pilot fish:
You've pretty much covered it but I have one question that occured to me as I was reading your post- following your scenario: since we have ONLY seconds to make the right choice, you really, I mean, REALLY, want to make the right one. At the moment you realize your air is off, you are sucking on that reg and nothing is coming out, do you look to see where your buddy is and head for him, or do you start the reach for your tank and not even waste time trying to find him/her?
First, good job in implementing an easy to use and useful tool to increase your diving safety.
Thanks in part to preparation, and luck, I have not experienced the scenario I mentioned. In the event I did while buddy diving, I would immediately get one hand on the valve and move towards/reach for buddy's reg. If I have access to buddy's reg while I'm still turning the valve and not getting a good breath, I would switch to buddy's reg.to start breathing properly and then finish opening valve. If I need to look around to find buddy, this will be done while turning valve. Whether I start heading towards him or the surface as I turn valve depends on distance, his direction and speed of movement. As you can see, introducing a buddy opens it up to a much wider range of possibilities because of all the variables a buddy brings to the equation. Basically, if buddy can be trusted, is right there next to you, it's just as easy to have him donate a fully operating reg.
There's a lot more than has been discussed here regarding long hose or standard rec hose configuration and procedures, too. There's been many threads on this topic, some better than others, that you may want to research to get a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, also about the Air2.
One thing not mentioned yet, since we have been operating on a very reliable assumption due to some of the scenarios discussed so far, is actual problem identification. A quick glance at the pressure gauge at the first sign of increased work of breathing can offer
further confirmation.
There's a lot more than has been discussed here regarding long hose or standard rec hose configuration and procedures. There's been many threads on this topic, some better than others, that you may want to research to get a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, also about the Air2
On another topic, in true somewhat typical discussion form, when someone provides a sound argument which others can not overcome with reason, the topic is shifted to argue other scenarios, allegations are made about the other's abilities and wisdom, and so forth. It does make for a lively discussion.
Naturally if you just jumped in, are properly weighted, and breathing often, one should quickly recognize the problem just beneath surface and swim up. Consider that this is not always the case. Lamont gave a real life example. It's possible for some to use a controlled long slow exhale taking them to depth with increasing speed.
The scenario was postulated as such to address certain issues with a degree of precision. Since learning is a process not a destination, I try to keep an open mind. I would really want to hear arguments disproving the conclusions made in that example. I believe the priorities in terms of needs and available options lead to an optimum corrective action that will hold true under such conditions for divers with the ability to implement them, which excludes other conditions, and those for whom the ideal course of action does not prove advantageous due to personal idiosyncrasies. I can understand others using an inferior corrective option, due to prioritizing other considerations beyond the scope postulated. You can't optimize for everything. One often comes at the expense of another. But I do think its critical to understand the fact that at times we may depend on inferior tools in some situations. Through this recognition we are afforded the option and the chance to continually seek improvement.
The most troubling thing I see is the number of replies claiming that: Since I always check my gear. I breath before I descend. I always check my guage as I breath my reg. No one touches my gear. And other such good practices - being used in a nonsensical way in an attempt to prove a point it does not support.
Within the context of the discussion here, the valve manipulation tool is a CORRECTIVE tool. There is a reason for such tools. If you think that it can't happen to you, because ________ . You need to get REAL.
