Basic Regulator Concepts
How to choose SCUBA Regulator at first glance can be a daunting task with so many to choose from, so many features and an assortment of technical terms thrown in to confuse you. Truth is with a few simple questions you can narrow the field and make the right choice. In this article we will look at the concepts involved in making your decision and review several different regulators.
First you need to understand what type of diving you will be doing. If you intend to only dive shallow reefs in clear warm water you will want a far different regulator than you will want if you intend to descend into the cold water of the Great Lakes to the limits of recreational diving. A cold water regulator is in fact an all water regulator. A warm water regulator will perform well in warmer water but may freeze up and free flow in water below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold water regulator will have some mechanism that minimized the affect of the combination of cold water and cooling effect of compressed air being released from pressure. Remember how cold your teeth got when you simulated a free flow in your open water class.
You will remember from your open water class there are two types of valves to connect to your tank a yoke valve and the threaded din valve. The din valves will operate at higher pressures but are far less common than yoke valves. Most divers will find more convenient to purchase and use a yoke valve.
First Stage regulators can be unbalanced, balanced or over balanced. The unbalanced are serviceable for short shallow dives but breathing becomes more difficult at deeper depths and as the tank empties. A balanced regulator will perform the same as pressure and depth change. An over balanced regulator becomes easier to breath as depth increases.
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First you need to understand what type of diving you will be doing. If you intend to only dive shallow reefs in clear warm water you will want a far different regulator than you will want if you intend to descend into the cold water of the Great Lakes to the limits of recreational diving. A cold water regulator is in fact an all water regulator. A warm water regulator will perform well in warmer water but may freeze up and free flow in water below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold water regulator will have some mechanism that minimized the affect of the combination of cold water and cooling effect of compressed air being released from pressure. Remember how cold your teeth got when you simulated a free flow in your open water class.
You will remember from your open water class there are two types of valves to connect to your tank a yoke valve and the threaded din valve. The din valves will operate at higher pressures but are far less common than yoke valves. Most divers will find more convenient to purchase and use a yoke valve.
First Stage regulators can be unbalanced, balanced or over balanced. The unbalanced are serviceable for short shallow dives but breathing becomes more difficult at deeper depths and as the tank empties. A balanced regulator will perform the same as pressure and depth change. An over balanced regulator becomes easier to breath as depth increases.
For a list of all our sites with tips on Dive Gear CLICK HERE
MK2 plus and R-series
Economical Warm Water Regultor
This regulator is a down stream piston first stage which is reliable and easy to maintain so it is commonly found in the rental pool of dive centers. The first stage is suited for shallow diving and warm water diving but can be more difficult to breath as depth increases and tank pressure drops. It is most often paired with a R295 down stream second stage. A good choice for a combination of warm water and low budget. MK11/S555
Easy Breathing at All Tank Pressures
This balanced diaphragm first stage is combined with a an air balanced second stage to provide a low maintenance regulator which will deliver smooth air delivery at all tank pressures. This combination will perform very well in warmer waters but if you look to dive in the cold northern lakes this is not your reg. M17/S555
An Excellent Cold Water/All Water Regualtor
This is ScubaPro's top diaphragm fists stage with a dry ambient chamber that offer protection from freeze related free flows in cold water. The balanced second stage delivers smooth air flow at all depths and tank pressures. This is a reg designed for the harshest environments. MK25/S600
All Water Top of the Line Regulator
This is ScubaPros's top regulator. It has a balanced piston first stage that becomes easier to breath with depth and works well with the air balanced second stage which is adjustable to adapt to all diving environments. It delivers a constant and reliable air flow. You can adjust the inhalation pressure by turning a knob on the regulator and has a dive/pre-dive switch to reduce free flows on the surface. This is a light weight, highly reliable regulator for all diving conditions. Warrantee
ScubaPro regulators have an excellent warrantee. If you have them serviced annually the parts are free and you need only pay for the labor. If you forget or neglect to have your regulator serviced you can reactivate the warrantee by simple having it serviced and paying for the parts. The following year you will be back on the plan and the parts will be free. WARNING. If you buy ScubaPro dive gear on the internet it IS NOT from an authorized dealer and the manufacturer's warrantee is not valid. The ScubaPro dealership agreement specifically prohibits advertising of price on the Internet and also shipping by dealers to customers.
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