AL Conshelf XIV versus AL Impulse

[Fednrs]

I have two old school regulators neither of which are my primary set, the AL Conshelf XIV and the AL Impulse, both rebuilt, does anyone have any thoughts either way to which regulator is the better reg, at 40 -> 70', 50 ->70 degree water. Any thoughts on these two regs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[knowone]

Are the first stages sealed? Does the Impulse come with the SEA first stage?
Check "Micra."

They both go anywhere but the SEA supposedly more so?

The Impulse was around, around when Aqualung started holding hands with Apeks,
ten years agoish.

The XIV is still available.

I far prefer a XIV because it is original, not holding hands re badged.
But the hose routing of regs in that style leaves much to be desired..

Very good.

 

[Fednrs]

Thank you for your reply, however what are referring to as far as "sealed". I have not used them since they have been serviced, that being said should I expect or not expect them to be sealed? I have always liked the Conshelf line, I learned to dive with one 35 some years ago. Thank you again for the education.

 

[herman]

By sealed he means does it have an enviromental seal. That will be an exposed rubber diaphram at one end of the first stage. It will cover the IP adjustment screw which will be either a hex head hole or a wide straight screw slot. It is not something that is added or installed during a normal service but is an option that can be added if you like.

 

[Fishpie]

The choice is between the 2nd stages.......the 1st's are both balanced diaphragm rugged performers....choose the one that routes the best for you.....the SEA has an additional LP port for a drysuit and 2 7/16" HP ports.
Both can be fitted with freeze seals.....but the diaphragm design is good to the mid 40's without them.

My experience with the Impulse is it is awkward to fine tune.....not difficult, but doesn't breathe very well on the test bench, it does do better in the water.
Not prone to free flow.... would make for a decent alternate 2nd stage.
Oh......the soft purge cover rots.

The 14 is a classic and is probably more cold tolerant with its all metal design.

My choice is to stick the 14 2nd stage on the SEA as your primary, use the Impulse as your alternate.

 

[Fednrs]

Thank you all for the education, with that said what is/are the beliefs on a US Divers (Aqualung) Octo, again recently rebuilt, attached to the the Impulse? Would it be a good Octo with the Conshelf XIV? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[knowone]

How does your octo, mom?

 

[Fishpie]

It will work exactly as advertised.

 

[eelpout]

Impulse was never marketed with a silicon/air filled environemtal kit. The Conshelf XIV of coure would be a Supreme if it did have a E-kit. The Conshelf 14 would be better in cold water because it has an all metal 2nd stage. If you rinse your gear (salt water )on a regular basis the 14 would be the way to go. I personally have two Conshelf Supremes and a 14 sitting in a box for nostalgia sake.

The 14 2nd stage is a little harder to work on if you don't have the right tools. I learned to repair regulators in 78 on these 2nd stages which were the same ones ont he Aquarius regs that the store had for rental. It does not have an adjusting orfice which the Impulse has.

The SEA and Conshelf first stages use the same kist except for the sinter filter. The SEA has better hose configuration if you switch it of to a DIN.

Just my 2 cents,
Jim