Octos: Oceanic swivel vs slimline vs XS altair

[abcitydiver]

I'm in the market for a new octo- not inline...
Am wondering if those with either the Oceanic Swivel 180, the Oceanic Slimline or the XS Scuba Altair could speak up...

Reliability, ease of breathing are of course primary considerations, as well as adjustability..
But also am wondering just HOW SLIMLINE the three models are.

I currently Have a Mares Rebel which I am giving to a dive buddy..good octo no problems, but this time out I want something less obtrusive.

Can any of you speak to the size and compactness as well swivel and stowing ability of theese octos?

All your thoughts appreciated!

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by abcitydiver

I'm in the market for a new octo- not inline...
Am wondering if those with either the Oceanic Swivel 180, the Oceanic Slimline or the XS Scuba Altair could speak up...

Reliability, ease of breathing are of course primary considerations, as well as adjustability..
But also am wondering just HOW SLIMLINE the three models are.

I currently Have a Mares Rebel which I am giving to a dive buddy..good octo no problems, but this time out I want something less obtrusive.

Can any of you speak to the size and compactness as well swivel and stowing ability of theese octos?

All your thoughts appreciated!

I have an Oceanic Swivel 180, it sits very flat, maybe 1"-1.5" from the bottom to top of purge, so it sits close to my chest, also the swiveling is a great feature IMO, since the octo can be breathed in any direction pretty much. I never notice that it is there.

[mwhities]

I would get a reliable 2nd stage as your "octo" and necklace it around your neck.

Reg Necklace

DIR-diver.com - Backup Reg Rigging

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by mwhities

I would get a reliable 2nd stage as your "octo" and necklace it around your neck.

Reg Necklace

DIR-diver.com - Backup Reg Rigging

If you go this route, be sure to have a long primary so you can donate it and the other person can breathe comfortably from it, either 5' or 7' hose.

[jpsexton]

I have 2 regulator sets with the regular Oceanic Slimline and one set with an Oceanic Swivel 180. I'd say for a few extra dollars go for the Swivel 180. It's much easier to deploy and breaths almost as good as your primary. The slimline is a little cumbersome to deploy and breaths a little harder. It's still a good octo, I just like the Swivel 180 better.

[abcitydiver]

Thanks everyone! I went with the swivel, and its ups'ing its way to me as we speak :-)