Advice on argon regulator

[grantctobin]

Hi tbone,
Thanks for the insight. I am also looking at regulators for argon. I don't mind the expense. Could you point me to an "argon regulator" with a sealed diaphragm design? The ones I have seen are all piston, for example

Complete Argon Regulator

Experience optimal drysuit inflation with the XS Scuba Complete Argon Regulator. Features Miflex QD hose and DIN connection. Dive safely!

extreme-exposure.com

Drysuit Inflation Regulator – Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers

www.diverite.com

A piston is more than adequate for inflation gas. If it’s -40 outside the water, don’t blast it. Highland, Dive Rite, DGX (large), Apeks, etc are all adequate.

 

[tbone1004]

Hi tbone,
Thanks for the insight. I am also looking at regulators for argon. I don't mind the expense. Could you point me to an "argon regulator" with a sealed diaphragm design? The ones I have seen are all piston, for example

Complete Argon Regulator

Experience optimal drysuit inflation with the XS Scuba Complete Argon Regulator. Features Miflex QD hose and DIN connection. Dive safely!

extreme-exposure.com

Drysuit Inflation Regulator – Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers

www.diverite.com

You will not find any sealed diaphragms marketed as "argon regulators" because as @grantctobin said it really isn't necessary. If you are following even remotely reasonable fill rates with the suit and making sure that the regulator is fully submerged before you inflate it all the way then you really will never run into an issue with freezing. It's not like a breathing regulator where you are taking large quantities of gas through the first stage at a very frequent basis, you're squirting in a couple times and that's about it.
I do happen to use one of these for suit inflation but it's more because I had one laying around.

Deep 6 Excursion Series First Stage (DIN)

DIN Connection Balanced Diaphragm First Stage Environmentally Sealed Compact Design Marine Grade Brass Matte Black Chrome 4 LP ports (2 per side, fixed) 2 HP ports (1 per side, fixed)

www.deep6gear.com

 

[JMBL]

Then I saw that the specs say it's only rated for use down to 50 degrees. That doesn't sound like a good rating for an argon system. Now I'm looking at this one Highland Compact DIN First Stage | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba

I've been using this regulator for a number of years now : sturdy and reliable, even after taking several beatings when the Biscaye Gulf wasn't in the mood to welcome divers. Never dived it under ice nor used it with argon though. Argon is way too expensive and complicated to get around here.