Advice on SPG

[Raystafarian]

I'm looking for advice on an SPG (imperial). I'll be running Aqualung Titan LX 1st & 2nd. I have a wrist mount computer already - zoop.

What I've gathered is I should be looking for an SPG that is "brass and glass" - but what I'm confused about is the rubber boot. I've read the debate and honestly I hate the bulk I've had with rental gauges (though they always have the computer and compass) - but I can't really tell which SPGs have a "removable" boot and whether it's a good idea to have the boot if I decide I need it.

I'm also concerned with visibility, I don't want to struggle to read the pressure at a glance. I was looking at the Cressi mini, TUSA sca150 (can't tell if it's brass/glass) or HOG 2" (not sure white or black). Not sure if I'm overlooking anything obvious, either. Thanks!

 

[buddhasummer]

Most brass and glass SPGs come from Termo in Italy just branded according to end seller. They come in two sizes medium and large. I like medium. You can buy a rubber boot for them but I don't use one, they are bit of a salt trap and make changing hoses and spools bit of a pain.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/spg

---------- Post added July 8th, 2015 at 05:43 AM ----------

The Tusa is plastic. I have both black and white, visibility wise I think there are more similar than not.

---------- Post added July 8th, 2015 at 05:48 AM ----------

I've been using B&G SPGs without boots for many years and have never had an issue.

---------- Post added July 8th, 2015 at 06:33 AM ----------

If you're worried about visibility then the Cressi is probably not a good idea, it's tiny, it's also plastic too.

 

[Charles2]

I bought this XS Scuba - HL309 - 2” Brass & Snap SPG for my spg. I had heard the talk about a black face being difficult to read in low light, but have had no problems. It's easy to read and comes with its own snap. Be sure to make sure the screw that holds the snap to the SPG is properly torqued (long story).

 

[elgoog]

If you can, check the sizes out at an LDS. I was originally planning on getting the larger one just because I thought bigger will be better for readability. After I saw them in person, the large looked and felt like something you would use to tenderize a steak. I got the medium (2") and it's perfectly fine - the one I have is branded Highland Scuba but, like buddhasummer said, they are all the same manufacturer. Mine is white with a luminous face and it was easy to read even after my contact lenses got messed up during a mask off attempt (and my eyesight is not the greatest either).

 

[tursiops]

I believe all the 1.5 inch are brass and plastic, the 2 inch might be plastic or glass, and all the 2.5 inch are glass.
The 1.5 inch might be a bit hard to read for some people, the 2.5 inch is much bigger than needed; the 2 inch is a nice size.
I've got both white and black face; I like the black face at night....only the numbers are luminous instead of the whole face, so my night vision doesn't get destroyed.
I've not seen a 2 inch plastic, black face. The plastic is cheaper that the glass, and a little heavier.
The biggest problem with the plastic is the plastic gets scratched after a lot of use....hard to read in the air, fine in the water. You just buy a new one.
It is easy to tie a bolt snap onto the fitting between the hose and the gauge, no need for anything fancy like in post #3, although it is pretty cool. it's also $100, which is kinda steep when you can get a perfectly good 2 inch brass-and-glass for just $57 from Piranha: 2.0 Inch BLACK Luminicent Background w/Psi Numbers
Protective covers do little, cost something, and get in the way. If they protected the plastic or glass, that'd be cool....none do.

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

The new version of the Cressi mini is brass and glass, from Italy. The color coding is great for info-at-a-glance. But, does anyone know the size of the dial? Do not see it anywhere, but I would want 2"

 

[buddhasummer]

The new version of the Cressi mini is brass and glass, from Italy. The color coding is great for info-at-a-glance. But, does anyone know the size of the dial? Do not see it anywhere, but I would want 2"

Thats interesting as the older mini had a polycarbonate face. Assuming it's still "mini" it's not going to be 2". The older (?) mini was 1.5".

 

[kwinter]

I'll go against the grain a bit here and suggest you find an SPG that is marked for both Imperial psi and metric bar. It would help if you travel to other places in the world as well as show you have an eye toward the future when the entire Imperial system goes the way of the dodo. Dual marked SPGs are still available (made by the same company in Italy as the others) but can be hard to find. Worth the extra few bucks.

 

[tursiops]

The Cressi Sub website says there is a "front glass," but the way it describes it sounds like the usual plastic "glass."
Cressi Scuba Diving Computers & Consoles pressure gauge small light weight metal case 350 bar high quality reliable
The site also says the diameter is 50mm (2 inches), but that appears to include the protective housing.
It certainly looks like a 1.5 inch SPG!

The Cressi Sub USA website doesn't mention a "front glass" or give a size.
Cressi Underwater Electronics Instruments pressure gauge small light weight metal case 350 bar high quality reliable

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

Thanks. Does not look like what I am looking for.