Objective Rebreather Comparos?

[Diver4121]

Thanks for the info!

 

[trident00]

I'd like to throw out there that you want a rebreather that other people in your area are diving and one that has a an instructor you really like. Its nice to dive with people that are on the same unit.

Cheers, Walt

 

[Chris Brown Tech]

Does anyone have any advice on where I can read an objective evaluation of the various RBs on the market? I realize that Consumer Reports probably has not done a test, but I'm sure someone/organization/tech magazine has. Feel free to post any links that may apply. Thanks in advance!

The problem with this is that the books have to remain impartial to a degree and they wont print the real downsides of some of the units. The best way to get good advice IMO is speak to a CCR instructor who can give you genuine advice on several models they teach without pushing you towards a particular unit. Do this with 2 instructors and you will have a good overview of the most popular units on the market.

Important points:

-Backmounted or Over The Shoulder Counterlungs

-Electronic or Manual or both

-C02 monitoring / temp stik

-Onboard electronics / trimix & ability to auto calibrate, give warning alarms etc.

The electronics are a biggie for me. Until someone sits you down and explains the real deal, you can end up buying a unit that has very little or no safety warning alarms on it at all. This is fine if you understand and accept it, but some people do get a bit shocked when they find out they paid $10k for a machine that essentially just removes co2 and relies on you to add oxygen and does nothing else.

Co2 monitoring / temp sticks are also a huge benefit and lacking on most rebreathers.

CCR's are like cars. You can get simple, fast sporty cars with a manual stick shift, or big comfy ones with traction control, GPS, engine management systems etc. Same with rebreathers - there are simple units with minimal electronics and there are very sophisticated units with lots of automation and self -checks.