Divers have been using this combination Inflator /Regulator type of product now for almost twenty years, and the concept has proved itself a convenient and effective alternative to the dedicated octopus second stage. There are advantages and disadvantages to both systems that should be reviewed carefully before making your buying decision.
The Advantages
The primary advantage to the SS1 is combining 2 products into one to reduce the overall bulk and weight of your dive gear. The SS1 is only slightly larger than a standard BC inflator yet has a back-up breathing regulator built-in. There is only one low-pressure hose from your first stage that feeds both the BC inflator and the back-up regulator.
A secondary advantage to the SS1 is its location. The SS1 is fixed to you BC and falls over the left shoulder. It remains there and used throughout the dive to control buoyancy. Since the location is fixed and it is constantly being used, the diver becomes quickly accustomed to its’ location and is able to locate it easily in the event that air sharing is required.
Air Sharing
There is one important difference in air sharing with an SS1 over a standard Octo second stage. If a diver wearing an SS1 needs to share air with another diver, his primary regulator is given to the person out of air and the donor breathes from the SS1. This is for two important reasons. The SS1 is attached to the short BC hose and will not easily reach the out of air diver. The SS1must also be kept by the owner to control his buoyancy and maintain control of the situation.
The SS1 is the newest and most sophisticated product of its type, taking the concept to new levels of convenience, reliability and performance.
Performance
The SS1 contains a high flow second stage that performs on the same level as many high performance second stages. It will deliver high flow rates to a diver at depth with a minimum of effort. It is, however very stable and not prone to unnecessary free-flow or leakage from water movement while swimming, or during entries or exits. The inflator/deflator is easy to operate with soft surfaced buttons placed where they can be easily operated with one hand.
Durability and Dependability
The SS1 regulator incorporates the patented Atomic Aquatics "Seat Saving Orifice" found in all of our second stages. This feature prevents wear and deterioration of the low-pressure seat and in partly responsible for our unparalleled 2-year service interval on this product.
The SS1 is constructed of quality materials not found in any other Safe Second on the market. The quick disconnect coupling, regulator valve body, and inflation and deflation stems are machined from type 316 stainless steel to avoid corrosion that would eventually degrade performance and function. The regulator orifice and lever are titanium for maximum strength and reliability.
Adaptability
One of the most unique features of the SS1 is its adaptability to almost any BCD. We have designed a set of adapters (patent pending) to fit virtually every poplar BCD brand available (and many that are not). The adapters also include components for attaching the cable exhaust feature of your existing BCD (if applicable).
Convenience
The SS1 features a quick disconnect not only on the low-pressure hose, but the BCD hose as well. The adapters that fit the SS1 to the BCD are connected to the SS1 with a threaded collar that can be easily unscrewed to detach it completely from the BCD. Now you can carry or store the SS1 with your primary regulator of gauges (patent pending).
The SS1 has a low profile elliptical shape that lies flat on the BCD. The control buttons are large and easy to find. The entire front cover is a flexible elastomer that functions as the purge button for the regulator. The SS1 offers pneumatic or oral inflation for buoyancy control and back-up breathing in one small package.
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