Introduction  

Few years after AirBuddy modernised the recreational hookah dive gear, another brand emerged in USA, Blu3. The Blu3 product lineup, including Nemo (decommissioned), Nomad and Nomad Mini, was founded on the licensing of a device called Xplorkel from an individual inventor, John Colborn in early 2018.

In November 2025, Blu3 published an article titled “Honest Comparison of Tankless Dive Systems,” comparing their systems to AirBuddy. We appreciate that our competitor recognises AirBuddy as the “golden standard” to benchmark against, however, we believe that some of the information was not properly explained or presented in a way that could be misleading to those new to hookah diving. Our goal with this article is to provide our point of view and shed some light into our design thinking that guides us on the way to provide the leading recreational hookah gear with respect to performance, versatility, safety and user experience.

Every company or author has its own perspective and biases – including us. We encourage you to read both articles in conjunction to build your own opinion, based on what matters most to you.

1. Two Different Philosophies

A truly comprehensive comparison requires looking beyond the surface to examine the fundamental design philosophies that define the diver’s experience. As you will learn in this article, our engineering paths have diverged significantly as a result of varying priorities. While one approach may prioritise reducing size and weight at any costs, we at AirBuddy believe that ‘safety-first’ principle must remain uncompromised in every design decision.

The fundamental difference between AirBuddy and Blu3 isn’t just a list of features; it’s a completely different approach to how air is supplied to a diver:

• The AirBuddy Approach: We utilise a constantly running compressor paired with a pressure relief valve, a built-in air reservoir (in case of AirBuddy integrated into the float) and a mechanical regulator. This more “traditional” setup has been proven over decades. At its core is performance, simplicity, reliability and safety, albeit at slightly higher weight or size.
• The Blu3 Approach: Blu3 uses an electronic regulator (branded as “Smart Reg”) which is essentially a simple magnetic switch that runs the compressor only when you inhale (or manually press the purge button). It is an interesting idea that promises increased efficiency. However, in practice, it has proven a limited impact on battery life and has introduced dire consequences for breathing comfort, reliability and diver safety.

In the following chapters, we will explain the practical implications of these two technologies in detail, so you can determine which philosophy best aligns with your own requirements for an underwater breathing equipment. Let’s dive in…

2. Is a Smart Regulator Truly a Smart Idea?

When diving underwater, the most important feature of any dive system is how reliably and efficiently it delivers clean, breathing air. When comparing the systems, several critical safety considerations come to light that raise a polarising question: Is the smart regulator a genuine breakthrough or just clever marketing? By removing the air reservoir, manufacturers avoid the production of a challenging and costly component and can slightly reduce the battery size which is good for cost-saving. But what impact does it have on the diver’s safety, comfort and performance? Before you fall for the hype, ask yourself if you’re truly prepared to accept the trade-offs.

2.1 Component Stress Caused by Interrupted Compressor Operation

At first glance, stopping the compressor when you are not breathing might seem like an energy-saving measure. In reality, however, it doesn’t provide any significant battery savings. When you exhale or pause between breaths, the AirBuddy remains active and uses this time to pressurise the air reservoir, ensuring it is fully prepared for your next inhalation. Contrary, a hookah system that is cycling the compressor on and off, misses the opportunity to work while you exhale. Put simply, the compressor needs to make up for the time it has been snoozing, which leads to decreased overall performance. It only makes sense to pause the compressor when it is not being actively used, for example when you are snorkelling on the surface, or perhaps when diving in very shallowly water (e.g. 1–3 metres deep).

Importantly, every time an electric motor restarts, it creates a brief high-current spike that stresses the electrical components. The stress gets more severe when the compressor restarts under pressure. The question is: How many potential failure points does the system experience throughout the dive, and when do they occur? For example, during just one 60-minute dive, an on-off system is likely to experience such stress around 500 times, while the diver is underwater, i.e. during a safety-critical phase of the dive. In contrast, the AirBuddy compressor experiences such stress only once at start-up while the diver is still on the surface, i.e. during a non-critical phase of the dive. We believe that minimising electronic and mechanical stress points during the dive is a fundamental safety principle.

2.2 Impact on Low Battery Monitoring

Consistency is the key to accurate data. A compressor that cycles on and off makes it significantly more challenging for electronics to provide a steady, accurate reading of the battery level. This variability can lead to inconsistent low-battery notifications, potentially leaving a diver with less time than expected for a controlled safety stop and ascent.

A predictable battery drain allows for a much more accurate low-battery warning system. When power consumption is constant, the notification trigger works more reliably. With AirBuddy you have about 10 minutes of low battery notification, which is ample time to perform a safety stop and slowly return to the surface. Contrary, some users of Blu3 Nomad claim that the low battery notification period was insufficient, shorter than the 3min at 5m safety stop that you learned in your dive training. They also dislike that the low battery notification of Blu3 devices takes the form of compressor interruptions, impeding the air supply.

2.3 Safety Concerns Related to the Free-Flow Stop Feature of Blu3 Nomad

The Blu3 Nomad is designed to stop the compressor if the regulator free-flows (leaks air continuously) for longer than approximately 20 seconds. This is intended to protect the system from overheating and battery drain.

A free-flow may occur when a regulator is removed out of the diver’s mouth and surrounding water pressure triggers the sensitive regulator’s membrane. If the regulator is accidentally knocked out and not recovered in short period of time, the system will shut down. This shutdown can also be triggered by a malfunction causing a continuous purge, or inadvertently if the regulator is used, for example, to fill a lift bag. Once the shutdown occurs, the diver must manually turn the regulator knob to “OFF” and then back to “ON” to restart the system. While this feature is mentioned in the Blu3 Nomad’s user manual, it is a technical detail that can be easily overlooked, or forgotten in a stressful situation. For a diver caught unprepared or unaware of the manual restart procedure, sudden loss of air supply can lead to confusion or panic, creating a significant safety risk. At AirBuddy, we believe that diver’s safety or wellbeing should be more important than protecting the machine.

2.4 Long-Term Reliability of the Smart Regulator in Question

From a long-term reliability perspective, the electrical (magnetic) switch of the Smart Regulator and wiring that run through the air hose are in question. In the harsh saltwater environment, introducing electrical components into the umbilical where salty, hot and humid air is passing through introduces a risk of deterioration (and oxidation) over time. Only time will tell how reliably the system performs after years of use.

2.5 Implications of Unpredictable Dive Time

In diving, knowing how much time you have left is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of safe diving. The design of your air supply system determines how predictable and reliable your remaining “bottom time” is.

Because the AirBuddy compressor runs constantly, your runtime is predictable and independent of your diving depth or breathing rate. It doesn’t matter if you are at 2 meters or 12 meters, or if you are swimming vigorously or resting. You can rely on a consistent performance window of about 55 minutes of dive time, followed by additional approx. 10 minutes of normal compressor operation during which you hear the low battery underwater siren. Predictable runtime allows you to plan your entry and exit points accordingly. In a typical scenario that your exit is the same as entry point, you know to turn around no later than 25-30 minute into your dive (adjusted for any potential currents or change of swimming pace).

In contrast, an on-off system like the Blu3 Nomad makes your dive time conditional and unpredictable. Because the pump cycles on and off based on your breathing, the battery life depends on a variety of factors that influence your air consumption such as your depth, level of your physical activity, your state of mind (stress level), your experience, your trim, your body type, sea currents, water temperature, etc. While their marketing materials suggest a battery life of “up to 45 or even 60 minutes,” feedback discussed among the Blu3 diving community often tells a different story, with some users reporting as little as 20 or 25 minutes near the maximum rated depths or in demanding conditions.

When a system’s performance is tied to an interrupted, “on-off” operation like Blu3 Nomad, the key variables influencing your diving time are:

• Depth: The deeper you dive, the more air you consume with each breath and the harder the pump has to work, which causes the battery to deplete faster.
• Sea Condition and Activity: Fighting a current or cleaning a boat’s hull increases your respiratory rate, causing the compressor to cycle more frequently and deplete the battery faster.
• Experience: Newer divers often have less efficient breathing patterns, which can unintentionally drain the battery much faster than expected.
• Stress Level: Your state of mind is a surprisingly large factor in your air consumption. Stress or anxiety can easily double your air consumption. Therefore, with an on-off system, it can significantly shorten your dive time.
• Trim: Maintaining a horizontal, balanced swimming position with streamlined gear that offers minimal water resistance (drag) can reduce your air consumption by up to 20%, according to some estimates. For hookah systems with interrupted compressor operation, changes to trim will influence both your breathing comfort and your dive time.
• Body Type: Larger people (specifically those who are overweight) tend to use more air than smaller people to support their metabolic needs. Increased air consumption translates to decreased dive time with an on-off hookah system.

Engineering AirBuddy to run constantly may sound “low tech”, but it’s a conscious decision to improve diver’s experience and safety as it substantially eliminates the dependency of battery life on the above mentioned variables. With a correctly working AirBuddy, you can expect one hour dive window every time you enter the water. We tested an on-off system for the AirBuddy (few years before Blu3 existed), but the increase in runtime of 10 to 15 minutes was not a meaningful trade-off for us given all the negative impacts.

2.6 Impact on Natural Airflow and Effortless Breathing

Diving is a pursuit of tranquillity. Beyond safety and runtimes, the “breathing comfort” of a hookah system is defined by how your breathing feels and how you perceive the compressor sound. The engineering of the device determines the pressure and air flow characteristics which in turn affect the diver’s experience during the dive.

Human breathing follows a sinusoidal wave (breathe in, breathe out), while compressor’s air output is linear. In systems that pump air directly from the compressor to diver’s mouth, these two flow patterns clash.

Direct air delivery systems, such as Blu3 Nomad, are typically accompanied with:

• Air Buffeting: Diver feels that the air coming out of the compressor is “pulsing” due to the rapid movement of the compressor’s piston or diaphragm.
• Pounding Sound: Diver hears a loud, pounding (“jackhammer”) sound. Without a baffle, acoustic waves coming out of the compressor travel down the breathing hose and vibrate the diver’s skull bones transmitting the noise directly to the inner ear (cochlea). Hearing through bone conduction works incredibly well underwater!  
• Shortness of Breath: A feeling that you must suck the air from the regulator due to the lack of an air boost typical for systems using an air reservoir.
• Time Lag: The time difference between the air demand (i.e. inhaling, which turns the compressor on) and the air delivery from the compressor. Although it may take just a fraction of a second, it is noticeable and has a negative impact on the overall diver’s breathing experience.

AirBuddy uses its large, 16L integrated air reservoir as a mechanical air buffer. It absorbs the compressor’s pulsations and noise and delivers smooth, quiet, natural air flow that is synchronised to your breathing pattern. Such design, with air stored in a reservoir, ready for your next breath delivers air faster and with less effort than an electronic regulator that triggers the compressor only after you demand the air, leading to delayed, slower air delivery. Most importantly, the air reservoir is also your primary source of air in an emergency, which we discuss in detail later in this article.

Another, often overlooked, but important drawback of a direct-delivery, “on-off” system is the significant constraint it places on hose selection. To minimise airflow resistance thus breathing lag, these systems require a hose with a relatively large internal diameter. However, balancing durability with usability is difficult: a thick-walled, heavy-duty hose becomes cumbersome and stiff, handling much like a “garden hose”. Conversely, a thinner-walled hose, while more flexible, often lacks an adequate burst rating and remains susceptible to punctures or cuts from corals, barnacles, or sharp boat parts (e.g. propeller) when working under the hull. This critical compromise between performance and protection is explored further in a separate chapter below.

2.7 The Reality of Underwater Noise

There is a common misconception about noise in hookah diving, largely due to how action cameras record audio. Cameras like GoPro use high-gain microphones that “squash” audio levels, making a gentle buzz sound like a roar. A human ear perceives the noise differently.

• The AirBuddy “Buzz”: In laboratory tests, AirBuddy emits 69.1 dBA in air roughly about the noise level between a normal conversation and a running vacuum cleaner. Underwater, this noise quickly dissipates into a gentle, consistent hum. Because the airflow is smoothed by the reservoir, the air you breathe is quiet (no noise perceived through bone conduction).
• The Nomad “Buffeting”: In contrast, a direct system that cycles on and off with every breath without an air reservoir to dampen vibrations transmits the compressor noise through the hose. This creates a pounding, jackhammer-like sound that is perceived by bone conduction through the diver’s skull and inner ear.

Besides comfort, there is an element of reassurance through audible feedback. A constantly running compressor provides a steady, audible “heartbeat.” This continuous feedback gives the diver instant, subconscious reassurance that the system is operating. An on-off system that is designed to be silent half of the time, lacks such reassuring audible feedback, which can be unnerving.

3. Importance of Built-in Air Reserve for Emergency Situations

A manufacturer that decides to eliminate the air reservoir (the diver’s primary source of emergency air) gains several benefits, including reduced tooling and production costs, simplified assembly, and improved product portability. However, this design choice has an undeniable negative impact on the device’s safety profile, as the system then relies solely on external equipment for a backup air source.

In diving, a sudden loss of air leads to a serious emergency. AirBuddy addresses this with an 16L integrated air reservoir that provides a source or pressurised emergency air. Should the compressor or battery fail, this reservoir provides enough air for those vital seconds needed for a safe, controlled emergency ascent. A secondary redundant supply, such as a pony bottle or egressor, is then only necessary for extreme scenarios like a massive air leak or system blockage. In an direct, on-off system without an air reservoir, such as Blu3 Nomad, the residual air volume inside the hose is extremely small. Should for example the electronic smart regulator fail to turn the compressor, the compressor, battery or the controller malfunctions, or the device goes into sleep mode after free-flow (as described above), air delivery stops abruptly. In this scenario, the use of a redundant system (like a pony bottle or egressor) is an absolute necessity.

3.1 The Practicality of Redundant Emergency Bailout Systems

While we always advocate for a redundant air source for maximum safety, experience shows practical complications that the divers may encounter:

• The Travel Barrier: Regulations (TSA, FAA, IATA, …) require that air cylinders must be emptied and the regulator detached when transported on a plane. After landing at the destination, will you find a place willing to fill your mini-SCUBA cylinder? Will they at least rent to you a large SCUBA cylinder and let you fill your egressor off of it by yourself at the resort premises? Or will you travel with a bulky high-pressure hand pump and battle with it for an hour to fill your egressor?
• The Fill Challenge: Dive centres may be hesitant to fill the small egressors cylinders due to unfamiliarity with the product filling procedure, inability to precisely control the slow filling speed for such a small cylinder fearing overheating risk, or lack of periodical hydrostatic and visual inspection testing stamps.
• The Human Factor: Some divers choose not to wear a redundant system because of the added bulk, weight and travel/ fill complications.

If a diver, for whatever reason, is not equipped with a filled pony bottle, the AirBuddy reservoir ensures they aren’t living “breath to breath.” We believe a life-support system should have some level of safety built into its core architecture, rather than delegating it entirely to an external accessory.

3.2 Floatation and Ocean Handling

The AirBuddy’s air reservoir doesn’t just synchronise the compressor air flow with your breathing pattern or serves as a primary source of emergency air, but it also provides substantial stability to the device on the ocean surface. In hookah diving, surface stability is a passive safety feature that is often overlooked until you are dealing with swells, wind, or the wake of a passing boat.

• The “Keel” Effect: The AirBuddy is designed with a toroidal (donut-shaped) float that wraps around the compressor unit, providing buoyancy and stability. The centre of gravity is in the lower section, below the waterline, and acts like a keel on a sailing yacht. This design gives AirBuddy a natural self-righting ability of up to 110 degree tilt.
• Stability vs. Portability: By removing the air reservoir and using an inflatable flotation bag attached to the diver’s hose, such system may become lighter to carry on land, but it loses the natural stability on water if the ocean is rough. It is more susceptible to capsize by waves or strong winds.

When a manufacturer eliminates the reservoir to save on production costs or maximise “portability,” the diver pays the price in the ocean through loss of a primary source of emergency air, unpleasant, turbulent airflow or compromised ocean stability – product features that are important for safety, performance and overall diver’s experience.

4. Hose Design: Resilience vs. Low Air Flow Resistance

In hookah diving, the hose, sometimes called “umbilical,” serves as the diver’s critical connection to the air supply. Its design is paramount for both safety and comfort during the dive.

4.1 Weakness of Blu3 Diver’s Hose

To make a direct delivery, on-off hookah system work, the air must travel from the compressor to your mouth with near-zero air flow resistance. This requires a hose with a relatively large internal diameter. Our testing shows that a hose about 10m long requires an internal diameter of 12mm or larger. However, to prevent a large-diameter hose from becoming too bulky, heavy or stiff (“garden hose” like), the wall thickness is often compromised.

• Vulnerability of Thin-Wall Hose Design: The spiral-ribbed PVC hose used on the Blu3 Nomad closely resembles the “pond tubing”, a material primarily designed for fluid suction and discharge rather than compressed air. You typically find this kind of hose used with pond pumps, bilge pumps, RV waste water discharge systems, etc. Our sample of a spiral-ribbed PVC hose with 12mm ID had a wall thickness of approximately 0.5 mm (between the spirals). While this makes the hose lightweight, it also makes it vulnerable to abrasion or cuts. In a real-world diving environment surrounded by sharp coral, barnacle-encrusted hulls, or propellers, we believe a 0.5mm wall is simply not robust enough. A single cut can cause a dangerous loss of pressure or introduce saltwater into your breathing air.
  In contrast, AirBuddy uses a hose made of premium, FDA-approved TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) with a 2.0 mm wall thickness. Renowned for its exceptional toughness, tensile strength and abrasion resistance, our hose not only uses a superior plastic material, but also robust construction with much thicker walls!

• Burst Pressure and Standards: The AirBuddy hose is burst pressure rated to 300 psi! We could not find any equivalent burst pressure rating for the spiral-ribbed PVC hose used on the Nomad system. Our internal testing on comparable spiral-ribbed PVC hose samples indicated significant structural weakness, with plastic deformation beginning around 40–45 psi and burst occurring at approximately 60-65 psi. Furthermore, some other manufacturers, primarily from China use an expandable garden-style hoses with silicone inner tubing and braided sleeves. Although these offer better operating pressure than spiral-ribbed PVC hoses, they are prone to sudden, explosive failure if the inner sleeve is punctured, making them unsuitable for life-support applications.

Beyond structural strength, the material composition of the hose is vital. Diving standards generally require FDA-approved (food-grade) materials with high UV resistance to ensure the air you breathe is free of toxic off-gassing or contaminants. While AirBuddy is committed to these strict material standards, this level of technical detail is often missing from the specifications of other manufacturers.

4.2 Recoil (Self-Organising) vs. Straight Hookah Hose

The behaviour of the hose is what many divers notice first. It makes the difference between feeling “tethered” and feeling free.

• Advantages of the AirBuddy Recoil Hose: We utilise a premium quality recoil hose that is self-organising thanks to its spiral construction. It naturally expands and contracts as you move. It keeps the AirBuddy unit at a closer perimeter to you and acts like a “shock absorber”. It eliminates any “tugging” on your harness caused by ocean swell or your own swimming, a phenomenon that is typical for hookah systems with a straight hose. You hardly notice the presence of the AirBuddy hose behind you.
• Challenges with a Straight Hose: Unlike a recoil hose, a straight one, like the one used by Blu3, does not absorb the kinetic energy of the swell once fully extended. Divers using the Blu3 Nomad have reported that they felt annoying tugging on the harness with passing waves. Without the ability to “recoil” (or self-organise) the excess hose could also become a tangle hazard. Furthermore, a straight hose allows the device to drift further away from the diver, which is undesirable and potentially hazardous when diving close to shallow reefs, rock formation or shallow wrecks with waves breaking over the top. A surge of water rushing over the shallow reef top could cause the device to tumble. Divers whose hookah systems floats closer to them have better situational awareness and control.

4.3 Flexibility of Choice

While AirBuddy is optimised for the convenience of a recoiling hose, its design is versatile enough to support a straight hose if the user prefers. Conversely, the Nomad’s direct-delivery, “on-off” system requires near-zero airflow resistance, a requirement that necessitates a large diameter, straight hose thus precludes the use of a recoil design.

We have intentionally prioritised the safety of a rugged, abrasion-resistant “lifeline” and the shock-absorbing comfort of a recoil hose, even at the cost of slightly increased drag. In our view, the enhanced durability and diver comfort provided by this design represent a superior trade-off for recreational surface-supplied diving.

5. Depth Rating and the Buddy System, Theory vs. Reality

There is a common misunderstanding in hookah diving that the length of your hose determines your depth. In reality, depth is governed by a combination of the compressor’s output (air flow and pressure) and the diver’s individual Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV).

Depth in hookah diving is (and always will be) individual. Just like SCUBA cannot guarantee the same, fixed dive time for each person, a hookah system can’t guarantee the same comfortable dive depth for each participant.

5.1 Understanding Air Consumption and Depth in Hookah Diving

Divers breathe anywhere between 8 L/min to over 60 L/min depending on their activity, experience, stress level, body build, trim, ocean conditions, water temperature, etc.

• AirBuddy Depth Rating: Our maximum depth rating of 12 m (40 ft) for a single diver is based on an air consumption rate of up to 24 L/min (RMV). If your air consumption is lower, you could theoretically achieve a slightly greater depth, though this is not recommended. Conversely, if your air consumption is higher, you may find that your comfortable limit is shallower than the rating.
• Nomad Depth Rating: The Nomad is advertised for a single diver up to 9m (30 ft) deep, but they do not mention the RMV (air consumption) used during the tests or industry standard to derive that depth rating. Statements like “normal breathing workload” or a “relaxed exploration state” are open to interpretation. What’s normal for one person, may be challenging or impossible for someone else. The absence of RMV, a fundamental test parameter, means that it is impossible to verify or interpret the actual performance, or estimate the depth limit for an individual diver who knows his typical air consumption.

Depth ratings for hookah diving should be approached with extreme caution, particularly when they lack references to industry standards or internal testing methodologies. Some of the brands (mostly from Asia) make claims that seem to defy the laws of physics.

5.2 Use of AirBuddy by One or Two Divers

An important differentiator of the AirBuddy is that it can be used by one diver or two divers (although to a shallower depth). It provides you an amazing opportunity to share the experience with someone else without the need for a second, expensive device. Such option is impossible with current Blu3 devices that start the compressor after receiving a signal from the electronic regulator. Because divers don’t breathe in sync, inhale of diver would cause air free flowing from the other diver’s regulator.

• Reduced, 6m Max Depth for Two: When two divers share a single AirBuddy, the maximum operational depth is reduced to 6m (20 ft) to provide adequate airflow for both users. With little practice, such as implementing a relaxed, slow, deep breathing technique (4-second to inhale and 4-seconds to exhale), two divers can comfortably share the unit. For many of our customers, 5-6m is considered the “sweet spot” for recreational exploration. In fact, the majority of marine life, including the most vibrant corals and colorful reef fish, thrive in the top 5 to 10 meters of the ocean where sunlight remains relatively unobstructed.
• Diving in Buddy Formation: The AirBuddy setup for two divers (“buddy setup”) allows them to stay close together or be up to 10–15 metres apart. Despite their dive training calling for buddies to stay close, this range provides plenty of freedom in various scenarios. For example, two divers could clean a boat’s hull simultaneously. Best of all, this configuration naturally keeps you in a “buddy formation”. As you are both connected to the same unit, it is virtually impossible to lose your buddy, as can happen from time to time in SCUBA diving.
• Economic Choice: The AirBuddy, Buddy Pack allows two people to explore underwater with a single unit, significantly reducing the costs and footprint compared to two separate systems. This is a game changer for a family of four who can enjoy holiday diving all together using just two AirBuddy units. On a boat, it’s also unbeatable option when 2 people clean the hull simultaneously. They can accomplish the job in half of the time, with just one dive system. Ultimately, the Buddy setup halves the total cost, total weight, and luggage space, making it an exceptionally efficient solution for both recreation and utility.

5.3 One System Per Diver? Always an Option.

The AirBuddy is designed with versatility and modularity at its core, offering you complete control over your diving experience. You can easily configure it for a single diver or attach two shorter hoses for a buddy dive session. For larger adventures, you may even link two independent systems to float together in a formation (preventing entanglement) or operate them separately. We offer a Duo Pack (two of the Single Diver AirBuddy systems) at a discounted rate. We provide the options; you choose the adventure.

6. Portability vs. Performance, Convenience and Safety

When comparing the physical footprint of the two systems, the technical specifications on a website often tell just one part of the story. For a diver, the true measure of a system is how it balances transportability with its performance in the ocean.

6.1 Weight and Size Comparison

The Blu3 Nomad is marketed at 7 kg (15 lbs), yet when we weighed the unit on a professional, calibrated scale (including the battery, hose, harness, floatation bag, and flag) the reading was 8.095 kg. We are unsure why they advertise a lower weight and if any components may have been left out from that weight specification.

The AirBuddy (Single Diver Pack) weighs 11.8 kg (26.1 lbs) in total. It is undeniably heavier than Blu3 Nomad, but for a good reason.

We use high-quality, durable internal components and a rigid float (for improved performance and safety as discussed earlier). Our robust compressor is made from metals. From an engineering perspective, we wonder about the excessive use of plastic materials for moving parts inside the Blu3 compressors. Air compressor parts are subject to considerable forces, vibration, heat and humidity which they must withstand over long period of time.

Interestingly, despite the difference in weight, the physical size of both systems when packed in their custom backpacks is similar. Both provide a similar level of portability and require similar luggage space for transportation and storage.

6.2 Transport vs. Performance

Weight and size are factors that matter primarily on land. Once you enter the water, the weight of the unit becomes irrelevant as buoyancy takes over.

Every engineering choice involves trade-offs. Choosing to prioritise performance, safety, and comfort during the dive naturally results in a slightly heavier unit. We have opted for structural integrity and essential safety features (like the 16L air reservoir or LiFePO4 battery chemistry) over saving 2 or 3 kilograms for the walk to the beach. For us, the priority is how the system handles the swells, how safe it is and how it breathes underwater, which is where the diver spends the most critical part of the day.

7. Battery Engineering: Safety and Longevity vs. Weight and Costs

Both AirBuddy and Blu3 utilise lithium-based battery technology, Li-Ion. The question is: Which one? There are 6 basic Lithium-Ion battery chemistries: LCO (LiCoO2), LMO (LiMn2O4), NMC (LiNiMnCoO2), LFP (LiFePO4), NCA (LiNiCoAIO2) and LTO (Li4Ti5O12).

Whereas Blu3 Nomad presumably utilises INR18650 cells with LiNiMnCoO2 chemistry (also known as NMC), AirBuddy is powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 also know as LFP) which is known for its exceptional safety, cycle life and durability, albeit higher costs and slightly lower energy density (thus larger and heavier).

7.1 Comparison: NMC (LiNiMnCoO2) vs. LFP (LiFePO4)

In general, there is a trade-off between energy density (how much power you can fit in a small space) and safety/longevity. There are dozens of criteria to consider when designing a battery pack for a specific application. For example, you need to consider voltage, capacity, power, lifespan, safety (thermal runaway), charge rate, discharge rate, self-discharge, costs, physical dimensions, and many others.

• NMC (LiNiMnCoO2): These battery cells are favoured for consumer electronics because they weigh less, are smaller and less expensive to produce. However, they are more sensitive to high temperatures, pose higher fire hazard and have a shorter overall lifespan (charge cycles).
• LFP (LiFePO4): While slightly heavier for the same amount of energy, LiFePO4 is widely considered the safest Li-Ion battery chemistry (next to LTO – Li4Ti5O12). It is chemically stable, virtually non-combustible, and can handle thousands of charge cycles without significant degradation.

7.2 Why AirBuddy Chose LiFePO4

AirBuddy chose LiFePO4 deliberately for one reason: Critical Safety. When you are underwater, your life-support system is not the place to compromise. LiFePO4 (LFP) battery fires are exceptionally rare, as the chemistry requires extreme thermal stress or catastrophic mechanical failure to ignite. Furthermore, LFP cells exhibit a significantly higher thermal runaway threshold and a less volatile combustion profile than NMC (LiNiMnCoO2) alternatives.

• Underwater Reliability: You want the most stable chemistry possible when used in a challenging aquatic environment.
• Charging Peace of Mind: Safet isn’t relevant just during the dive, but also when the unit is charging in your garage or on your boat. The choice of battery can even impact your marine insurance. Insurers are increasingly wary of the risk profile of various Li-ion chemistries and the wrong choice can directly impacts your coverage eligibility, premiums, and claim validity. Many insurers, such as Nautilus Marine Insurance, explicitly recommend or even mandate the use of LFP over more volatile chemistries like NMC for battery banks due to their superior safety profile.
• Physical Protection: We choose to keep the battery internal for maximum protection. From our perspective, a battery is too vital component to be directly exposed to salt water like Blu3’s battery. What happens to a battery bathing in salt water when its housing is compromised (cracked due to physical damage, vibrations, thermal expansion and contraction, incorrectly manufactured weld or joint)?

7.3 Swapping Batteries: Durability vs. Speed

The Blu3’s external battery design allows for a very fast battery swap, which can be convenient in certain scenarios. However, the use of a connector exposed to salt water affects the long term durability. AirBuddy was intentionally designed with the battery located inside the unit for practical reasons:

• Mechanical Protection: Housing the battery inside the rigid unit provides a physical shield against impacts and the harsh marine environment.
• Preventing Oxidation: Blu3’s design exposes the battery connectors to the elements during every swap. If a streak of saltwater makes its way into the connector, it causes oxidation of its contacts, an issue that has been frequently reported by the Blu3 users. Severe oxidation can result in a loss of connection or decreased reliability.

Unless you’re a treasure hunter who refuses to mark and leave a promising site, divers prefer to take a break on land or a boat to warm up, drink, dry off and swap batteries. In real-world scenarios, the extra 20 seconds it takes to open the AirBuddy housing is a small trade-off for ensuring your electrical connections remain pristine and protected for the life of the unit. In fact, out of many thousands of customer inquiries, the request for an “on-water” battery swap has only been mentioned once or twice.

8. Dive Training and Manufacturers’ Responsibility

In their article, Blu3 suggests a competitive advantage because they provide an online training course, whereas AirBuddy “only” provides a user manual. We want to clarify this point in detail, as it highlights a fundamental difference in how we view diver safety and manufacturer responsibility.

Diving is a physical activity that takes place in a foreign environment where the laws of physics, specifically pressure and gas volume, have immediate effects on the human body. Because of this, no recognised dive training agency in the world (such as PADI, SSI, or NAUI) offers a certification that is based on online course exclusively. While an online course can teach theory, it cannot replace practicing essential skills with a professional instructor in a safe environment.

Physical training under the eye of a certified instructor is what builds muscle memory. It ensures that in a moment of stress or emergency, you respond calmly rather than panicking. Watching online videos isn’t the same than an experienced professional monitoring your buoyancy, correcting your breathing technique, or practicing the safety skills like CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent) with you. Proper dive training is not a hurdle, it is an essential, life-saving prerequisite. It requires hands-on experience that no website can simulate.

8.1 Our Responsibility as a Manufacturer

There is a fundamental difference between a Manufacturer and a Training Agency.

• Our Role: As the manufacturer, AirBuddy is responsible for product quality and ensuring you know how to operate, maintain, and manage the procedures specific to our hardware. For this, we provide a comprehensive user manual as well as detailed online tutorial videos covering operation, features, best practices and maintenance.
• Divers’ Role: You, the diver, are the ultimate guardian of your safety. You must understand the physics and physiology of diving, learn the safety rules, best practices and practical skills (e.g. how to clear you mask, plan your dive, communicate underwater, navigate, etc.). This is why AirBuddy requires before checkout that you confirm to be a trained and responsible diver and that you require the same from all other users. We do this voluntarily. Many other manufacturers or online retailers don’t have any such safeguards (because they aren’t legally required).

By requiring a declaration of prior training at checkout, we prioritise user safety over easy sales. We believe that while online theory is helpful, it cannot replace the hands-on practice needed for safe diving. Our role is to provide the quality equipment and technical guidance, while encouraging the users to seek professional training before they enter the water.

9. Modular Design vs. Dependence on Factory Repairs

A life-support system is an investment. How it’s maintained and how it works after some time is just as important as how it performs on day one.

9.1 Importance of Modular Design for Serviceability

AirBuddy was engineered with longevity and durability in mind. It is modular and user repairable, even on boat or during travels with limited access to tools or repair centres. Our modular approach prioritises long-term serviceability, giving you the choice between simple DIY repairs or professional factory support.

• Self-Service Capability: Most basic repairs of AirBuddy require either no tools or just few basic tools and skills roughly equivalent to fixing a bicycle. To support our users, we provide detailed instruction videos and sell most spare parts directly on our website.
• Flexible Support: Whether you are on a remote boat or at home, you have the flexibility to maintain the unit yourself. However, if you prefer professional service, you always have the option to return the main unit to us for factory repair.

9.2 Repair and Maintenance Challenges with Blu3

In contrast, feedback from the Blu3 user community (e.g. FB Group Blu3 Nemo Divers) often highlights the frustration of a “closed” service model. In many cases, users report being unable to purchase individual parts, forcing them to ship the entire unit to the factory in US or a 3^rd party service centre for minor issues like oxidised battery connectors or hose replacements. This often results in long turnaround times and unproportional expenses.

While Blu3 claims that plastic compressor components offer better saltwater resilience, the ocean remains an unforgiving environment. Fine sand and salt crystals cause internal wear that a simple rinse cannot fix. User reports have surfaced regarding bulging compressor magnets, seized moving parts, damaged diaphragms, corroded switching magnet inside the smart regulator, etc. Furthermore, the voluntary recall of approximately 1,300 Nomad units due to fractured compressor heads underscores why high-grade metals remain the industry standard for compressor durability.

10. Price and The Efficiency of Direct Distribution

Blu3 emphasises its network of traditional dive retailers as a sign of reach. At AirBuddy, we have chosen a different path designed to maximise value for the end user.

In today’s globalised economy, the traditional “Manufacturer-Distributor-Retailer” model often adds layers of markup without necessarily adding proportional value to the customer.

10.1 Our Approach to Efficient Distribution

We put emphasis on our Direct-to-Consumer model for most of the world, complemented with selected dealers in certain locations.

• Direct Value: By shipping directly from our factory, we avoid the significant margins required by traditional retail networks (30-40% +). This efficiency allows us to provide more accessible price point, passing those savings directly to our customers.
• Global Logistics & Speed: Thanks to modern logistics, an AirBuddy is typically shipped within 24 hours of ordering and reaches a customer’s doorstep within 6 to 10 days, serving over 100 countries worldwide.
• Strategic Partnerships: While we prioritise direct sales to keep end prices low, we maintain strategic distribution partnerships in key regions like the EU to handle specific logistics and support needs.

10.2 Price Comparison

Our distribution strategy is one of the main reasons why AirBuddy maintains a lower price, despite its superior quality, performance and features. A current price snapshot as of January 2026:

• AirBuddy Single Diver Pack (max 12m depth): US$ 1,699
• AirBuddy Buddy Diver Pack (max 6&6m depth): US$ 1,866
• Blu3 Nomad (max 9m depth): US$ 2,199
• Blu3 Nomad Mini (max 4.6m depth): US$ 1,649

Our approach ensures that the pricing reflects the actual value of the engineering and hardware, rather than the markup associated with a traditional retail supply chain.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hookah system is a dauting task. It involves more than just comparing a list of specifications. It is about understanding the engineering philosophy behind the device and it’s real-world implications for safety, performance or user convenience.

The differences between AirBuddy and the Blu3 represent two distinct engineering paths in the development of hookah diving systems. Throughout this comparison, we have highlighted how these design choices impact the diving experience.

One system is designed for maximum portability using an on-off compressor and an inflatable float. The other prioritises robustness and performance, utilising a constantly run compressor and an integrated air reservoir. There are numerous trade-offs that the engineers of each device must have considered. Saving weight or size is always welcomed. But what are the implications for safety, quality or durability?

Ultimately, both systems have brought innovation to recreational diving. By understanding the technical details and construction of the hardware, you can decide which aligns better with your priorities and expectations when diving underwater. The ocean is a vast, beautiful, but demanding on you and the gear. Whichever hookah system you choose, we wish you many amazing adventures beneath the surface!

Feature	AirBuddy	Blu3 Nomad
Max Diving Depth	12 m (40 ft) or 6x6m (20x20ft).	9 m (30 ft).
Runtime	Fixed, Predictable: ~65 mins (55 + 10 mins with low battery warning). Constant time regardless of depth.	Variable, Unpredictable: 45–60 mins advertised, however some users report as little as 25-30 min because the time depends on depth, physical activity, breathing rate, etc.
Low Battery Warning	~10 mins of underwater low battery siren, continuous normal air supply.	Compressor interruptions to notify diver. Users report variable, shorter warning times.
Air Delivery	Constant Flow: Compressor runs continuously to fill a built-in air reservoir.	On-Off “Smart Reg”: Electronic regulator runs the compressor only during inhalation.
Air Reservoir	Integrated with the float. Provides better breathing comfort and 16L of air in case of emergency.	None: Relies on redundant supply, such as a pony bottle or egressor.
Ocean Stability	Excellent: 16L float and low centre of gravity act like a keel. AirBuddy handles ocean swell and waves exceptionally well. Not breaking waves.	Poor: Suitable for smooth waters like swimming pools, lakes or placid rivers. Can only be used in WMO sea states codes 0 (calm) up to 2 (wavelets).
Breathing Comfort	Balanced Air: Air reservoir acts as a buffer to provide smooth, effortless airflow.	Pounding Air: Direct air delivery from compressor transmits pulsations and acoustic noise.
Hose Type	Recoil (Spiral): Self-organising, acting like a shock absorber to prevent hose tugging by waves.	Straight: Can drift further away and may cause “tugging” in ocean swells.
Battery Chemistry	LiFePO4: Inherently safe, non-combustible, significantly longer lifespan (2-3x), but slightly heavier and more expensive to produce.	LiNiMnCoO2 (presumably): Lighter, smaller and cheaper to produce. Higher risk of fire, shorter lifespan.
Battery Placement	Internal: Housed inside the unit for protection and to prevent connector oxidation.	External: Allows for fast swaps, but exposed to saltwater.
Compressor Stress	Minimal stress (starts once on surface); uses high-grade metal components.	High stress (cycles ~500 times per dive); uses many plastic components, aging faster.
Maintenance	Modular/User-repairable: DIY repairs possible with basic tools. Spare parts and video tutorials available.	Closed model: Often requires shipping to a service center. Important parts not available for DIY repair.
Training	Requires a proper diving course; confirmed at checkout. Comprehensive user manual and video tutorials.	Provides an online training course. Diving course is recommended.
Distribution Model	Primarily Direct-to-Consumer (lower markups).	Traditional Retailer Network (higher markups).
Made in	Australia	USA
Price (Jan 2026)	$1,699 USD (Single Diver Pack)	$2,199 USD