Integrated inflator/octo and a stuck inflator!

[Navy OnStar]

I use an AIR2 and I really like it. I have seen quite a few people use them or similar products.

I have a question (OK like 20 questions) for all the integrated oct/inflator users:

What do you do if your inflator sticks?

Normally, with a standard octo, you would disconnect the low pressure line and just inflate orally if necessary.
Doing that with the Combo Inflator/Octo and now you have lost your back-up. If you or your buddy should encounter a Reg problem or your buddy is OOA, trying to reconnect in an emergency could be difficult. I know it has a very, very low probability of occuring but have you even thought about it? We all have an Octo for the very low probability of an OOA/reg problem? Would you be comfortable diving without one? What if your buddy didn't have one?

Do you disconnect and continue the dive?
Do you disconnect and end the dive?
Do you use something like this? Inflator Shut Off Adapter, Accessories: Miscellaneous, Innovative Scuba Concepts, Inflator Shut Off Adapter
Do you use a pony or other RBS?

What would you do?

I personally would probably disconnect and end the dive. But the Inflator shut off adapter caught my attention while surfing all the wonderful products for the 10,000th time!

I eventually will get a pony of some size and it will be a moot point but until then...........I have a dive trip paid for in April to the Carribean and the thought of ending a dive short for any reason bothers me..........

OnStar

[skdvr]

I dive with a pony and I would end the dive with any major problem.

I have an integrated octo that I use with my BC but it is an in-line octo so if my inflator gets stuck and I disconnect it I still have my octo. Personally I would still end the dive.

Just my .02

Phil

[awap]

An air2 is a reasonably reliable piece of gear. You will see the occasional small leak or hard breathing problems but, while not impossible, a stuck inflator is not as common a problem due to the use of a heavier spring and seal than is found in many inflators (a schrader valve). If you did have a problem and had to disconnect the air2 hose, calling the dive might be a good idea unless you (and your buddy) are prepared to continue with no alternate 2nd stage.

[fisheater]

Also, if it works like the Zeagle Octo-Z, you remove the octo/inflator from the BC and keep it with the rest of your regulator when you dissassemble your system. So. Unlike a conventional inflator, your octo/inflator won't be banging into stuff being dragged around with your BC. Thus, it's said that they rarely have stuck inflator issues.