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There are several advantages to using helmets and bandmasks over FFMs. Primary is the fact that you can open a free flow valve to get more air when you need it. You just can't do *that* much physical work with the gas you get from a demand system. Another important consideration is the fact that helmet/bandmasks are fitted with a emergency gas supply valve. You can quickly switch to your bail-out system if the need arises. For real contaminated water diving, a full helmet that connects directly to a vulcanized dry suit is a must. In any situation, the reduced exposure to water decreases the likelihood of ear infections. For use in very cold water the helmets/bandmasks are considerably warmer. On the down side. They are expensive, heavy, a bit of a maintenance hog and many people find it hard to equalize in them. They also tend to use substantially more gas than a scuba regulator. I rarely use them with scuba. In situations where you may need to switch to a completely independent breathing source they are a *bad* idea. We have found that we really only experience regulator freezing problems in *very* cold water (-1.8C). In water at or above freezing, I suspect that any of the "environmental" regs should work well for a bail-out system. For the ponies we put on our down lines (or carry if going very far laterally from the access hole) I use a Poseidon Cyclon 300. This is simply because I have several of them. I like to use a Sherwood Maximus as my primary (it has the best reliability record and you can adjust the freeflow off at the second stage). I use a Cyclon as the secondary reg hooked up to my main gas supply (like I said, I have a number of them). Sherwoods have the advantage of being easier to work on. Cheers- Rob --------------------reply separator----------------------- Are there any disadvantages to using a full air-containing helmet as opposed to FFM's? --------------------reply separator----------------------- Sounds like you've got a really amazing career!!!! Thanks for using the mailing list to share some of your experience. I am considering purchasing a reliable cold-water pony tank w/ regulator - what would you recommend? Sherwood?
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