200 bar Valve: Thermo vs. XS Scuba

[grouchyturtle]

I also thought that the 1 1/2 turn from fully open to fully closed (XS) would be a plus. My instructor however thought that with the 1 1/2 turn you risk unintentionally shutting down a post much easier than with more turns "available".

I really didn't want the red/green thing, so I went with Thermo.

1 1/2 turns is only with the cheesy red green things. The older XS valves are more turns. I went with the Thermo...but wound up with one of each.

Same # of turns (5ish)
Castings are nearly identical.
Hand wheels are different.
Threading on the tubes is different.

 

[mike_s]

just wondering if there's any real difference.

Thermo is now owned by XS Scuba. but it wasn't that way when XS Scuba came out with their valve. (they were separate companies at that time).

Also... a little history and info. XS Scuba is the US Distributor for Luxfer and Worthington tanks. the ONE and ONLY US Distributor.

so..... since every new tank requires a new valve, typically bought with the tank, it kinds went by default that folks pretty much had to buy them from XS Scuba since they were the only distributor of those brands (Worthington, Luxfter)

1 1/2 turns is only with the cheesy red green things. The older XS valves are more turns. I went with the Thermo...but wound up with one of each.

Same # of turns (5ish)
Castings are nearly identical.
Hand wheels are different.
Threading on the tubes is different.

Besides what you listed above, the crush seat (mentioned in another post) is different and also the "Dip Tube" is machined differently. IT's hex on the end instead of round. This means you can put a wrench on it to tighten it up instead of using a pair of pliers on the round surface.


Either way, either choice of valves is a good one.



EDIT: You can see the Hex Wrench in the Dip Tube at the bottom of the graphic on this image.

 

[grouchyturtle]

That's the new XS valve, though. I got the older style.

Looks the same, but no red and green thing.
Mine was also 5 turns just like the Thermo, not 1-1/2.
Also, I don't think it had the hex fitting...or maybe I just rushed to screw it on and didn't notice?

So, there is a chance that some of those other specs could be different too.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

You having the Older means that you have Thermo! XS just came out with their own Valves a year or two ago before that they only had Thermo.

 

[fdog]

The XS valve is not the same as Thermo. They have different overhaul kits and different components.

I specify Thermo valves when ordering from XS. Recently I ordered a couple of new deco bottles, and failed to specify "Thermo". They came with XS DIN valves instead. Drat - now I have to carry two different types of rebuild kits in my spares kit.


All the best, James