2 or 2.5 inch brass n glass spg ?

[idive2]

I am a recreational diver and hoping to get a bit more feedback in this forum.
I did a quick search and did not find a lot on this but would be interested in others
opinions on the size of the available spgs. I have a very old 2 inch Pro Dive spg which
I have very little problem reading. I won't say it is crystal clear but easy enough to
determine my pressure. Just wondering if there is any downside to the 2.5 inch spg ?
I measured the one that came out of a console and it was 2 inch so I have been using the
2 inch all along. I have no problem with a 2.5 inch gauge but was wondering what others
opinions are of the larger 2.5 inch gauge. Also I have heard comments on color markings on
the dial being avoided. I kind of like the 500 or 700 shaded in the red but could certainly do without.
I don't like those with any other color markings on the dial beyond the red. I'm looking at the XS Scuba
which has 0-700 shaded in red or the Highland with no color markings at all.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I really like the 2.5inch gauges simply because it is easier to read with a simple glance if it is located within my field of view rather than always picking it up and holding it to read. It not a matter of not being able to read the smaller ones, even my mini 1.5 ones with scratched plastic lenses are readable, it is the ease of reading. I am older so this is an issue at times for me. I also set my Kindle for large fonts and enjoy read it over hard copy books for the same reason, ease of reading. As for the colors, I don't find them worthwhile to use, but they don't bother me either.

 

[BKP]

The Highland, Dive Rite, Hog, etc., are all made by the same company in Italy. After using both the shaded, and non-shaded, I definitely prefer the non-shaded. Much easier to read the <700 PSI markings (I know, I know, you shouldn't *reach* that point -- but, it happens, 'specially if you're diving doubles/sidemount and 700 PSI on each SPG only represents half your total remaining gas).

I actually found I prefer the 2" (1.75" face). I thought the 2.5" was too large and unwieldy, and the 1.5" was nice and thin, but it was poly-carbonate, as opposed to brass and glass:



EDIT: Like Grumpy, above, my eyes used to be better. However, I have gauge readers in my mask (SeaVision), and have no issues at all with the 1.75"

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use and sell the HOG SPG's. I have 1.5's on my stage bottles and 2's on my regs. Comparing them to a 2.5 I have in stock the difference is pretty striking. The 2.5 is heavier yet no overly so. What is evident is that the numbers are much easier to read. They actually look like they are twice as big even though they are approximately 50% larger. For someone with eyes that are not so young any more it could make a huge difference.

As for color markings - I liked them until I used these guages that do not have them and much prefer the non color ones. Especially in low vis or at night. The Dive Rite guage I have with the markings usually takes a second look to verify what I'm seeing in low light. The HOG's do not. Shine a light on them and they light up and every mark is clear and there is no mistaking what you are seeing.

My own opinion bottom line is I like the 2 inch non colored but should my eyes start to go more or I do more low vis, low light, or blackwater diving I'm going to set a reg up with the 2.5 non colored.

BTW PM if you want to compare prices.

 

[CT Sean]

I have a 2" OMS and like it. I've never seen a 2.5" SPG but it does seem like it would be a little large. One thing to keep in mind, all thee B&G spg's are from the same manufacturer just with different branding on them. If you are looking for "ultra-plain face", Submersible Pressure Gauges has some with no branding for a nice price.

 

[blue steal]

I went with the 2.5 inch non colored HOG SPG. Yes it is larger and a bit heavier, but with my old eyes it is easy to just glance and know.

 

[iztok]

I went with colored (black surface) 2.5" HOG as I find them easier to read in dark (easier on the eyes).

 

[Akimbo]

I am normally really against dual scale instruments but I make an exception here because the readout in Bar is so handy for estimating volumes (14.695948775 PSI = 1 ATM versus 14.503773773 PSI = 1 Bar). I chose the 63mm/2.48" OMS G-240 SPG for readability since I don’t find the difference in size or weight significant for a primary gauge.

 

[iztok]

This is one I use:

 

[PfcAJ]

I saw go with the smallest one. Big stuff (esp when it doesnt need to be big) just gets in the way.