Submatix SCR/mCCR testing

Recently - well, actually several weeks ago - we tried out the Submatix SCR and mCCR unit, what they call an SCR 100 ST. As mentioned before, this product is by now fully upgradeable to a KISS-style CCR, and since our local dealer only had a CCR model available at the time, we reversed the process and "downgraded" it to SCR for the sake of the experiment.

Also, this was because I still cannot bring myself to accept manually controlled closed-circuit rebreathers as such a really good idea... but that's probably just me.

So here come a few glimpses of the unit (note the "plug" in the first stage feeding the KISS valve on the right side reg):



Here you see the unit assembled with the back cover opened for the OP test:



And now the closed unit, a very compact and sleek design.



Finally, we got to the wet part of the testing (hint: rebreather on the left side...).



The usual stretching exercises...



The system is sooo quiet, you could almost fall asleep underwater!



To sum it up: a nice compact and lightweight unit which is easily converted SCR->CCR and vice versa. By now, the counterlungs are two separate bags, thus reducing concerns about possible leaks affecting the breathing mix (previous models were equipped with one bag within the other, presumably resulting in easier WOB). Everything works, is ready for the market and even has acquired CE approval (for what it is worth, this is probably mostly of concern to dive shops, retailers and insurances).

The downside as I see them are:

• compact size also means restriction to one (rather small) size and shape of tanks (unless you want to attach the tanks on the outside of the case)

• connections for the loop as well as counterlung bags are plastic rings which "snap" in place. Handling these connector rings takes some confidence and practice, and I could not shake the impression that it was a matter of time before the "snap" comes while you handle that ring, but before you have connected it...

• the price point (cited at 2.900,- € + taxes) is not bad, but not very competitive either: you get a lot of Dräger parts for that kind of money...

So I remain unconvinced, and will probably keep using the Dolphin for scientific dives while looking for a nice used unit for recreational diving.