2airishuman
Contributor
At the risk of getting beat up here, allow me to make a case where Spare Air or equivalent might make sense. And no, I do not own the unit. Below are the very specific conditions I had in mind whereby it sounds reasonable to me. There may be others (e.g., buddy separation, etc.).
1. Solo, therefore it will serve as your redundancy (I know this sounds silly, but see #2)
2. Shallow (< 30' depending on your SAC rate)
3. In the event of an OOA, you will head to the surface immediately
Yes, anybody should be able to perform a CESA from at least some shallow depth, and if you are soloing and can't perform a CESA, well, then, I'm concerned. Anyhow, as for me, I would simply prefer to suck on this on the way up than do the CESA and the capacity seems enough (notwithstanding a few SAC calculations), given #2 and #3.
What say you?
David
David,
I dive solo and have made many dives with redundant air in various configurations. Generally at depths less than 30 feet the surface is my reserve. The capable, reasonably fit diver who has the training, experience, and mindset for solo diving can reach the surface with no drama and no difficulty from these depths.
I don't see any advantages to a Spare Air over a larger pony cylinder with a standard valve with a detachable regulator. Spare Airs are difficult to service and do not provide a way forward when you are ready for a dive that calls for a larger reserve. They do not breathe especially well. They are no less expensive than individual components. They are not materially easier to pack or carry. And due to the lack of a BC connection, you can't use them to inflate the tires on your divemobile.