Sidemount regulator preferences (and why)?

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Just interested to know others thoughts/preferences on sidemount regulators.

Thus far I've used Scubapro Mk25/S600 and also Apeks. I generally prefer the Apeks, as the Scubapro seem more inclined for damage (projects further laterally from the tank valve).

Preferences? Thoughts?
 
You'll find that most piston regs project farther laterally from the valve. It's part of the design. While piston regs are probably better suited to true, tight, silty sidemount diving, a good environmentally sealed diaphragm reg sits a little better on the valve. One thing to consider with the piston regs if you're aiming them out is this often interferes with valve shutdowns. The students I have with piston regs usually aim them in rather than out. This does make it difficult to position the reg up rather than down and protect it more because the reg ends up sticking you in the ribs.
 
I got a pair of Hog D1s when I started SM, just because, and have had no problems with them. I added a couple more for stage and deco use, and am now waiting for the new second stage which will convert to left-hand feed. Since I have been doing all my cave dives with another SM diver, no mixed teams, I can replace the long hose and go with a short hose and a LH feed reg. I tried it last trip and found it very clean, less clutter. It won't be too long before I'm groveling through small holes, with a sound track playing in my head!
 
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I was originally using my MK25's for backmount, and had my Dive Rites for stage and deco regs. I tried to use my MK25's but found, like Rob stated, they did stick out on my SM bottles and squeezed in to my sides. I changed over to my Diver Rites since they worked so well on my stage bottles. Now I need new stage regs. :(
 
I like a reg with turret so I can either point my SPG up or down depending on the dive without have to break out the tools. I have a set of Hollis and a set of Apeks.
 
On thing about the Apeks DST is that if you dive the Nomad Ring Bungie system with the regs out, the LP hoses are limited in their rotation because they hit the din wheel. That might not be the case with the SP.

I have not tried SP's, just some fixed (no swivel turret) options that students might come to the course with.

I have no problem making the right one work with a fixed reg (I have tried USD SEA fisrt stages, and MK2 first stages), but the left one really wants a swivel turret in my experience.
 
On thing about the Apeks DST is that if you dive the Nomad Ring Bungie system with the regs out, the LP hoses are limited in their rotation because they hit the din wheel.

The DST end cap can be removed to expose an LP port. If you have a look at the Apeks side mount regset, they use the 2 ports with short LP hoses for the inflator and drysuit. I am taking a side mount course next weekend and will be using this setup. I can give you an idea of how it works after the weekend.
 
You'll find that most piston regs project farther laterally from the valve. It's part of the design. While piston regs are probably better suited to true, tight, silty sidemount diving, a good environmentally sealed diaphragm reg sits a little better on the valve. One thing to consider with the piston regs if you're aiming them out is this often interferes with valve shutdowns. The students I have with piston regs usually aim them in rather than out. This does make it difficult to position the reg up rather than down and protect it more because the reg ends up sticking you in the ribs.

Rob
One regulator cave divers have shunned,is actually an excellent sidemount regulator. The Sherwood regulators have a very small profile,no ambient chamber,tough as nails,and the dry bleed actually is a plus. Like you,I dive sidemount cave with gear removal,as well as river cave where I have to dump gear in a muddy river bottom,and these regs seem to thrive with this abuse. The only thing I don't like is the Sherwood 2nds,and I dump those in favor of a different make of 2nds.
 
thoughts/preferences on sidemount regulators.
I have found turret first stages to be useful for SM configuration. When I first started SM I had a couple of Zeagle 50Ds available (originally bought them, used, for BM and didn't like hose routing in BM), which I set up for SM. They have worked well, for me. I added several other 50D to my inventory and use them for SM student reg sets when needed.
 
I just picked up a set of Hollis DC1/212 's and I've very impressed with the quality and finish as well as the breathing characteristics. In my opinion, the turret and 5th port make them ideal for side mount.
 

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