Alternate Air Source With Full Face Mask

[@SeattleRingHunter]

Here is another approach using some second stage Quick Disconnects as others may have done. Application typical recreational configuration in non-hazmatic environment. One Aluminum 80 or Steel 100 main bottle --> 30" long low-pressure black hose --> 2nd stage QD connector --> GDivers FFM 2nd stage reg. Aluminum 19c Pony --> 36" long-pressure yellow hose --> 2nd stage QD connector --> Alt Air XS Scuba "2nd stage puck reg". 2nd stage reg is clipped to chest strap in the lower right corner of the safety triangle. In this configuration if the main bottle runs dry and buddy supply is not instantly available the diver could disconnect the FFM and drop that hose, disconnect the hose from the 2nd stage octo and connect it to the FFM reg restoring supply. If the FFM 2nd stage gets stuck on free flow and a quick resolution can't be realized the diver could elect to disconnect the low pressure hose from the FFM at the QD, ditch FFM and connect the alternative 2nd stage regulator to the main bottle hose at the QD connector restoring a typical supply. In this configuration one can retain the surface air valve with out a second regulator attached to the FFM. Thoughts, comments or potential concerns are welcome as I'm here to learn and share ideas...

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Here is my thoughts on any and all configurations. Regardless of the set up, if a diver adequately trains on it, practices with it, familiarizes himself / herself with it, and is able to explain to his buddy or team how to operate it in an emergency, then I am all for it. The example in the video was per request by one of our viewers, who asked if I could show a way to have an alternate air source without risking exposure to a haz-matic environment, and with a minimum cost, without having to purchase a gas block. Ocean Reef just happens to have that type of system. I personally like your idea of having several quick disconnects where a simple hose switch is all that is needed. But the key once again is to train with it and to become comfortable with it, even during times of stress.

[@casualguy393]

Excellent video. I've been checking for vids about these masks and came across this video after seeing several, but this one is simple and informative. 10/10

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thank You for the kind words.

[@danielsevers198]

Would be great to see a vid with the gas switch block mounted. Thanks for this vid, I had always wondered what stopped ffm divers draining their alternate air source with out a switching mechanism.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

+Daniel Severs We will see what we can do and try to get one uploaded for you.

[@classicjag76]

Really new to diving and learning a lot from your videos, I really appreciate how clearly you explain things. I have two very basic questions: 1) I assume full face masks feature an integrated 2nd stage regulator correct? 2) when you were explaining using an Octo as a secondary air source on a full face mask, you explained how you could use a valve to shut it off. But they are both hooked to the same air tank, so why would it matter if they were both operational at the same time or which one you drew air from? I am sure the answers are obvious, thank you for bearing with a newbie!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello classicjag76, glad to know you are finding our videos helpful. 1. Some Full Face Mask come with an integrated second stage, but not all. 2. In a particular situation, the additional second stage would be connected to a different air source. The inline shutoff would be to prevent depleting of both air sources. Here is a video we did showing you how a gas block works, effectively doing the same thing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH_HaHR7e6xrprM kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc

[@classicjag76]

@@LakeHickoryScuba Thanks for the reply and explanation. I've been looking at the Ocean Reef Neptune G Divers mask; I think I'd like a FFM and I have the Mares Loop reg I can use as a secondary. One other question, what is the 15x on the Loop Reg mean? I haven't been able to find a clear explanation between 15x, 25x and so on.

[@richardcarlisle6692]

Seems like connecting a conventional 2nd stage from the pony to the FFM via the adapter is a good option. This pretty much covers you in the event of a 1st and/or 2nd stage failure. Connecting via a gas log to the FFM would not help in the event of a FFM 2nd stage failure. I currently carry a spare mask and wear my pony 2nd stage on a necklace. If things go sideways I ditch the FFM and switch to the pony and backup mask. I would like to set up like you did here but finding the Ocean Reef adapter is near impossible. The have it available online but they list a small and medium size but do not divulge the dimensions of those sizes so it's kind of hard to know which one. Might 3D print one.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello richardcarlisle6692, the only additional suggestion if you choose to use the regulator adapter would be on low pressure inline shut off valve. This prevents accidently breathing down the additional air source while breathing from you primary air source as well.

[@RatEmpire]

we use the Inspiro aga that connects to the Kirby Morgan side block. the main supply is connected to the one way valve and bailout connects to the port above. simply half turn the handle and your breathing from your bail out. simple easy and quick, no need to remove the mask and little that can go wrong. much safer.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Sounds like a great system. Here is a link to my current set up, using a Gas Switching Block from Ocean Reef. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc. Just like your system, there is no need to remove your Full Face Mask in the event of a malfunction or Out Of Air scenario.

[@everythingscuba]

Nice informative video with alternate air ideas for full face mask. Thank you

[@jalbert9613]

Thank you for the video. Just ordered my FFM and this helped for a alternative air source question i had

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Glad it helped. This is just one option for an alternate air source. A lot of divers use a gas block to switch between cylinders.

[@crosslo2342]

Really enjoyed your video I am the type of diver I do not like the big and bulky I am one that swims light basically with the mini system would you recommend any many systems to go with this mask and if so could you touch on the best size tanks other than the big and bulky tanks.. but let me reiterate I love my Ocean Reef mask just need a better smaller tank system to integrate

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

If you are referring to a smaller alternate air system, I personally use a 30cf cylinder. Depending on how I am diving, it is either slung or mounted on my back. For most of my Full Face Diving, I mount it on my back, and both it and my primary air source runs into a gas block then to the mask. Here is a video showing you just that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc. Depending on your air supply needs, you can run an even smaller alternate air source as well. Cylinders come in all different sizes.

[@alexandreneves3077]

excellent video, as always great suggestions. thank you very much, thanks to your channel today i am a diver (OWD), and i try to get a lot of information on your channel. congratulations.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Alexandre Neves, glad you liked the videos and that you find them helpful.

[@yasira9428]

Please educate me, but why not just have a quick connect on the Alt hose, disconnect main when out of air and connect the alt instead?

[@yasira9428]

Never mind I rushed the question you answered at minute 12

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Here is another way to run the system using a gas block.

[@0biamelo]

Hi. I'm a advanced SSI certifed diver and need to dive with a Full Face Mask now, because of jaw issues. I've been thinking to buy a Ocean Reef Neptune Space G Full Face Mask, but I also want to start a Side Mount course. There is and adapter (Ocean Reef Dual Tank Valve), but do you think about it? What are you comments on FFM and sidemount?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Bianca Marins Melo, we are very familiar with the Dual Tank Valve from Ocean Reef. We use it as a manifold for Public Safety Diving (kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc). In general, Full Face Mask and Sidemount are not really a thing among most Sidemount Divers, but with proper training, it can be done very easily.

[@chiefbrades]

Hey! Great videos. Curious if you've ever used the OTS guardian? Considering an entry level FFM but, surprisingly , can't find many comparisons from the Ocean Reef and OTS.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hey Mike. The OTS Guardian, and The Ocean Reef G-Divers and Ocean Reef Iron Mask, are both great mask. I have owned and used both over the years, but swing more towards the Ocean Reef side, primarily because I am a bigger dealer for Ocean Reef. You wouldn't go wrong either way. The good news, both are compatible with each others communication units. One of the dive teams that I am on, is split 50/50, and we all either use the Ocean Reef or the OTS. A quick suggestion is to check with your local shops and see if they carry both, then try both on and see which one fits better.

[@salvor1]

QDs are not allowed for primary on commercial equipment

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello salvor1, thank you for commenting. There are protocols in all types of diving.

[@sonyabunyan8113]

I'm getting the aga mask so if I run out of air I can attach the air in easyly

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Sounds like a great option

[@SierraNovember3]

Why not use something like the Kirby Morgan M-48 MOD-1? You’re able to simply remove the POD and breathe from whatever standard regulator alternate air source without ever having to remove your mask.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

That is always an option if it meets the diver's needs.

[@rithychhean518]

I'm having a hard time finding good mounts for my G divers FFM. I like your 1) camera mount in this video and 2) swivel light mounts on your extender frame. Can you give me an idea to find similar mounts? Thanks, love your videos!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Rithy Chhean, that was an older video, and I have updated my mask since then. In this video I have linked here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/opuXY6ieod6kd5o), you can see my new setup and the lights and camera mount I am using. The lights I use are Comfort Zone Scuba, Little Power House (comfortzonescuba.com/lights/). I really enjoy the lights I have now.

[@johnchurch2321]

What if you need to donate air?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Depending on which air source you are using to feed the mask, you can still have an alternate for donation.

[@Dreaded88]

@LakeHickoryScuba: Alternate Air Sources for FFM's: Have you considered using a *Manifold* ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Dreaded88, we do use the Ocean Reef Dual Tank Valve. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Pam3hrnZWmjqc

[@Dreaded88]

@@LakeHickoryScuba : Ah, ha!.... I hadn't seen this video. I was thinking of this Manifold: www.scuba.com/products/omni-swivel-gas-switch-block-right-hand-2-inlet-1-outlet?variant=36998133448857 . Maybe you can use both for your Tri-Mix, and then switch back to Normoxic, then to blends of NITROX?

[@DirtWaterDivers]

Got the ocean reef g diver recently. Is the mask fluttering normal? Like shaking?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Bartow Diving, this is usually caused by not being properly fitted or adjusted. Your Full Face Mask Instructor can walk you through the sizing and fitting process.

[@jamesking7541]

Where do you get the shut off valve from?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Here is a link for the ones we carry. www.xsscuba.com/regulators/inline-shut-off-for-second-stage

[@shihabudheene8992]

Thanks

[@gray_wolverine63]

I don't understand why you would do that ? Personally I would add a quick disconnect to my alternated air hose if I was in a low air situation, that's just my opinion and what I would for myself.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello Rocky Hernandez, this is just one of the options that Ocean Reef offers. There are many different ways a diver can utilize external alternate air sources.

[@connormcniece7240]

I am curious if you have sealing issues with your beard. Is this ever a problem for you? Thinking about getting one, and I had 3 concerns- depressuring, alternate air source and sealing with beard Your video is super informative and helpful! Thanks!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

I personally don't ever have any sealing issue while wearing a Full Face Mask. One thing you can do is to wear a hood that is designed to help seal the Full Face Mask as well. A lot of guys with facial hair will do this to solve the problem.

[@connormcniece7240]

LakeHickoryScuba thanks!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome. Happy Diving.

[@terrysweet4370]

Thank you for the info! Helpful.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You're welcome Terry Sweet.

[@ignacios.g6798]

You like the exo 26 ?

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

The good old Kirby Morgan. I have only been fortunate enough to where a Kirby Morgan once. I have no complaints.

[@JeremyDelille]

Great video! Thank you :) But your link for the online shop is not working (and neither on your website LakeHickory)... I liked this idea of a switch on the regulator\hose. To be tried on sidemount or separate tanks (cave diving...). Doesn't it exist with a "handle" rather than a clip, just to be more secure?And the FFM... wonderful but still a bit expensive when work does not cover the fees :p I heard talking about a new Ocean Reef's for recreational divers... Maybe interesting it may be :)

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

+JeremyDelille Thanks for the kind words. We will check into the links in the description, our online store has had technical difficulties in the last few weeks. There are other systems out there that does the same concept. UTD makes a Z mount system that also works great for switching while on sidemount. We do so much solo diving (for salvage primarily) and public safety diving in our area that this system tends to work best for us. Side note, we still typically will swing another pony under our arm with a separate regulator even in a hazmat environment for even more redundancy.

[@JeremyDelille]

+LakeHickoryScuba When I had access to a FFM I used Ocean Reef Dual Tank Valve - Gas Switching Block oceanreefgroup.mybigcommerce.com/dual-tank-valve/ . It is nice to easily select your air source between 2 tanks while only using your "best reg". Wouldn't it be more useful for you rather than the alternate regulator (a bit big on side)? Saving space this way for the redundant gear...But when having the pony in cold waters or the walkie talkie, the alternate source in the Neptune G diver is a plus, that's sure.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

+JeremyDelille The Gas Switching Block is definitely a great system, we haven't got around to doing a review video of it yet, it will be in a future video. We try to do reviews on all products that we sell. This video is just showing some of the options a diver has with the Ocean Reef products.

[@vvogt4252]

great info

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thank You

[@salvor1]

don't like the shutoff valve at all. Can't feel which position it's in.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Hello salvor1. Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with the shutoff valve.

[@davidmccaffery]

Top vid.

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Thanks David McCaffery.

[@joshualee7234]

Wow great vid! Wish I was rich enough to buy one of them tho:(

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

Just shop around, there are some great deals out there.

[@joshualee7234]

LakeHickoryScuba thank you!

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You are welcome

[@charlesbruce8560]

why don't you use a switching block? This mask looks very bulky..

[@LakeHickoryScuba]

You most certainly can use a gas block as mention in the video.

[@supersquirrel8429]

Charles; blocks work( esp for planned changes ), BUT as the video mentions -- if it's a failure like a second stage problem,IP ganking out, etc -- it's not FULLY redundant for bailout purposes.