SMACO Mini Scuba System - Is It Worth It? - Scuba Tech Tips: S11E11
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2020
- Divers have a lot of different views around the use of mini scuba systems. Alec unboxes, test dives and offers his option of the SMACO S400 mini scuba system.
Watch my "Alec Peirce at the Ranch" for ranch and home ideas. / @alecpeirceattheranch
**** Alec Peirce Scuba ****
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This guy seems like a really cool friendly grandpa i wanna meet him
Me too, where and who's buying the first round?
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter u choose the bar and you buy the drinks, I’ll slip you cash under the table but I can’t get carded.
Everyone is acting like they can't buy normal or even tech gear over the internet. This thing is a toy and only should be used at very shallow depths just like you said, Alec. You gave a good, honest, opinion. Unfortunately, we are moving into times where men are rebuffed for being men. Let the naysayers say nay! Great video Alec! Your opinion belongs to you! Don't let people make your opinion for you! Your videos have been a mainstay for me since I started diving just over a year and 100 dives ago! Keep up the good work!
Exactly. Seems to be lost on a lot of people.
Agree fully Trent. Read and follow the manual just like any product, even a coffee pot manual says "don't put hand in boiling water", duh!!
So much hate going to Mr. Peirce for no reason. Guys, he's from a time when men were men and common sense was common. Do you really expect him to coddle you about something that is obviously a novelty? The entire premise of this thing is you have to use a bicycle pump to pump it up and you guys are treating it like its a sophisticated piece of dive equipment.
Glad you got the point that these devices are NOT scuba diving gear but fun items that are better than snorkelling.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter this thing would come in handy when having to fix the liner in the pool when the kids put a hole in it, and I'm in total agreement with you on the hater bunch, people just don't seem to have very much common sense anymore.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter how deep would be safe with this ? 10 feet? and how long would it last at that depth at a guess?
Wow I have seen these things advertised and always wondered how they worked or if they were real or not! Thank you for checking one out! As always great video!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the video, well done man.
Thanks for watching!
your videos are very very helpful. please keep making them.
Glad you like them Keith.
This vid is so helpful thank u!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this video Im about to buy one for snorkeling and taking underwater pictures in shallow waters 🤙👌
Good luck!
Thanks for the Video Dr Dobac, Very useful indeed. I am going to get one
Glad it was helpful!
Gotta love it, Alec.. One of those kits, just popped up on FB market place for $50.. some parts are missing, looked like. So I decided to check out your thoughts and to figure the missing things.. Decided not to bother.. Thank you.. . your the man!!
Glad to help and thanks for watching.
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Your a nice man! :) btw.. packed with knowledge from you and a few other sources, my two old farts (me and my buddy), are going underwater metal detecting for 10 days at a popular swim/frolic lake. We've got an older "Brownies" gas power dive system, that I've modified with a water exhaust, to dampen the noise. we have not used yet.. it will certainly be a learning curve Alec.. Let you know how things went, when we return.. All the best.. from Canada.
Thanks for the video Alec! Definitely gonna try it out for looking for gold!
Hope you enjoy it!
Great vid Alex.
Thank you.
I’m on a budget and I think this is what I need. I never will go last 10ft deep so I think this is perfect for my needs
Read the manual fully and be smart about its use, then have fun or become a certified diver.
A
Thanks for your honesty
My pleasure GG
A
Perfect for a kid to play in the wayer with adult supervision, Baby steps to Real Scuba Diving. Watching You for quite some time. I can't belive how Fast You are growing on TH-cam. Started to post videos as well.
I'm surprised at its growth as I don't ask for subscribers or ads.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Alec I've been watching Your channel pretty much from the beginning. You should consider to monetize your channel get little reward from Your work extra money never hurts these days. You could have nice cut from TH-cam and google adds.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you for revewing that Alec. I get upset that professional divers, bash on this kits, giving fear to people. When for shallow diving thei are awesome. And of course.. people need to use teflon on all the connections.To keep them snugded. I will post my video here, diving in a pool.
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
Scuba service experience is showing... this line is awesome.
Thanks Ryan.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I don’t have any experience as scuba diving but I do a lot of snorkeling do you think that can be a problem for me to used or I gonna need any special training
i enjoy your commentary. thanks for the video
I appreciate that!
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it.
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yes I'm slowly going through the videos. There is still the problem, I don't like being told by a dive shop "we won't fill your tank",
That's so cool!!!
Yup, these can be fun when used safely. Thanks for watching.
Really is a neat system, I have a buddy that’s got this same one. my only concern are the masses of people buying these that have no idea what they’re doing… Could be just enough to get you in some serious trouble! other than that, could see this being extremely handy for exploring places that are hard to get normal scuba gear to. There is also an adapter that you can get to fill off of a aluminum 80 tank to no pumping required. The experience I had with my friends was about 15 to20 minutes from a full tank roughly. Keep up the great content! Enjoyed the video👍🏻
I'm over 70 and think I'm still here is I always read a product manual before using it. How crazy is that!
Alec Peirce Scuba that’s mind blowing! 🤯lol. keep up the great content sir, and keep inspiring 👍🏻
Alec is right. People just need to understand the basics of scuba, and respect the limitations of a portable scuba kit. Staying shallow and always monitor your gauge. I have dived with smaco and dive portable lungs, for a year plus now. No issues. Is matter of being responsible. And always inspect the equipment,, keep it clean
Will need to check Scuba 2000 out when next in Toronto.
I will stick with a compressor with good clean filters
You should Blue. I'm not there but its open and still training.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter looks great training pool and love the artwork.
Thanks for all the awesome SCUBA related videos, Alec!
My whites drysuit has a thigh pocket for a dedicated suit inflation system (and inflation valve near it as well). I didn't want to spend the money for that system, but this looks like a much more attractive price and first stage. Could I remove the second stage and put in a BC hose and use for the drysuit? I wouldn't be concerned with home filling either as I wouldn't be breathing the air.
Don't see why not. Sounds like an interesting use for this device. Let me know how it works out.
Hi Alec, great video. I think a lot of divers are overreacting to this, Similar variants have been around for some years now. I have one think it's great fun...
Totally agree
My biggest concern for these, besides the lack of training and the infinite ways people can hurt themselves would be the quality of air that comes through that hose. That little chunk of foam is not going to catch much oil or moisture of any kind. I have that hand pump for my PCP rifles and I can tell you, you will want to take a nap after filling a tank. Nobody will fill tanks at a dive shop without being certified so you might as well just go get trained and use a big tank to fill it. It would be good for a quick up and down or a buddy bottle at most but if we remember the training, the farther you go down, the less air you have available. That little tank will be practically useless at 60ft if you were to use it as a buddy bottle.
Agree on the 'infinite says people can hurt themselves", which also applies to almost any product, even a coffee pot! These types of devices exist so folks and not just divers, need to know they are toys, not scuba gear.
Alec what he is not aware is this. I own a smaco s400, as the one you reviewed. And my compressor has not only a good filtration attatchment that even cleans the air,, besides removing moisture. But i am using a " Food grade- Biodegradable- Non toxic oil. I have been doing this for a decent time. No health issues.
I would disagree on shops not filling bottles for uncertified people. I don’t think any will fill this lil tank because they know it’s just someone going screw around.
But I’ve had a couple fill for me I’m not certified. But I just went in and explained what I was trying to do. Which one of the business I have is pool leak detection. So a may spend a total of 10 minutes underwater to about 7 foot max. Most are 5.5’. Epoxy patching an plugging bottom drains ext.
and I don’t put anyone hired in position to do that. But when I spoke to them they can tell I’ve done a shit ton of research geared to what I was needing to do with it. I either use a 40’ hose with a tankless compressor with a regulator. Or the spare air filling it off a full sized tank. Or now a 13cf pony bottle with deep6 regs which was all I needed filled off of a big tank.
But they fill for me. One wanted me sign a waiver which I have no problem with. Another wanted to set me up with a pony 30cf with regulators and put me something together they think would work good for me an fill for me as needed. I wouldn’t be the only one either of them places fill an do for with pool companies. But places will for a right reason and understanding the intended use fill for uncertified people.
Don’t get me wrong Ild like to be. But unfortunately the wife medically can’t. And won’t let me without her. Even if she were able to. I’m far enough from any water half way clean enough Ild never see any open water diving.
That being said there’s no reason for me to take it an drive to another state for the open water weekend when I’ll never actually do that myself. I wouldn’t be against sitting in on the theory part. Just for more understanding of it that a place was more comfortable filling the bottles. Anything beyond that I won’t ever need. The water in in I can stand up in. Most of the theres no bcd I’m normally weighted down with a 40lb belt and walk the bottom on my knees or almost crawl. And if I need to stand up I’m out of the water.
But for the right reason or should I say a reasonable an understood reason. Places will fill tanks.
But this little bottle for someone just walking in. I don’t see that happening
Hi Alec. I watched ALL your videos & l love how you not afraid to give your opinion on a product based on your extensive experience as a dive store operator & an experienced diver. This product might have a niche purpose...like on a small boat. Where space is at a premium and you might want to do some quick (5min) underwater repairs for an emergency situation. I Find it very disturbing that you did not touch on the Exaggerated claims by the manufacturer of getting 15 to 20min out of a 1 liter bottle. Or 5 to 10min out of the 0.5L unit. These types of claims are borderline criminal liable. As I said I'm a big fan and watched all of your videos, And one thing I can take from all your videos that you take safety very seriously. I find it very disturbing that you did not touch on any of these false claims. Did you get paid to show this product.... because it sure seems like you did.
Yes the claims made by smaco are ridiculous and I believe this company actually originally was called skorkl. Skorkl took a bunch of investor money then didn't come out with a product for over 2 years. A lot of people who pre ordered never got the product or money back. But I find that the biggest issues that come from this company is that nowhere on their website or in their ads do they mention any warnings ⚠️ and they sell to everyone (including people with no training) and this is going to lead to a huge safety issue and an increase of emergencies due to lung over expansion or burst.
Thanks for the feedback. Ever looked through old airline sky-mall magazines? An entire magazine devoted to 'fun stuff', no reasonable person would buy, but they do. This is fun when used right within its limits. Few divers argue about the benefit of a Spare-Air but these are dammed without even trying it. Reminds of Tesla cars, no good, dangerous but now everyone accepts them. Think about it before using is my point.
Gee, emjartan45acp.... you sure do get "easily disturbed" my friend? Are you SURE that you indeed LISTENED somewhat CAREFULLY to Alec's presentation? What did you expect, an ENTIRE 2-hour training session perhaps? Hey, that would be flat-out in person "dive-training," & ya, you gotta be willing to INVEST some funds for that - those folks DON'T work for free, shouldn't have to, and rightfully so.
I got an ancient oxygen booster from the 1960s. Its a manual pump as well. They say a pressure difference of 100 Bar is technological possible. But its fun up to 50 Bar only. Still, when I was 8 years old, I thought of soldering empty cans together. I'd have loved to get my hands onto one of these....in 1983.
Scuba tanks in the late 1950's were mostly DIY from airplane O2 tanks. Since there were few options, we used them.
Thats one of those things where some free divers can outlast you underwater...
Free divers can go very deep, this is for under 9'. Deep enough to see a free diver disappear deep down.
thanks for the demo video. im getting into freediving and want to do some spearfishing in the NJ jettys and shore area. i think this would work good for my use. what would be the max depth you could safely use this? thanks.
It is for shallow depths only, check their product manual for the max recommended depth but a general rule is around 20'. A depth you can safely surface from, while exhaling, should you run out of air.
Just ordered one for playing in shallow water. Of course I watched your opinion first. Looks wicked fun if used within its limitations using some old fashioned "common sense".....not very common any more! If it works out well, when finances permit, I may purchase the recommend compressor.
You are right, it’s not that common anymore so be smart and read the manual first. Have fun.
A
I use the s300 the 0.5 L tank as a emergency tank wile I scuba and it works great
Great, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the videos on this stuff don’t know if I should get a mini tank or find some old used real tanks not doing any serious diving just kentucky creeks and stuff
When in doubt, go full scuba gear and tank. You have lots of air, reliable gear and training. Probably best in any water with poor visibility as you don't want to get entangled.
A
Hi.
I got my open water in 1990. During my training I was thought how to use a Scubapro AIR2 (or other similar octoinflator).
Can you do a program about how to use octoinflators? It seems that lot of people dont know what it is or how to use. Today I use both and allso have a stage. But when travelling to tropical waters I only bring my AIR2 and ofcourse I teach my buddy how we solve "an empty sit".
Thanks alot for interesting clips. Best regards Anders / Sweden
Check out his video here: th-cam.com/video/-gECkfDm58g/w-d-xo.html
Watch - "Scuba Tech Tips: BCD Mounted Safe Second - S04E12" to see my views on these devices.
SpareAir sells something similar. Yes, it works, but with some caveats. That's a 1L bottle which doesn't last long. The air going into that tank should be tested for purity. If you're wearing that harness, wear it on the front to see the pressure gauge. I'm going back to your videos about pony bottles as a reference.
Good point. I had it on my back so viewers could see the gauge (not seen too well), and how long the hose was. My video on Redundant Air Supplies is for divers who may need spare air. Products like this are for shallow water fun only.
Reminds me of some of the old attempts at home made gear
Early vintage scuba gear was so simple: mask, fins, tank & straps, double hose reg, weight belt, get wet!
Hey I use this thing to clean and inspect my boat it works fine as long as I start to see the gauge start to go on red i just go up
These do have practical purposes like yours. However many users don't read the instructions, pay attention during the dive or think of safety. Keep the boat clean as some day we will be back on the water.
how long does it last roughly? 5 minutes?
Please discuss whether a tight budget new diver should purchase used regulators/bcd equipment 10 - 15 yrs old and have it inspected by local dive shop. thanks
Look back in my series on buying new vs used gear like tanks etc. My suggestion is to buy what you can afford. If it's used or new they all need service and will last years if taken care of properly.
Hi Alec; I am not sure if you mention how many pumps or minutes did it take you to fill @3000psi or did I heard you pumped for 10 min and only got to 750psi ?...and it will get harder to pump as the pressure increases and you get weaker ,sore and sweaty for sure... Can that regulator fit a 19cu/ft tank directly, it was hard to tell from the video or was it a 3/4" thread ?... Looks like something to fill on site but I will be so tired after all that pumping but is it worth the effort if you can get to 3000psi after at least a hour of steady pumping and that`s only to fill that 13cu/ft tank ! ... I think is better to just cascade from a 100cu/ft @3000psi to a small bottle but the idea of carrying less gear to take is always the attraction I guess!(I am planning of hiking for about 4 to 6 miles up river and explore for gold underwater instead of just snorkeling and a 19cf is the most I want to carry because I I know I can get easy a good hour of diving in shallow water from it if it is full; I am almost 60 old and diving for almost 20 years now but all that pumping does not sound like fun to me for one fill but that`s just me ! what do you think? ... Cheers from California !
Well Frank the 1st stage valve is standard to all North American scuba tanks as for pumping, no way I can get to 19 cu/ft let alone a 80 cu/ft. I have a new video coming in a month on hand pumping tanks due to the many viewer questions like yours. Good luck gold hunting.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I been watching other videos and to fill a 13cf tank took over 1100 pumps in more than 3 hrs of hard pumping and even longer in others when need it to take a break because of being too tired , I can see then that a 80cf would be out of the question to fill in a day !...lol ,but it is now more out of curiosity than anything else . Thanks, take care.
I think to use it for cleaning my sailboat Hull. It's only 6 🐾 deep. So there will be a small risk if something is going wrong.
That's a good use for these.
A.
Would you recommend it for recreational scuba diving as a bailout system, if for whatsoever reason your buddy is too far away in a depth between 30 and 80 feet?
No Luki. Think of this as a long snorkel trip only. A bailout system must be tied to your depth and needed time to surface+ safety stop.
Thanks for the video, Alec. Looking at this as redundant backup air for diving. I used to carry a little 13cf tank with it's own regulator, much like this rig. Is there any structural issue with the tank/regulator going below 10 meters? I'm guessing they say 10 meter limit because of the risk of people running out of air. Not interested in the tire pump! Too much work.
If you used a fully redundant 13cu/ft system then your a real scuba diver. There is no structural or depth limit to these types of devices and the shallow depth limit is to protect non-divers from barotrauma injuries they are not trained in. As a redundant system, they should be limited to medium depths (~60ft) due to their small volume. If going deeper keep your 13cu/ft setup for true safety with lots of air for a safe ascent. If you know of Spare-Air, these are similar but because they may be a life saving device, don't go cheap. Safe diving my friend.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter wise words. Don't have the 13cf tank any more, but pricing them out now. A bit more than the SMACO for a complete 13cf kit, so have to deliberate more.
Would you recommend this for snorkeling? I can scuba, but I found a good deal on one of these just to snorkel
Well snorkelling requires a tube so if your using this your partially a scuba diver! It works for those with breathing issues through a snorkel but it has a limited air and refilling the tank is a concern.
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter ok nice, got one practically new for 160 with the pump on eBay!
Do you believe this tank can be fitted with higher end scuba parts like replacing the first and second stage parts that come with it with brands like Aqualung, Scubapro, Ect ect?
It has one standard LP port so any scuba 2nd stage will connect. Since it is not intended to be a certified scuba unit, why complicate it. It's intended to be a fun toy, not a serious diving unit. Stay safe Mike.
Other than pools, I would never recommend this for anyone. A non-certified could have serious issues on open water.
Always read the manual and follow the safety guidelines. This is no different that electric bikes (Simon Cowell broke his back on one), they can be fun or stupid dangerous if used outside its limits (and common sense).
exactly that can be said with anything. Personally I’m not a certified diver. But. I do from time to time use a professional compressor tankless snorkel with a 40’ hose an regulator, and a Spare Air I guess its the 300 model. And also use a 13cf pony bottle with deep 6 regulators on it.
For the sole purpose of having two pool companies. One which has to do with leak detection. So it’s going down removing grates plugging main drains. Of making patches at it with epoxy underwater putty. Or going around the bottom with dye on liner pools finding a pin hole for patch’s. Or around returns or behind lights in the back of the niche ect.
Just depends what I’m doing an what I feel like messing with to get it done. Dragging out the compressor. Or filling off of a full sized tank for the spare air. That’s what led me to the bigger 13cf tank. Not to need to lug the bigger one. One fill Ofcourse equalizing off a bigger one won’t completely fill it. But gives me more than enough to not need the big tank with me to fill off of.
So I wouldn’t personally use this. The hell with the hand pump. But it has its purpose of. Just fun the correct way. In the same area as snorkeling. Or in a pool. And by a responsible adult that isn’t there to push limits trying to dive to a real depth with it if not certified. And has went through everything it’s came with an idea anything did all the research for knowledge they could of prior to using it.
Personally the deepest I go with mine. Is 6-7 foot max. I don’t know what someone certified does so I never have intentions to be any deeper than that. An at that deep we’re taking maybe 4 minutes The rest is pretty much at surface or right below where a snorkel will work for me. It may not even matter in that shallow of water. But I still make sure I’m not coming out holding my breathe I never could find much online out of the hours an hours of reading and from your videos an a few others if that would matter. I’m not stupid enough to hold my breath an try it though.
I may not see any Open Water or real deep pools. To worry about the certification. I e wanted to take it. But since the wife had a past history with seizures she can’t. An I won’t be going without her. But I still enjoy your videos an learned a bunch. Regardless if it’s something Ild ever be doing. Keep em coming
So true I had 2 and it does not work like explained. The deaper u go the less air u have. U get 10 min at surface, at 15' u get about 3 min. Go down deeper u may not make it back up. Very dangerous, and had a better time free diving. I had 2 tanks and still wouldn't go below 15'. Don't buy!!!!!
Hello I was wondering how long can you swim under water if you pump it all the way
Many factors affect underwater time: depth, time, breathing rate, health, etc. Best to check the pressure gauge and remember its not a scuba system so read the manual and be safe, right!
Would get one if it wasn't for having to pump that thing so much !!! ... Great vid ..Thanks !
You and me both!
Im thinking about getting one. But my question is How do you mount it to a bcd thinking this would be used as a backup tank? Do you leave the valve open always or do you open only when needing to use? Would it free flow?
These are not intended to be primary scuba tanks. Only for shallow ~10ft deep exploration. If you need a backup system, not generally in recreational diving, think of a larger setup specifically for diving like a 19 cu/ft tank. Finally, all scuba systems can potentially free flow so decide if your a fun diver or tech diver and train with the recommended gear safely my friend.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions. I greatly appreciate it. Have a nice week : )
if you want as a emergency back up system better to have the tank filled to the max to have more time to deal with the emergency ,for you or someone else and you always keep it open while diving because in a emergency you only have seconds to grab it ,clear and breathe (practice deployment so even if you are blind you know where everything is when you need it !) , the free flow would be from your second stage so either put a cap on the mouth piece or don`t have it too sensitive to water pressure (like the "octopus" on your main gear ) there are many ways to attache it to a bcd or piggy back to your main tank and balance with counter weights or you will be swimming sideways like a injured fish ...when I do solo dives my redundant gear has to be ready and I know how many minutes I have , so practice with it to learn your system !
Something like this could be nice while snorkeling with my wife (she doesn't dive). I always bring by underwater camera and end up free diving down (normally just like 5 feet) for photos, but I can't hold my breath for long at all so getting good photos isn't always easy. I've been half tempted by these to be able to dive down for a smidge longer. The cost of the unit plus maintenance is the reason I haven't bothered with it yet. That and I already have too much to pack for trips.
Sometimes these toys take up space or weight needed for important travel thinks like hats, sunscreen and a good book.
Can you please just give me your thoughts are on getting an ATX200 1st and 2nd stage with An Apex octo for a good price. I understand that there are little out of date I wanted to know your thoughts are on picking one up I've always like the Apexs line even though they're the oldest series
XTX200 is very good set, proven by years of service. If you will look on tech divers you will often see this set.
It is not old, it is classic =)
I don't recommend one product over another as the majority of time its a personal decision around appearance vs functionality. My opinion does not matter, your diving the gear and paying for it Louis. See Alita's comment below for feedback.
I'd like to get something like this for backpacking into the mountains and swimming in the crystal clear lakes. Is there an affordable air compressor that can fill it instead of manual pumping? Standard garage air compressors only go to about 150psi.
Anything other than hand pump is electric or gas powered. Is it something you really want to hike with up/down mountains. Take a snorkel and enjoy the views and water without extra weight.
A
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I was thinking it would be for filling at home, not bringing with.
I found some 2 liter hot dipped galvanized low pressure scuba tanks. These have never been used. Great for bouancy
Good stuff Pat.
A
Realistically it should give + - 8 min at 9 feet. So I could see it being a Fun gadget. But even for cleaning your boat it's gonna be tight airwise. Here alot of People use a similar system with a 5 liter tank to clean their boats, which gives you plenty of air
But are they hand pumping it? Alic was not willing to pump it all the way so you have half the air it can hold
R u kidding me!!!! I have the original 0.5 SpareAir & I can barely get 13 to 15 normal breaths at surface. 2to ,3min tops.
1 liter tank at 200 bars=200barl. Average consumption of a diver is around 16-20l/ min. Which means with low average consumption 12.5 min at surface, higher consumption 10 min. At 3 meters depth you have 1.3 bars of pressure so you'd have 9.6 mins at 16l/min and 7.6 at 20l/min. Am I missing something?
@@alexb5766 ofcourse they don't :). But that doesn't mean someone out there wouldn't be able to pump it to 200. ( I Mean the 0.5 or 1l not the 5l)
These devices are not scuba diving gear but fun stuff if used properly. Options are to use a hookah or a full scuba gear which may be overkill on a 9' reef for a few minutes look around.
Hi sir how are you
please sir i have a smaco tank same this one i keep it in my boat to use it some times. do i have to fill it when i wanna use it or i can fill it in air and store it on the boat which way is the right please
Thank you sir
Duplicate comment my friend.
A
Is it possible to buy one then swap out the tiny 1.0 liter cylinder is it standard thread ? I'd like to swap for a bigger perhaps 6 or 8 liter maybe a long skinny pony tank for a nice little shallow water hull cleaning set so if it malfunction the danger is minimal I'll use the small 1.0 smaco cylinder for a lift bag i plan to fill it with a small SCBA fill compressor
From what I remember, the max tank size for this was 2L. Suggest going to their website to see if they have larger tanks for the same compressor. It's not designed to fill full size tanks but maybe ok for smaller.
A
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter"max tank size". ? so do you mean the thread to the mini tank threads are smaller than that of a standard scuba cylinder ? I'm not worried about their compressors. I have a liquid cooled 4500 compressor with the 1/8 foster connection already I can use it any time I need to and a small regular dive backup tank sitting around that's barely a year old it's around 4 liters I'm wondering if the tank thread of the smaco is standard dive cylinder thread ..so I can use that slightly larger aftermarket tank body on that integrated first /second stage. So it holds more air. and then use the little 1.0 liter cylinder that comes with the smaco for something else. Perhaps a lift bag or something .. or should I just look for a gently used octopus regulator with the combined tank interface? Because They're typically about the same price as a mini dive without pump i don't need. 30 plus foot water isn't found where I am . We have a. 25 foot or so shallow river that people lose a lot of stuff in
this is exactly what I need to use to clean the bottom of my boat , and clear my prop if need be .... I do have a high pressure compressor I use for a rifle , I think If I got a filter I could use that to pump up ...
These have their uses which is primarily shallow & short dives only. Good for boaters without a compressor.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Yeah I looked into them a bit more , and decided that they prob won't give me enough time , at 18lpm id get just under 10min , working and increased breathing thats going to drop ...
I decided to get some better kit , and have singed up to a course .. :)
Ive enjoyed your vids ..
I recommend you get yourself another compressor as a yong heng. The reason i mentioned it,, is because you dont want to use a high pressure compressor from ur guns that already has a harmful oil in it. The air for breathing,, must be generated by a compressor that has a non toxic hydraulic fluid,,, / food grade biodegradable. Like the Renewable lubricants brand- Iso 42. A new compressor that u can fill with this fluid,, run it to break it down. And then perform an oil changen. To remove any factory oil residue
@@aevans692 I am making them myself and planing to sell them. If u provide me with your facebook, kik messenger, instagram.. ai can show u the system i have, besides the smaco. By the way.. he mentioned a bicycle tire pump but it is not. Those pumps have a 1/8 nipple and are high pressure pumps. Either 3 stage or 4 stage. But is too much work, to fill 3k psi. My yong heng fills from empty to 3k psi, in just 3 minutes plus.
10 minutes??. i get about 17 minutes with mine. You have to train yourself.. to performed well controlled inhales and exhales.
Just a thought: could this be used to control your wing? Keep the supplies separate 🤷♂️
It could but then it is another point of failure and something a buddy may not be familiar with in an emergency. Think of them as a fun toy and follow instructions. Thanks Blair.
Your funny nice video 👍🏻
Thanks 😁
Hi Alec
Could you tell useful tricks how knows the older diver and is useful?
Not sure of you question but this is a fun toy, not a scuba divers tank if that is what your asking.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter no my question is if you know some clever things the older diver did ,that can be useful to us too and we didn't know
What was the PSI she started out with... How long would you stay down... What was the PSI when you came back up... I know it probably would not last me long My sac rate horrible but I'm working on it
Filling from a scuba tank is the best. I tried the pump but i'm old and pooped out. It's for shallow, under 9' deep so if it feels hard to breath, stand up!
im using this for air brush
That's a new use and sounds really smart. Thanks for sharing.
What are your thoughts about the air quality with this? I presume that's why they emphasize not going below 10M, because of poor filtration in combination with the partial pressure toxicity of different gasses at depth. I asked Smaco and all they said was, "there is an oil-water separator device on our hand pump with filter cotton inside." I'm hoping they're using a suitable oil. I have limited knowledge about compressors, but perhaps you know: is the provided filter sufficient? Is there any monoxycon/hopcalite, activated carbon, a molecular sieve, or desiccant in there? I don't see a spot where the condensation is vented, and I haven't seen any mention of filter replacement/reactivation/etc.
First, these items are not for scuba diving but for fun shallow diving. The air filtration the pump has is fine for say 10' for 10-15 minutes. A much better solution to air quality is to refill it off a scuba tank using the supplied adapter filler. Scuba tank air is the very best breathing air so using it instead of the pump will eliminate any air concerns. Plus to read the manual and don't think these are safe to 60' just because you can go that deep. Don't become a Darwin Award winner, think safe my friend.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks!
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I only dive down to 30 feet max, but since I don't know/recall a lot about the partial pressure toxicity of the various gases at various depths, I've been nervous about subjecting myself to something that could be slightly toxic.
I actually like to do a lot of free-diving, but I'd like to use this as a supplement, and partly as a safety, but since I exert quite hard and for long periods of time (hours) / I'm an athlete), and I do so much breath-holding throughout, I just hope that any toxicity isn't exacerbated by that.
Unfortunately I don't have easy access to a dive shop, so I have to come up with my own air source, but if I do that I want to do it safely or not at all. If you think this product is very safe for me though, then that's good enough for me. However, for some reason I find the whole technical side very fascinating and exciting.
👍
Thanks Ali.
So i think its good for snorkling or something if you go under for a few seconds longer you know you got an extra breath. But for scuba diving with it? kinda impossible. still wanna get one haha
That's probably the best use for these type of devices, short dips down and up, just like a snorkeler.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter My thought too. I know it's heresy, but I can think of a few nice snorkel spots near me where this would be fun to have. Less hassle than a shore dive, but combined with a snorkel, gives a little bit of freedom. I'd prob get a real SPG and set myself a max of ~3 metres though, so I can pretend I'm being sensible 😂
Do you think it would need to be Hydro’d after a certain amount of time ?
Most tanks holding breathing air for scuba need VIS and hydro. For these very small tanks, have to check local laws to see what applies. I have more on these coming in early 2021.
yes , visual each year/hydro 5 years... at least here in Cali is a must like any tank under pressure.
the air guage is in a spot you can't see it. can you get it filled in a scuba shop. how long does a fill last.
Totally dependant on depth, time, and breathing rate. Its intended for shallow water, like under 10' but you will feel it start to breath harder as pressure drops. Still up to the diver to check the gauge and be safe.
I have one and I can last 20-25 minutes at about 10-30 feet and yes you can get an adapter to fill in larger scuba tanks
@@TheWesleyYates Can I use my typical car electrical air pump to refill it?
Is it harmful to fill it with pure oxygen from the medical center where I work?
Iam fisher man this very usefull
Glad it helped.
A.
I can use Xiaomi Mi Portable Electric Air Pump
instead of a manual pump? Are there cylinders on the market that inflate at the push of a button? I mean combining a small cylinder with a xiaomi pump in one. You ascend, press the button without leaving the water, continue diving.
There are lots of ways to fill a scuba tank but remember, it has to be filtered air. Not sure I get how the bottom lifts you up.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks 🤍
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter if I were to use my air compressor how would I filter the air ? Please let me know I'm gonna purchase soon
It needs to be 3000psi. And I'd recommend a carbon filter.
@@anthonypolaczuk5047 awesome man ghank you for the reply. What kind of connector does it need and is it able to be purchased ? I need to know because I want to order the 1 litter Socoma without the pump . The one with the pump costs 100$ more.
can it be reffilled with a compressor 300bar.?
Attach the adapter and fill from any tank just like the great Spare Air does.
Pretty sure they're aluminium, so 300 bar is..... optimistic.... to say the least.
Yes
Do you need a certificate for this or can you just go to a lake and look around under the water
No scuba certification to use these types of devices. Having scuba knowledge of diving, physics and safety is an asset but their depth is around 10 ft.
Sorry about the typo... The PSI you started out with
No worries Pat.
What's the maximum depth you can go with this thing?
Think of it as more for long snorkelling than diving. You could go to any depth but returning safely, that takes a trained diver. It's just for fun, not a scuba system.
A.
Might be good exercise with all that pumping.
For sure but not for me!
Cuanto tienpo pyedes durar debajo del agua con ese tanque
El manual dice de 4 a 10 minutos dependiendo de la profundidad, la frecuencia respiratoria y el estado físico. Piense en ello como un snorkel para inmersiones muy cortas, no para bucear.
There’s alota haters here about this thing. Personally I wouldn’t use one just because the hell with pumping. I’m not certified but I do use a professional tankless compressor snorkel with a 40’ hose and regulator. And got tired of pulling that out an went to a full sized tank and was using a spare air 300 filling it off the big tank. But would usually stop an fill once more off of that. Than went with a 13cf pony bottle set up with deep 6 regulators and just fill that one off the big tank. Gave a little more not to need to lug the bigger one. But I have two pool companies one of which deals with leak detection, so I may spend 4 minutes at the bottom removing drain covers plugging them or patching a leak with underwater epoxy or changing a plug. The rest may just be walking the bottom weighted with dye looking for a pin hole. Or around the sides at returns with dye, or behind a light in the back of the niche checking for leaks or patching it.
So 6-7 foot deep tops and far enough under where a regular snorkel won’t work. And up an down for a breathe cuts into time and unnecessary exhaustion. Time is money. Them things have to be done.
I test the drain lines, skimmers and return lines. The piping underground itself with plugs and nitrogen. But the underwater for the dye and checking everything else also has to be do. To either clear it not leaking or know it is find an fix. Anything to do with that.
I know the hours an hours of specifics I’ve read about geared towards what I needed to do from scuba forums, talked with dive shops and trainers, and just things I’ve picked up from this guys videos and a couple of others. I know I won’t ever see open water. The wife isn’t medically able to. And don’t really have interest to. What I do is strictly for the money. An with anything comes risk. But the amount of knowledge I’ve gained from the ways I went finding out things an the shear time put into learning what I was able to. I still won’t let a hired worker do that part.
Anything in the world can be dangerous and up to very dangerous and deadly if improperly done. Or having not went through the safety checks and precautions. And read through everything it’s came with about it. If not even taking it further and personally did research on what it is and listened to what professionally had to say thought and all. And equipped oneself as best as could be an some before proceeding.
Any job one gets into most likely your put with someone especially if it’s anything hazardous in anyway. You watch and absorb what there’s doing and teaching an showing you about it. Learning what to do an not do. So when it is your turn your less likely to be harmed. Eventually you know better what an how to do and not rush or cut corners pushing limits that can end badly.
That can be said about anything. Running crushers or working in an oilfield job or steel maker or driving heavy machines or he’ll riding a street bike. Someone never been on one isn’t going to get on blow through all gears and be pushing 180mph just because they can push the limit just to do it.
I don’t think this thing should be givin to kids. But I don’t see anything wrong with a responsible able bodied intelligent adult owning one to play around with their kids in a pool or at the beach. In a snorkeling type of way. Not trying to dive fat down an doing stupid shit like some dumb ass college drunken idiot on spring break showing off. But a responsible adult, there’s nothing wrong with it.
Theres really nothing in the world dangerous it’s all about the person doing whatever it is how smart and competent they are that makes anything dangerous. Unless it’s something that other people have part in. That if they screw up in you get harmed in the process. But if one is doing something dangerous and oneself is the only one in control of everything. And everything was done safely an properly the chance of being harmed is very slim.
Yes accidents happen. But if one is somewhat bright. That’s also very limited
Appreciate your feedback and analysis A.B. These devices may help pool pros like yourself get the job done quick or use a hookah setup. Appreciate hearing from you sir.
Like my fellow divers here, I’m wondering if this is best used as a bailout bottle.
It’s a half litre bottle, so max of 200L of air at full pressure, if you could ever get it that far.
So you’ve got about 5 minutes of breathing time at the surface. Half that at 10m. It’s just not enough time to be of any use.
If you want a bailout, get a 3l pony or 7l side sling.
This particular product is not intended as a certified divers bailout system. There are larger tanks and better regs/setups specifically for redundant divers air supply. This is fun for shallow water exploration only.
How about for drysuit inflation? Although if you tried pumping it up with the suit on you'd be a sticky puddle by the time you got half way :-)
Tim Gosling If you're using a suit inflation bottle, you're already certified. Why not buy a small scuba tank then. You can get it filled with argon at a filling station and avoid hours of pumping.
No, there's not enough gas for any kind of safe bailout. And since you can't get it filled at a filling station you'll have to pump it all yourself. If you're deep enough to need one this thing won't last long enough to get you safely to the surface. Either go for a fully redundant system like sidemount or get a 3L-ish scuba tank to use.
Does it come with the pump
It is optional as it comes with a connector to fill from a scuba tank. Keep watching as soon I have a video on is hand pumping smart.
Hi around how long does a full tank last
Way to many factor to consider: depth, breathing rate, exertion, etc. Always watch the pressure gauge but I'm told 7-9 minutes at 10' is about normal.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks
Did the needle drop much?
So...is it worth it?
What’s it worth?
Inquiring minds and all...
Best to Google them to find the local price in your country. These are a fun toy for shallow (9' or so deep), and limited air time. Real divers are certified and use dedicated & approved dive gear within dive computer limits. Don't confuse this with scuba diving please.
Do you need a license in Canada to use one of these?
No sir.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you.
Sorry Sir Alec, can’t agree with these items made available to the inexperienced minority, of which will impact the majority “trained” enthusiasts.... but I do see a market for yacht owners, who would require a basic system to assist in hull cleaning, and where one wouldn’t dive deeper then 2.5 m max, with no overhead environment. BUT... always enjoying your docuvideos “ master of the aquatic world”
Think of these a a big snorkel, not scuba diving, and then it makes sense. Shallow, short underwater trips. Like any product, read the manual and think safe. Thanks David.
How deep can you go with this tank?
It's for shallow, short dives. Think of it more as a long hose snorkel. How deep would you go on one held breath, no deeper.
How long does it give you air?
At 10 feet less then 4 min
Alex Benz ok thanks 😊
You are better off and safer if you train until you can freedive for 2 minutes.
@@aliadams420 get a pony bottle 30 40L half the cost and over 5 times the air i would not buy any of this without open water training the fact you can get this on Amazon with no experience is a bad idia. without training people can do serious injury in a depth of 10-20 feet
@@puschelhornchen9484 I don't know what to feel about that. I'm a decent freediver since childhood and a 8 year old scuba diver, and I used to clean my boat's hull freedive style. It took a lot of time and it was quite exhausting, even dangerous. Now I use my scuba gear to do the same job faster and safer. This rig is, in my opinion, quite adapted to people who own a boat and would like to have an available solution for cutting a rope tangled in their propeller or some hull inspection. Nothing more, and I bet it might be mentioned in the user's manual (like not suited for real scuba diving). For a non-diver, this is cheaper than having scuba gear and safer than freediving.
not a tire pump but a HIGH pressure pump, big difference
Maybe but it's still HARD to pump. Look for a up coming video on hand pumping vs fill rate. Take care Don.
be handy for cleaning the bottom of the boat or for some enterprising young person to make money at the marina doing underwater maintenance and such with some proper training before hand and with a buddy
Agree on the need for a buddy, even with this fun device.
Do you think this would be a good unit to repair underwater swimming pool damages? I wouldn't need to stay under long but diving to 10 ft with no air and making a repair is next to impossible
It would do that depth fine, just watch the pressure gauge so you don't run out putting a patch on. Best and fastest way to refill is from a scuba tank, even a 65 cu/ft would and you get the best air.
How long can u stay underwater?
Until you run out of air. Sorry but this has been asked dozens of times. Depends on depth, breathing, fill, etc. Best to read the product manual and compare to other systems like SpareAir to get an estimate.
This guy does a great nor McDonald
Thanks, Norm is a funny and handsome guy!
Hi Alec. Love your videos but this is one product that I don't agree with. Could you make another video getting more in depth about it? I think the only real use for this product would be if you run out of air during your safety stop before surfacing. Other than that the biggest issue i see is that anyone without any training can buy this product, therefore I can see a lot of injuries to come about from issues of lung over expantion and/or burst.
Thanks for the feedback James. Not planning on returning to the mini-scuba systems as this was to inform viewers, not ignite typing wars. Think of the first jet boats and how they were banned as death traps but are everyday purchases now. Maybe in a few years these will be handed out at beaches for everyone to use smartly.
Completely understandable Alec. I do however think that for the time being that these should only be sold to people with a scuba certification. And my other issue is that I have checked these out before and didn't see any warnings in the ad's or on the website.
*James Milanese* "I think the only real use for this product would be if you run out of air during your safety stop before surfacing."
I don't agree. In my opinion, if you're doing a safety stop it means you're a scuba diver with access to proper tanks and fill stations. If you need a pony bottle, get a pony bottle. This is just a novelty rig for use in a shallow swimming pool or tide pool, not for use by real divers.
@@seikibrian8641 I'm just saying that as a diver who should never run out of air because of proper pre dive planning, that this could be considered a small pony. And frankly anyone who needs a pony because they run themselves out of air should either run doubles or stop diving.
James Milanese If you need it as an additional safety, do it properly and get a pony or go fully redundant with sidemount. Safety stops are optional so running out of air on one would mean you ascend to the surface blowing bubbles. By the time you've deployed this smaco you'll be there already. If you have a mandatory stop to make, a deco stop, your "what ifs" planning failed and you'd be a horrible tech diver to depend on this device for your safety.
I would hang out with this guy
Thank you my friend.
A
Looks like this product could be greatly improved by using a 12V $20 air compressor from harbor Freight with a good air filter..
I will be testing a portable air compressor soon, before winter comes, so stay tuned Michael to see what these little pumps can do.
Werr you able to do that Michael?
Close your eyes.....and listen to Norm Mcdonald....
Norm is a funny guy, like me.
Absolutely sir!😅
And remember, the higher the pressure the more pumps it takes to raise the pressure. The last 50 pounds will take 500 pumps. For an old man? No way.
Totally agree Jerry.
A
the system by itself is very good, the filling approach is deficient. the buyer of that system will use the pump a few times and will want to find another way to fill his tank and that can be dangerous, a well instructed diver will use a full size tank or will make a dive shop fills the tank, other persons will try any mean they can imagine and that will be dangerous.
To me , these systems should not be sold to general public.
Hookah systems are safer as the design is generally not subject to modifications from the owner and the depth is limited to the lenght of the hoses and the operation pressure.
Using a scuba tank to fill is fast and simple. It's the user that needs to think safe and read the manual before using. How many times does that happen?
Thank you for the useful video.
Is it harmful to fill it with pure oxygen from a medical facility oxygen cylinder for shallow diving 3m, or for a single breath free diving?
Do yo think that a typical car electrical air pump 150 PSI can fill it if I have the proper fitting & filter? Thanks.
Adding 100% oxygen into a tank can be VERY dangerous without proper precautions, both tank and filling station. Look back on my videos on nitrox blending for more in this.
As for a 150 psi car pump, it could only fill a tank to 150 psi, a very short dive indeed (and not good air quality). Look for my videos on 'Cascade System' to see what it takes to fill a scuba tank to 3,000 psi safely.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you Alec for ur reply.
I've bought this item (Dedepu 1L), and used it in the swimming pool (1.5m) twice. It lasted me almost up to 10 min. The feeling is still wired to me as I'm new to scuba. I could fill it with the manual pump to 3000PSI, it took (1500 cycles)🤔, yet it works, took me 3 sessions over 2hrs.
My concern is whether the air that comes out of the manual pump through this fitting is safe, or kind of unhealthy? How often should I change the filters? Is there special oil I should use to lube the pump?
The pump comes well oiled, is that oil safe to breath?
I'm still testing the set, and improving my usage. Once I find out anything interesting, I'll be telling you here, thanks.
One more thing, I've emptied the tank totally while swimming. I herd you saying that's wrong, so should I do anything to counter effect that?
@@SherifEgypt you should never inject 100% oxygen into a "dirty tank" only air because that can create fumes inside the tank while filling and for few breaths from a small bottle is not even worth it you gain nothing much and actually if you are too deep it is toxic to breathe 100% O2 underwater ( learn about nitrox ) ... the filter of that hand pump is more likely to prevent dirt particles from entering the system and still is only ambient air in the tank ...to lube the pump ask the manufacture and pumping manually I don`t think there will be any fumes by friction unless you over oil the pump and get liquid oil into the tank,still it won`t kill you (I seen worse) ...nothing wrong to empty the tank except that you are at risk of taking your very last breath and you are still underwater risking your life at the same time , that`s why is a bad idea, the interior of tank has to be visually inspected every year for any corrosion and hydro (pressure) tested every 5 years (you don`t want it to blow while filling at 3000psi , it`s a bomb ! ... hope some info helps , swing by a scuba shop, good luck.
Posible car bike filling air for this?
I have this. But very long time this filling hand pump
No, it needs filtration for breathing under pressure.
A.
I have fillter valve.
There is no magic. There is Marketing!
Maybe. I want viewers to know these exist, have limited depth, limited air time and for fun only. This is to educate and inform viewers about them, not endorse them past their small niche abilities.
How long does the air last
There is no realistic way to calculate that as its very dependant on : depth, exertion, tank size, dive time and how many mermaids you chased. The product has an estimated time by tank size but it can vary greatly so be careful, watch the pressure gauge and have fun.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter bless you, taking the time to comment, praying blessings over you and your family! “Depends on the mermaids chased” 😂
how can you see the pressure with it on your back ???
Streach waaaaayyyyyyy back. Hold it in front.
You can buy S400 PRO, it has an extended pressure gauge, which is convenient for you to check the pressure.
Please help me.. Do I need to lock the tank air valve or leave it open while I pump air with my pump????
Open.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you so much you are awesome
How long could you be under water in a pool with this? If the pool is 9 feet down
Lots of factors to consider in estimating time; breathing rate, fitness, fill level... However the best rule is to monitor the pressure gauge and remember its not scuba but a long snorkel.
Should know what your doing before exploding your lungs by breathing at those depths. Have to ascend slowly while breathing in and out or exhaling when ascending if you take a breath at low depths.