the mouthpiece if you use use them a lot.

I now use a back-up reg in a necklace and donate the reg in my mouth but when I do use an octo I use a large (1 1/2" ish) o-ring on a D-ring.

[Stone]

I'm still using this type of octo holder (#RP36 at the bottom of This Page (http://www.mikesscuba.com/octoholders.htm))

[Walter]

Stone,

That looks like a fancy (more expensive?) snorkel keeper.

awap,

I've tried Scubapro's octo holder (they were tossed in when I bought either my BC or regulator). It works better than most, but not as good as a snorkel keeper.

[nickjb]

Yep. That is pretty similar to what i do (except using a couple of o-rings). The RP45 is a real pain to refit and makes you not want to check your octo, best avoided (and it eats mouthpieces)

[Stone]

Walter,

Mine was pretty expensive . . . about $500, but it came with a SeaQuest BC attached.

[roturner]

gfisher4792 once bubbled...
I'm wondering what others are using for an octo clip. I just have a simple stretchy band, and the stupid thing always lets my octo fly free during a dive, eventually. Are scum balls good? Rodales had something called an Octo-Quik, by St. Claire's diving, but I can't find anything else about it (not even where to see/buy one)Just want some suggestions that can keep my octo where I want it, and keep it from free flowing. Thanks a bunch.

I wear my octopus around my neck on a bungee cord. It means giving away your primary in an emergency but you always know where your octo is, it's not dragging around getting full of crud, it's less likely to free-flow in this position, you can reach it blind, etc etc etc.

R..

[gfisher4792]

I figure giving away my primary (voluntarily or not) is the most likely scenario anyway. The necklace sounds like the best idea. I figure surgical tubing and a couple of zip ties. Any better ideas?

[awap]

gfisher4792 once bubbled...
I figure giving away my primary (voluntarily or not) is the most likely scenario anyway. The necklace sounds like the best idea. I figure surgical tubing and a couple of zip ties. Any better ideas?

if you use bungee cord with a loop for the mouthpiece instead of zip ties. With a good tug, the octo will pull free fron the bungee loop. With a zip tie, you could end up in a serious wrestling matxch with a paniced OOA diver if he decides to go for your octo rather than your primary. (Place DIR slam of your own choosing here)

[BEM]

I use this and am fairly satisfied with it. At first it was not easy to get the mouthpiece blocker into the airway, but I can do it quickly now. It keeps the octopus in an easy to grab position and releases the reg upon a firm pull.

A couple of time the octo came out, but mostly due to may fault (either tugged at the octo or didn't secure the mouthepiece.)

It seems to be rugged and no problems in 2 years (my wife and I both use one.)

[CuriousMe]

It took me forever to find them (everyone wanted to sell me clips, and balls, and all sorts of nonsense). They were like .50 each, and they do the job well.

Peace.
Cathie


Stone once bubbled...
I'm still using this type of octo holder (#RP36 at the bottom of This Page (http://www.mikesscuba.com/octoholders.htm))

[Hallmac]

For those of you still dealing with the Scuzz ball Octo retainer.
If you like using it and want to keep from having freeflow problems Try this.

Punch or cut a hole at least 3/8 of an inch into the top of the ball. Without a vent hole the scuzzball traps an air pocket which tricks the safe second into purging. It's not really freeflow. There is more pressure on the outside of the diaphram than inside and the unit attempts to equalize just as it does when you are breathing it at depth.

I no longer use or recommend the scuzz ball but if you are using it this may help stop the "free flow"

I use a simple piece of elastic strap purchased from a sewing shop that is looped into a 1 1/2 inch loop. I double it over a d-ring and then slipp it over the mouth piece. A firm pull will remove it for deployment

Hallmac.

[ScoobieDooo]

THIS RULES - I saw this 4 wks ago while in the Florida Keys diving on a charter.

It costs only $ .99 to make, and you take a rubber snorkel keeper, attach one end with a girth hitch to the D-ring and you place the mouthpiece thru the hole of the other end. It holds great and doesn't pop off, however, it comes out if and when needed, with no hassles!

Really, forget all the fancy octo holders and gadgets. $ .99 does it!

:-)

[ScoobieDooo]

Another option is to mount your Octo on a 'necklace' of latex surgical tubing and carry it around your neck. Its always there when you need it and you can find it quickly and easily with your hand even in the dark or with your eyes closed.

[PnL]

I've tried the "scumball" and its a PITA. It takes a while to get the mouth piece in. It is secure, do doublt, but when my buddy gave me the OOA signal and I pulled on the octo the mouth piece came off. Not a good way to go when someone is OOA.

I personally agree with the necklace - its out of the way and right where you need it at all times. The bungie is tied into a loop so if you pull hard on the octo it releases the octo. Donating the primary 2nd stage on a long hose also makes sense to me and this is how my wife and I dive. Otherwise the necklace wouldn't make as much sense, especially if its still on a longer hose as in 'standard recreational' setups.