Octi vs. Spare Air

[ghosch]

I agree. I almost always carry a redundant air supply (pony or bail out bottle) and I have had the opportunity to share that with a dive buddy who was out of air. My personal feeling is that for the small amount of bulk it adds, it's well worth carrying in almost any diving situation. Even if you can make a free swimming ascent, your much better off making a controlled ascent with a safety stop.

I also agree wholeheartedly with DRE's explanation of the usefullness of a Spare air.

As far as cold water regs, I have never experienced a free flow (other than simulating it myself) but I have witnessed A LOT of them. Some of them were second stage freeze ups, and some first. I'm sure the people at your local dive shop can give you some reccomendations on which regs are suitable for cold water. My personal feeling is that the Octo should be a good quality reg as well. Lets face it when you or your buddy is using your Octo, your breathing rate is probably going to be higher than normal, do you really want to hand some one a second class regulator in an emergency?

Just my $.02 worth.