What is the most bulletproof 1st stage of all time?

[Scared Silly]

First define bulletproof, second what is the maximum caliber allowed?

 

[Bigbella]

The Poseidon Cyklon 300, hands down — first stages, either 2940 or 2980: forty some-odd, punishing years of constant use, from freezing waters (Cousteau , as a matter of fact, used them in the Antarctic, along with Viking drysuits, in lieu of Aqua-Lung / US Divers equipment . . . rather telling) to the tropics; “bulletproof” construction; solid IPs, over decades; simple design and equally-simple servicing -- easily field-stripped; continued support, with parts and OEM service kits still available -- for damn good measure -- for an unbalanced, "compensated" first stage, discontinued, back in 1993 . . .

 

[Ghost95]

I'm with Herman. A Mistral is about as tough as they come. Not the easiest setup but once you're configured correctly your golden.

 

[SlugLife]

I know little about servicing 1st stages. The Scubapro MK10 wasn't so bad, learning how to service it as a beginner & I ended up buying a collection of those. The MK5 and MK10 are nearly identical as far as servicing and layout goes.

The MK15 on the other hand ..... hell no! Can't find service kits for it anywhere, and it has a weirdly complicated brushing system. I mean, it looks like a nice regulator, just not to service & I traded my MK15 for a MK10.

First define bulletproof, second what is the maximum caliber allowed?

"Today on Demolition Ranch, we're testing first-stage regulators. The question is, can first stage regulators be used as body armor? As usual, we'll be starting with a 22 caliber...."

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

Agree with Herman. Single stage Mistral is about as bullet proof as they come. My 2psi.

 

[BoltSnap]

A sealed Atomic first stage for certain. I won't have to worry about parts, simplicity or complexity or anything, it just keeps going for years and years without any issues.

 

[Jake 10]

IMHO; Conshelf (US Diver - Aqua Lung) or MK2 Scubapro

 

[2stroketony]

Oceanic Omega 2. Simple, dependable, user serviceable, great performer.

 

[scrane]

I like the Conshelf for its simple, easy adjustable diaphragm design and construction

 

[halocline]

I think it comes down to conshelf or MK5. Both can go 10 years or more without a rebuild. MK2 probably could as well. I wouldn't put any modern 1st stages in there simply because I've never seen any evidence that they can go that kind of time without being serviced. Maybe they could. But I have definitely seen conshelfs and MK5s locking up perfectly more than 10 years after a rebuild, although I don't know how much use they got during all that time.