Scubapro AIR2 Octo/Inflator - 5th Generation SCUBAPRO introduced the octo/inflator to diving almost thirty years ago with the introduction of the original AIR2. Since then, this popular octo/inflator has undergone four generations of design innovation. The 5th generation AIR2 offers divers even more in both performance and ease of use. Performance: Scubapro engineers have managed to reduce the new AIR2’s WOB (work of breathing) by half, creating an octo/inflator that delivers air as easily and smoothly as most primary second stages. According to recent EN250: 2014 lab tests, when teamed with a MK25 first stage, at a depth of 30m/99ft, using a supply pressure of 50bar/725psi, the new AIR2 5th Generation delivered WOB of only 1.34 j/l. (the 4th generation AIR2’s WOB, under similar test conditions, was 3.55 j/l). This substantial improvement in work of breathing is due to the reduction of resistance on both the inhalation and exhalation sides of the breathing cycle, making it easier to not only take in air, but also to expel air, both of which are critical in keeping divers from getting panicked and over-breathing in emergency situations. Easier to Use: The new AIR2 5th Generation is also easier to use. The flexible purge cover is large and easy to locate, allowing for quick clearing when it comes time to take a breath. In addition, a new Dive/Pre-Dive switch lets divers detune the octo when it’s not being used, eliminating free flows, while enabling it to deliver generous airflow when needed. The AIR2 not only offers superb performance as a backup regulator, design upgrades have also improved the user-friendliness of the BC inflator/deflator system. Larger inflate and deflate buttons can be easily differentiated by both colour and touch, improving safety on both ascents and descents. The power inflate button features a lighter lever so less load is required to initiate inflation. Both inflate and deflate controls are positioned on top of the housing, making it easier to operate the buttons when breathing off the octo without having to change hand positions. The best backup breather money can buy. Features: Radically improved WOB of 1.34 j/l, compared to a WOB of 3.55 j/l for its predecessor (Tested using a MK25 first stage at a depth of 30m/ 99ft, using a supply pressure of 50bar/725psi.) Improved WOB meets or exceeds the new EN250:2014 octopus/AIR2 requirements. The new AIR2 will be CE certified according to Annex A warm water test directions. Test-proven breathing performance and cracking effort compares favorably to traditional downstream second stages, and in fact surpasses many in ease of breathing. Breathing performance remains consistent at any air supply pressure, resulting in smooth and dependable airflow. New Dive/Pre-Dive switch allows for effortless air delivery, plus enables the diver to detune the unit when not in use, eliminating free flows. Flexible S560-style purge cover is easy to locate and depress for quick clearing, even when wearing thick gloves. Power inflate and deflate buttons are positioned on top of the housing when the AIR2 is in the diver’s mouth, making it easier to control buoyancy. Power inflate button, which is the same as on the new BPI, features a lighter lever so less load is required to initiate inflation. Larger inflate and deflate button buttons can be differentiated by color and by touch due to their different shapes and sizes, improving ascent control and safety when inflating or deflating the BC. Large bite tabs on mouthpiece guarantee a secure grip in high-stress situations. Watch this short video to find out more about the Air2 Octo/Inflator: Technical Features: Test-proven breathing performance and cracking effort surpasses many traditional downstream second stages when it comes to ease of breathing. New dive/pre-dive switch enables you to detune the unit when not in use, eliminating free flows. Flexible purge cover is easy to locate and depress for quick clearing, even when wearing thick gloves. Power inflate and deflate buttons are positioned on top of the housing when the AIR2 is in your mouth, making it easier to control buoyancy. Power inflate button features a lighter lever so less load is required to initiate inflation. Power inflate and deflate buttons can be differentiated by color and touch due to their different shapes and sizes, improving ascent control and safety when inflating or deflating the BC. Large bite tabs on the mouthpiece guarantee a secure grip in high-stress situations. CE certified EN250 (A> 50°F warm water test controls) as a second stage regulator. EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN, UNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE An octo/inflator combines a backup regulator with a BC\'s buoyancy control system in one compact, at-the-ready unit. The cool thing about an octo/inflator is that it\'s always within reach because it\'can be used to control descents, adjust buoyancy, and vent air during ascents. In the event of an emergency there\'s no need to grope for a dangling octo reg; simply pass your primary reg to the diver in need while you take the octo/inflator, enabling you to breathe easily and control your buoyancy as you make your way safely back to the surface. SCUBAPRO introduced the octo/inflator concept to diving almost thirty years ago with the introduction of the original AIR2 (short for Alternate Inflator Reg). Now in its 5th generation, it offers even more in both performance and ease of use. As a backup reg the AIR2 delivers air as smoothly as most primary second stages. The flexible purge cover is large and easy to locate, allowing for quick clearing when it comes time to take a breath. In addition, a new dive/pre-dive switch lets you detune the AIR2 when it\'s not being used, eliminating free flows. And unlike traditional dangling octos, the AIR2 is always within easy reach if needed. As a BC power inflator the AIR2 is very easy to use. It fits comfortably in the hand, and the large inflate and deflate buttons can be differentiated by both color and touch, improving safety on both ascents and descents. The power inflate button features a very light lever so it\'s easy to initiate inflation. Also, both inflate and deflate buttons are positioned on top of the housing, making them easier to operate when breathing off the unit without having to change hand positions. If you want a reliable backup reg that\'s always within easy reach, that does double-duty as a BC inflator/deflator, and that streamlines your dive profile by eliminating a dangling octo hose, you\'re going to love the AIR2. It was diving\'s first octo/inflator and, with five generations of improvements, it\'s still the best.