Scuba regulators, being your main source of underwater air and essentially your lifeline, are among the most critical pieces of scuba diving equipment. But what should you do if one malfunctions?
That’s where an octopus, or spare regulator, comes into play. In addition to being the most essential scuba safety gear, your spare regulator/octopus can provide a backup air supply for you or your dive buddy underwater. So, what to consider when selecting this vital piece of equipment when assembling your scuba kit?
To understand what to look for in an octopus, it’s helpful to know its components as well as the features that can be expected. Similar to a traditional regulator, an octopus includes three parts: a first stage (often bought separately), a second stage (which is brightly-colored) and a long air hose.
What is the Spare Regulator (Octopus)?
An octo serves as an alternate air source during low air or out-of-air situations. The yellow color signifies it as an emergency air source, with either the regulator, the hose, or both, being yellow to suit the diver’s preferences.
However, the octo is not merely another regulator like your primary one. It is often slightly detuned, which means it requires more effort to initiate breathing. This design helps reduce the likelihood of free flows, in which the air unintentionally escapes from the regulator.
The key is to adjust the cracking pressure to avoid free flows without making it too difficult to breathe through. The best octos will offer the same ease of breathing as your primary regulator.
Parts of an Octopus/ Spare Regulator
1st Stage vs. 2nd Stage
The first stage connects to the air tank by a yoke or DIN fitting and regulates the air pressure as it exits the tank, allowing the air to enter the hose.
The second stage, which includes the mouthpiece and purge valve, is designed to deliver air to the mouth of the diver and expel any waste air or other objects when necessary.
Hose
Octopus hoses tend to be longer than the hose of the diver’s primary regulator to accommodate the needs of a buddy, who may be positioned slightly farther from your tank.
Features of an Octopus/ Spare Reg
Swivel
Many octopuses provide a flexible swivel motion, enabling the diver to comfortably position the regulator as needed.
This feature allows your dive buddy to breathe through your octopus whether they’re behind you, next to you, or in front of you. Some octopuses can also function equally well whether they’re positioned right-side-up or upside-down, enabling you to assist your buddy even if they’re below you.
Purge Button/Exhaust Valve
The exhaust valve that is located in the second stage is a one-way mechanism that lets the diver’s exhaled air exit the regulator, essentially where the bubbles leave the mouthpiece.
The purge button enables the diver to expel air from the scuba tank through the regulator. This effectively clears any water that might have accidentally entered the second stage.
This button should be easy to handle, even with thick dive gloves on, and should require only the pressure of one finger to effectively perform the purge.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece of your octopus is an essential piece of gear, often underrated by many. It is usually crafted from hypoallergenic silicone, it’s both flexible and durable.
Increasingly, mouthpieces are being designed with an ergonomic shape. This offers a significant benefit by helping your jaw remain in its natural position, potentially reducing the likelihood of post-dive jaw pain.
