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Aqua Lung ABS Octopus Review: Reliable, Affordable, and Ready When You Need It

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend scuba equipment that I have personally used or genuinely believe provides good value to divers.

Quick Summary Box

Product: Aqua Lung ABS Octopus

Category: Alternate Air Source (Secondary Regulator)

Best For: Recreational scuba divers looking for a dependable and affordable backup regulator

Pros

• Reliable breathing performance

• Lightweight

• Highly visible yellow color

• Comfortable mouthpiece

• Excellent value

• Easy to maintain

• Pairs perfectly with Aqua Lung regulator systems

Cons

• Basic design with fewer premium features

• Not intended as a primary breathing regulator

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Why Every Diver Needs an Octopus

• Aqua Lung ABS Octopus Overview

• My Experience Using the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus

• Breathing Performance

• Comfort and Ergonomics

• Build Quality

• Ease of Maintenance

• Who Should Buy It

• Common Mistakes

• Tips

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Related ScubaBlast Articles

• Related Gear

• Where to Buy

• Conclusion

Introduction

When divers shop for regulators, it's easy to focus almost entirely on the primary second stage. After all, that's the regulator you'll breathe from during nearly every minute of every dive.

But your octopus deserves just as much attention.

Your alternate air source is one piece of equipment you hope you'll never actually need. If the moment ever comes when you or your buddy depends on it, there is no room for uncertainty. It needs to work immediately, breathe easily, and be exactly where it's supposed to be.

I've been using the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus as the backup regulator in my scuba setup, and I've been very happy with it. It has proven to be dependable, reliable, and exactly what I expect from an emergency regulator. It isn't loaded with expensive features because it doesn't need to be. Its job is simple—provide safe, dependable air in an emergency—and it does that job well.

If you're looking for a quality alternate air source without spending hundreds of dollars on premium features you'll rarely use, the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus deserves serious consideration.

Why Every Diver Needs an Octopus

An octopus, sometimes called an alternate air source, is your backup second-stage regulator.

Unlike your primary regulator, which you'll breathe from throughout every dive, the octopus is intended primarily for emergencies.

Typical situations include:

• Sharing air with a buddy who has run out of air.

• A malfunction of your primary second stage.

• Damage to your primary regulator.

• Instructor-led air-sharing practice.

• Emergency ascent situations.

Although many divers go years without ever breathing from their octopus outside of training, that's exactly why reliability matters so much.

Emergency equipment often spends months underwater without being used, yet when it's finally needed, it has to work flawlessly on the very first breath.

That peace of mind is worth far more than flashy features or expensive styling.

Aqua Lung ABS Octopus Overview

The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus is designed to do one job exceptionally well: provide dependable emergency breathing whenever it's needed.

Its bright yellow hose and second stage make it easy for another diver to locate quickly during an emergency. Visibility is one of the most important features of any alternate air source, and Aqua Lung clearly kept this in mind during the design.

The regulator itself is lightweight and streamlined, making it easy to clip securely to your BCD without feeling bulky or getting in the way during the dive.

One thing I appreciate is that Aqua Lung didn't overcomplicate this regulator.

Since an octopus isn't your everyday breathing regulator, I don't believe there's much value in paying premium prices for features you'll hopefully never use outside of occasional testing and practice. Instead, Aqua Lung focused on reliability, comfort, and ease of use—all qualities that matter most in a backup regulator.

For recreational diving, that's exactly what I want.

My Experience Using the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus

I've used the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus as part of my personal scuba setup, and it's been one of those pieces of gear that simply works.

That's actually one of the highest compliments I can give any piece of dive equipment.

It stays securely clipped where I expect it to be, remains streamlined throughout the dive, and gives me confidence knowing it's there if I ever need it.

During my pre-dive equipment checks, I always take a few breaths from the octopus to verify everything is functioning correctly. The breathing is smooth, the purge button operates as expected, and I've never had concerns about its reliability.

Fortunately, I've never needed it during an actual emergency, and I hope I never do.

But knowing it performs well during every equipment check gives me confidence that if the situation ever arises, it will do exactly what it's designed to do.

That's really what you're paying for with an octopus—not constant use, but confidence.

Unlike your primary regulator, which may deliver hundreds of hours of breathing over its lifetime, the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus spends most of its life waiting for the one moment when it might truly matter.

When that moment comes, dependable performance is far more important than premium cosmetics or advanced adjustments.

Breathing Performance

The most important question for any regulator is simple:

Does it breathe easily when you need it?

From my experience, the answer is yes.

Every time I've tested my Aqua Lung ABS Octopus during pre-dive safety checks, it has delivered smooth, consistent airflow. There hasn't been any hesitation, excessive breathing resistance, or indication that it wasn't ready to perform.

Since this is an alternate air source, I don't expect it to feel identical to a high-end primary regulator costing several hundred dollars more. That's not its intended purpose.

Instead, I expect three things:

• Deliver air immediately.

• Continue breathing consistently.

• Remain dependable throughout the dive.

The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus accomplishes those goals very well.

Whether you're checking it before entering the water or practicing emergency air-sharing drills during a certification course, the breathing performance inspires confidence.

For recreational diving depths, I have never found myself wishing it performed differently.

That alone says a lot about its design.

Comfort and Ergonomics

A regulator can breathe perfectly, but if it isn't comfortable, you'll notice it quickly.

Fortunately, the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus is comfortable enough that practicing emergency drills doesn't become a chore.

The mouthpiece fits naturally without requiring excessive bite pressure.

That's important because emergency situations already create enough stress. The last thing anyone needs is an uncomfortable regulator that makes breathing more difficult than necessary.

The second stage also feels surprisingly lightweight.

It doesn't constantly pull downward on the hose or feel awkward when clipped to the BCD.

When secured in an octopus holder, it stays tucked away neatly without swinging around or snagging on equipment.

The bright yellow housing also deserves recognition.

In an emergency, your buddy shouldn't have to search for your alternate air source.

Its high visibility makes it easy to identify immediately, even in lower visibility conditions common in many inland lakes.

As someone who frequently dives the Great Lakes and other freshwater locations where visibility can change dramatically, I appreciate equipment that's easy to locate at a glance.

Build Quality

One of the reasons I chose Aqua Lung equipment is the company's long-standing reputation within the diving industry.

The ABS Octopus reflects that experience.

Although it's a relatively affordable regulator, it never feels cheaply made.

The housing is durable.

The purge button operates smoothly.

The hose connections feel solid.

Everything about the regulator gives the impression that it was designed to withstand years of recreational diving.

That's exactly what I want from emergency equipment.

An octopus spends much of its life clipped to your BCD, occasionally being bumped while gearing up, climbing boat ladders, or entering and exiting the water.

It needs to tolerate those everyday situations without constant worry.

Mine has done exactly that.

Despite numerous dives, transportation to dive sites, and routine handling, it continues to perform exactly as expected.

Ease of Maintenance

Like every regulator, the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus requires routine servicing according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fortunately, there's nothing unusually complicated about maintaining it.

During regular equipment cleaning, I always:

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

• Allow it to dry completely.

• Avoid pressing the purge button while submerged unless the regulator is pressurized.

• Store it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

• Have the complete regulator system professionally serviced at recommended intervals.

Following these simple habits helps extend the life of any regulator.

The good news is that the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus doesn't require any special attention beyond normal regulator maintenance.

If you're already caring for your primary regulator correctly, you're essentially caring for your octopus as well.

Who Should Buy the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus?

I think this regulator is an excellent choice for several types of divers.

New Divers

New divers often spend a significant amount of money assembling their first complete scuba kit.

Between a BCD, regulator, dive computer, exposure protection, fins, boots, gloves, and accessories, costs add up quickly.

The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus allows new divers to purchase a dependable alternate air source without stretching their budget unnecessarily.

Recreational Divers

Most recreational divers don't need an extremely expensive backup regulator.

Their octopus exists for emergencies, training exercises, and occasional function checks.

For that role, the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus performs exactly as intended.

Divers Building an Aqua Lung Regulator System

If you're already using an Aqua Lung first stage and primary second stage, this octopus integrates naturally into your setup.

Everything feels consistent, and servicing is simplified when using equipment from the same manufacturer.

Divers Who Value Reliability Over Fancy Features

Some divers enjoy regulators with adjustable breathing resistance, venturi controls, titanium components, and other premium upgrades.

There's certainly nothing wrong with those features.

However, for an emergency regulator, I personally value dependable performance more than luxury features.

That's exactly what the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus delivers.

Pros and Cons

ProsConsDependable performanceBasic feature setAffordable priceNot designed for continuous breathing like a primary regulatorComfortable mouthpieceLacks premium adjustments found on high-end regulatorsLightweight designPrimarily intended as emergency equipmentHighly visible yellow colorNone that affected my recreational divingTrusted Aqua Lung qualityEasy to maintain

Is It Worth the Money?

Absolutely.

One of the biggest mistakes divers can make is assuming they need to spend top dollar on every single piece of scuba equipment.

Some equipment certainly deserves the investment.

Your primary regulator, dive computer, and exposure protection all have a major impact on every dive.

An octopus is different.

Its purpose is to be available if something goes wrong.

Because of that, I believe the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus strikes an excellent balance between price and performance.

You're getting a dependable emergency regulator from one of the most respected manufacturers in scuba diving without paying for unnecessary premium features.

For recreational divers, that's money well spent.

If I were putting together another scuba setup today, I would have no hesitation purchasing the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus again.

Common Mistakes

Many divers unintentionally reduce the effectiveness of their octopus by making avoidable mistakes.

Some of the most common include:

• Letting the octopus dangle below the BCD where it can drag through sand or mud.

• Failing to breathe from it during pre-dive checks.

• Skipping annual regulator servicing.

• Using worn or damaged octopus holders.

• Forgetting to practice air-sharing skills regularly.

A quality backup regulator is only effective if it's accessible, maintained properly, and familiar to use.

Tips

• Test your octopus before every dive.

• Keep it clipped securely in the same location every dive.

• Replace worn mouthpieces immediately.

• Rinse thoroughly after every dive.

• Practice emergency air-sharing with your dive buddy.

• Include the octopus during every annual regulator inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus a primary regulator?

No. The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus is designed as a secondary regulator, also called an alternate air source. It is intended for emergency situations such as sharing air with a buddy or providing a backup if your primary second stage fails. While it breathes well, it is not meant to replace your primary regulator for everyday diving.

Does the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus breathe easily?

In my experience, yes. During every pre-dive safety check, it has delivered smooth, consistent airflow with no hesitation. While it doesn't include the premium adjustments found on some high-end second stages, it provides exactly the kind of dependable breathing performance I expect from an emergency regulator.

Is the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus good for beginners?

Absolutely. New divers often spend thousands of dollars assembling their first scuba kit, so choosing equipment that offers excellent value is important. The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus provides dependable performance from a trusted manufacturer without adding unnecessary cost to your setup.

How often should an octopus be serviced?

Your octopus should be serviced according to Aqua Lung's recommended service intervals, typically at the same time as the rest of your regulator system. Even if it is rarely used underwater, the internal components still require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure reliable operation.

Should I breathe from my octopus before every dive?

Yes. During your buddy check, it's a good idea to take several breaths from your octopus while the system is pressurized. This confirms it is functioning properly and gives you confidence that it is ready if an emergency ever occurs.

Why is the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus bright yellow?

The bright yellow color helps your dive buddy quickly identify the alternate air source during an emergency. Visibility is one of the most important features of any octopus because every second counts during an out-of-air situation.

Can I use this octopus with other regulator brands?

In many cases, yes, provided it is properly configured and compatible with your first stage. However, many divers—including myself—prefer keeping the regulator system from the same manufacturer for simplicity and ease of servicing.

Is it worth buying a more expensive octopus?

For most recreational divers, I don't think it's necessary. Since an octopus is intended as an emergency regulator rather than your everyday breathing regulator, I believe reliability is far more important than premium features. The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus delivers dependable performance at a price that makes sense.

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Where to Buy

If you're interested in adding the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus to your scuba gear, these are the products I recommend looking at.

Conclusion

The Aqua Lung ABS Octopus may not be the flashiest piece of scuba equipment you'll ever own, but it doesn't need to be.

Its purpose is simple: be there when you need it and work without hesitation.

After using it as part of my own scuba setup, I can honestly say that's exactly what it has done. It has been dependable, reliable, comfortable, and completely trouble-free. Every pre-dive check reinforces my confidence that if I ever needed it in a real emergency, it would perform exactly as intended.

I also appreciate that Aqua Lung focused on value instead of unnecessary extras. An octopus isn't your primary breathing regulator, so I don't see much benefit in paying significantly more for features that are unlikely to be used during normal recreational diving. Instead, this regulator delivers what matters most—reliable airflow, durable construction, easy maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your backup air source is ready.

Whether you're assembling your first scuba kit or replacing an older alternate air source, I believe the Aqua Lung ABS Octopus is an excellent choice. It offers trusted Aqua Lung quality at an affordable price and provides the confidence every diver wants before entering the water.

For me, it has earned a permanent place in my scuba setup, and I would purchase it again without hesitation.

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