Oceanic Air XS 2 Regulator/Inflator Combination, Complete

2017-10-04T14:01:08

The site said I should order the same length as my current inflator hose. So I ordered the 21". I received a 28" unit. So, it is a little longer than I was used to. The deflate button does not work well. I have only been on three dives with this new equipment. So, far, I am not too thrilled. Hopefully, I will adjust and learn to like it.

Sharon W.

2016-11-26T11:52:58

The AS2 worked fine after I finally figured out that the deflate button must be depressed fully (and it was pretty stiff) in order to work, but the convenience and weight reduction of the unit makes it what I was looking for.

R B.

2016-09-07T16:22:14

I returned this inflator after diving with it for a few days. I'm an expert diver with thousands of dives, and purchased the AirXS because I bought an Oceanic BCD and my old reg/ Inflator wasn't compatible. My biggest gripe is that the manual deflation button is located below the mouthpiece in a very awkward place to reach. Though the AirXS also has a pull deflation system, I want every option easily available, especially since I've had a couple of pull deflation systems go out In the past, so I know they're vulnerable. I instead bought an Atomic SS1, which has adapters included to fit most BCDs.

Erin Q.

2014-09-20T20:00:00

Works well at all depths. Purges nicely and is an easy breather. I would get one again without a doubt.

THOMASK

2014-07-25T20:00:00

I love this octo/inflator combo. Seems ruggedly built and should last a long time. Breathes very easily. I've had no free flow problems. I also found it very easy to use with my 5 mm cold water gloves. Better than my previous Sherwood octo combo that I used to use.

Sam

2012-12-23T19:00:00

The idea with this, or any similar product, is that you do as follows: Your buddy signs "I need air!" 1. YOU put the secondary air source in your mouth and hand him your normal second stage (which is still in your hand -- you just took it out of your mouth). 2. You grasp him by the lapels and hold him close (he doesn't have enough hose to wander off, so you are in control -- a Good Thing if he's a little panicky). 3. Ascend safely. The three advantages of one of these things are that (a) you KNOW where your spare is, all the time, (b) You control your buddy, not vice versa, (c) you don't drag your octopus across the bottom or get it snagged somewhere. Personally, I'll never go back to a standard octopus (this one isn't mine, I have a ScubaPro Air II, but same idea. I'm getting this for my son, because I'm that sold on its being a safer option, and he dives an Oceanic BC). I'll grant you, your octopus SHOULD be secured, but they don't always stay that way. With the Air II, I always KNOW right where it's at.

Fitz

2012-12-05T19:00:00

Takes a few dives to become very familiar with its operation. You give your primary for buddy breathing, or your going to make it a uncomfortable and difficult return to surface. No issues with free flow, generally have it serviced annually. Additionally I insure that it is rinsed out and dried thourghly after each dive. It doesn;t get abused as most other lenghty octos. You won;t be acccidently dragging it thru the sand and bumping it on coral. (Unless you have some serous bouyancy issues) While in transit or traveling I tuck it inside my BCD for protection. My only gripe is that the quick disconnect to the unit is non-standard and difficult to find or replace.

Norcal D.

2012-06-25T20:00:00

Installs in a snap, and the integrated controls just work as intended, with no drama.

DrBoom

2011-12-05T19:00:00

Wouldn't go back to diving with a normal octo unless teaching. You can eliminate hoses with this piece and its actually easier to find in an emergency, just inches below your mask, same location you would reach for your inflator hose.

Shane

2011-10-10T20:00:00

great ,fast service.

Nate

2011-06-18T20:00:00

Bought this in conjunction with my Excursion 2 BCD, I have used and liked other integrated systems before and figured Oceanic to Oceanic would be the best way to go but was I wrong! It will not stop free flowing and has caused me to abort dives on at least 2 occasions and has turned out to be more trouble than its worth, for the record my buddy has the same BCD with a Mares integrated unit and has no issues, maybe I'll go with that or back to a regular octo!

JAMIE B.

2011-04-27T20:00:00

First of all, this is a non-standard piece of gear in several ways; blue and not yellow. Okay maybe no big deal but may take slightly longer to locate (you are supposed to hand it to the diver, not let them grab it, but it happens) and once you do, the hose is MUCH shorter than a normal dedicated octo so the divers have to be right up close to each other, also the out of air diver has control of your inflator, not good. My LP hose failed catastrophically on the 28th dive. I dealt with it, and when I got back to the dive shop I tried to replace the low pressure hose with another one ... no dice. It's a non-standard special order and no dive shop carries it. Also it has a free flow problem which you need to learn to deal with. Also, the buttons ARE more cumbersome to use, practice or no practice. Regarding drag saved, phooey, no noticeable difference. I've gone back to by factory Inflator and standard octo. If you're are worried about your octo flopping around then do as you should have been taught and secure it.

JEFF B.

2009-12-06T19:00:00

in need of constant repair,plunger corrodes and causes free flow and inflator will not work, needs ultrasonic cleaning after every dive.

caribbeandiver

2009-04-10T20:00:00

I didn't like having the octo hanging down that I had to make sure was secured the whole time...the Air XS eliminated that problem. It takes a little getting used to the buttons for the BC, but it was cake after that. In open water testing I did with it, it was a whole lot easier(for me)to hand my primary off and use this to get to surface. You also have the comfort of knowing that your backup is right there. I would reccommend having a dive shop install it; it seems pretty easy, but I had problems until my local shop spent a minute on it for a VERY nominal fee.As with almost everything, let the experts save you time and trouble!!!

Darkflood

2009-03-23T20:00:00

Master Diver. Wife and I both have on our BCDs. Safety convenient and eliminates the additional drag of octopus hose. Very easy to install and recommend adding a DiveAlert to it.

LTCMILLER

2008-09-23T20:00:00

It takes a little getting used to, but after you figure out your hand placement it's a piece of cake.

Dave

2008-07-16T20:00:00

excellent as always

CHRISTOPHER W.

2008-06-08T20:00:00

I bought this with my package years ago and have had a lot of mechanical problems with it. While it is convenient to have the combination, the regulator leaks air frequently and it has nearly ruined a couple of my vacation dives. Despite having it worked on it continues to happen.

DR

2008-05-28T20:00:00

I use it for recreational diving so I can't comment on extreme depths. It's easy to find and there when you need it . No extra hose to mess with and get hung up on something while diving.I like the product and will recommend it to my friends.

Marine

2008-05-14T20:00:00

Great recomendation from Charlie. I have over 80 dives with this item. It helps streamline things. Lays flat against BCD. Easy self install, but will not be in same position as original inflator. Remember this is not an octo, its ment for you and you hand your primary secondstage to your buddy in need. I would buy this very same unit again.

DAVID S.

2008-03-05T19:00:00

great to have octopus and inflator in one, good quality, but the only way to oraly inflate, like when your storing it, is to cover the exhaust valve with your hand before you blow into it, otherwise perfect

kyle

2007-11-08T19:00:00

You must put your bc on blow some air into it so you can get it positioned correctly if ever needed. Easy to breath. I made a minor adjustment to make it less sensitive, but just personal preference. This item recomended by Sam over one I was trying to order and I am glad, functions, looks beter, more compact than one I had inquired about.

DAVID S.

2007-11-07T19:00:00

I bought the 14in. hose, not enough hose to be comfortable. But oher then that, it's awesome, I love having one less hose to worry about.

Scuba S.

2007-10-22T20:00:00

It stream lines your gear. These things should come with every BC. It's rarely used, but if you need it, you can surface with it, and that is what is important.

STEELE B.

2007-09-24T20:00:00

I doesn't breath as good as my main regulator, but I don't plan on using much (I hope not to). I like having one less hose.

Big R.