bsea
Regular Diver
Posts: 42
|
Post by bsea on Jun 29, 2006 19:00:15 GMT -8
Haven't heard of an update on the nozzel. Has the project died, or just nothing new to report? Plus I wanted to get this thread back on the 1st page so I didn't have to go look for it.
|
|
|
Post by luis on Jun 29, 2006 19:50:54 GMT -8
The first small batch of prototypes should be back from plating soon. Things are moving slowly, but with the budget we have, we can't move faster. For starters, we just can't afford making a mistake.
Thanks for the continued interest.
|
|
|
Post by Danny D on Jul 30, 2006 15:31:40 GMT -8
I am so excited to see something like this comming into play for us double hosers!!! ;D
|
|
|
Post by luis on Jul 30, 2006 18:26:10 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by nemrod on Jul 30, 2006 19:08:55 GMT -8
People are probably tired of hearing me go on about the Phoenix nozzle that Luis has designed and produced. I have been lucky to be one of the prototype testers. I will have number 006 at Wazee to continue testing I have pool tested it several times now and I am pleased to report that it is extraordinary. I cannot say enough good things about these nozzles.
With the Phoenix nozzle you can dive any modern rig, a horsecollar vest, jacket or tech style wing with back plate. You can switch from fully vintage to fully modern and nothing about this nozzle assembly permenantly alters your regulator ruining it's value.
Further, my tests thus far have shown that the Phoenix nozzle assembly performs on par with the RAM nozzle and potentially better, actually, right now I am going to say it performs better. Bryan sent me the nozzle with a Titan kit and I assembled it on my bench into the nozzle assembly. I had a few items cause me a bit of heartburn but nothing that was unusual. Mostly because I am hard headed. Anyways, after getting it all set up per the drawing and manual the potential of this nozzle is stunning. You now have the ability to support an octapus, an LP inflator, a drysuit inflator, an extra or two even at that and SPG. The actual clocking on the assembly depends to some degree upon your regulator and what type of seal (nylon or phenolic) you use. The nylon gives a little more squash allowing a small amont of leeway. I imagine that shimming will be possible to provide perfect clocking. Mine worked out on both a DA body and on a round label RAM body just about perfect. I now have it installed on my number two round label RAM and the clocking on this one is not exactly perfect but I am satisfied well enough that I am not going to mess with it until after Wazee. In fact, it may be perfect after all.
Some will not need a Phoenix, if you never have need to dive on a charter or with a group of divers, if you never travel, if you never dive where you need a dry suit or BC or octapus, if you never have need to integrate modern equipment with your favorite double hose regulator then maybe the Phoenix will have no appeal but for the rest, this is revolutionary.
BTW, I have purcahsed a brand spanking new AL Legend, I have compared the two rigs and can report that the Phoenix RAM can support my standard "tech" style dive rig as well as the Legend. In fact, the hose relationship may be superior. The drysuit hose will still come off the hookah using a HP right angle swivel (yep---HP). A long hose equipped octapus passes under my right arm, the SPG comes of the LH side straight out just as on the Legend. The LP inflator comes out at about 2 o'clock instead of straight as on the Legend but routes smoothly over my shoulder to the inflator.
Therefore, based on my years of diving and pool tests with both the Phoenix RAM and AL Legend using my Hogarthian based rig, any dive I could do with the Legend I can do with the Phoenix. The Legend is probably the top performing modern single hose or at least very close to the top of the food chain, well, the Phoenix breaths darn good in comparison, smooth and quiet and no bubbles in the face.
Nemrod
|
|
|
Post by luis on Jul 30, 2006 19:43:27 GMT -8
People are probably tired of hearing me go on about the Phoenix nozzle that Luis has designed and produced. Nemrod Well, they are probably just as tired of my pictures, but I don't have any new material and I didn't want to neglect any of our vintage message boards. Thanks for the comments.
|
|
|
Post by PhotoTJ on Aug 1, 2006 18:02:06 GMT -8
Wow, what a magnificent design. I believe I'll have to have one. What's the order situation looking like? (Since I have two DA Aquamasters, I'll keep the older one stock, and hot rod the newer one!)
|
|
|
Post by duckbill on Aug 6, 2006 22:33:13 GMT -8
Some will not need a Phoenix, if you never have need to dive on a charter or with a group of divers, if you never travel, if you never dive where you need a dry suit or BC or octapus, if you never have need to integrate modern equipment with your favorite double hose regulator then maybe the Phoenix will have no appeal but for the rest, this is revolutionary. Even for those who never do these things or MAY in the future, there are still those with DAAMs who want to experience the performance advantages of a RAM without breaking the bank. I, for one, don't dive charters or "need" the extra hose options, but to have those options, breathe like a RAM, and be more assured of a supply of future replacement guts.....hey.....what a wise investment! I can only hope and assume that they will be available soon (fingers crossed).
|
|
|
Post by nemrod on Aug 7, 2006 9:42:51 GMT -8
After actually getting the Phoenix in the water--wow. Allan dove one of the experimental nozzles Bryan has and I dove the production unit no 006. While we never got below 35 feet both me and Allan were hugely impressed. Neither has much of a cracking effort to speak off. In fact, both probably need to be backed off a bit since in the heads up position they both very, very slightly free flowed--bubble------bubble---------------------bubble. The regulator that Allan dove also had the silicone diaphram installed for testing. We had a great dive which is what all of this is about.
James
|
|
|
Post by Danny D on Aug 7, 2006 23:13:58 GMT -8
Luis ,
I would love to go out with you some weekend and give her a shot. I really appreciate the offer!
Dan
|
|
|
Post by waltstearns on Aug 8, 2006 15:06:41 GMT -8
Great job on the new nozzle Luis. I am very interested in getting one, what will be the asking price?
|
|
|
Post by luis on Nov 30, 2006 9:45:30 GMT -8
The first 25 Phoenix 1st stage nozzles/ bodies went on sale last Thursday. There are maybe a couple left.
If anyone is interested, you need to go to VDH and fill a waiver and place your order ASAP.
|
|
|
Post by nemrod on Nov 30, 2006 10:52:10 GMT -8
The way I understand it these come with a heavy yoke, modern Titan internals and it is plug and play. These are expensive and time consuming to make and therefore tie up lots of money for very little profit so I suggest if you want one you better get on the stick or there may not be anymore.
This conversion allows you to dive your double hose Aqua Master (or Voit Navy) anywhere and anytime. I am also convinced based on my back to back tests using a variety of different regulators that for some reason not clearly identifyable the Phoenix nozzle performs slightly better than the standard Royal Aqua Master nozzle. It is most noticeable on a heavy draw. In any case, it breaths great and adds so much versatility to your diving. The best thing is that it does NOT alter your regulator in any way that prevents the original nozzle from being reinstalled. The Phoenix can support a SPG, a BC, a drysuit, an octapus, an extra LP--all at the same time with good hose routing!!!!!!!!!!! AND,you can remove the equipment, plug the ports and dive with a J valve.
James
|
|
|
Post by nemrod on Nov 30, 2006 11:07:57 GMT -8
Above the Phoenix Royal Aqua Master is about to undertake a 110 foot dive on a 90 foot long paddle wheeler, water temps at depth 48 degrees. It is equipped with an octapus and BC inflator hose. At depth even in the cold water it breathed silky smooth. My buddy there is a relatively new diver. Vintage or not, I could and would not dive him to that depth without providing him an octapus. We penetrated the wreck and swam through the stair case. If he had needed my support, no need trying to buddy breath in a tight stair way--just take the long hose octapus. James
|
|
|
Post by duckbill on Nov 30, 2006 12:00:38 GMT -8
James, you need to teach your friend that the lense goes to the front. It's obvious he's new.
|
|