Alpha 7 / SP4 .. Is it good enough?

[under water]

Most bottom of the line unbalanced piston regs hold up better than mid or top of the line in rental usage.

They don't breath as well or drive people to buy the great reg they rented so you see mid or better in rental sometimes, or maybe just the rep was good at upselling...

Hi Cerich, et al,
I have been researching to buy my first reg setup and wherever I look at reviews that were done comparing several brands / models, the alpha 7 seems to be regarded as holding it's own against the much more expensive brands/models for multiple reasons.
I understand that the Alpha 7/SP4 first stage is rated for 50 degrees and I'm pretty sure for now I will be restricting my diving to warmer than that and to NITROX <= 40%.

I have also rented them and were happy with them (given my limited experience).

Why would I need to buy something other than an Alpha 7?
Under what situation would an Alpha 7/SP4 be unsafe. This is real question.

Appreciate any responses

 

[jpsexton]

Why would I need to buy something other than an Alpha 7?
Under what situation would an Alpha 7/SP4 be unsafe.

You don't NEED to buy anything else. The Alpha 7/SP4 if a fine and very capable regulator. As you've allready read, it holds it own against many much more expensive regulators.

I think the only situation that it MAY be unsafe is in freezing conditions but I have heard of people using them there so even that is debatable I guess.

I'm a bit of a fan of these as well as the Aeris A1. Good perfermer and very simple, no adjustments, just stick it in your mouth and breathe!

 

[cerich]

Think of it like a car, yes a Aveo will certainly get you from A to B, however if you enjoy spirited driving or off road it sure isn't a good choice.

The Alpha 8 (current model) is a great performing regulator at its price point and tops for the type of regulator it is (flow by/unbalanced piston). For many casual divers that only will dive recreational in somewhat standard conditions it will work.

If you like having something a little better or feel your diving will advance to more challenging types a "better" reg may be indicated.

 

[Stu S.]

Alpha 7 or 8 is a great regulator regardless of price. It out-performs more expensive regulators and holds it's own against the highest price items. A simple and robust design is the basis of product quality and safety. My daughter and I use them, and we have had no problems. My deepest dive is 145 feet.

I would not compare regulators to cars.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use a 7 for my class reg. It has been setup with a swivel octo and console. I mainly dive BPW and long hose but when doing DM stuff in the pool and for some ow situations I have to wear a conventional BC and standard reg setup. The 7 is a good solid reg, it has been replaced with the 8 though. My advice would be to get one or the other but with a different first stage. I've got a DX4 with the enviro kit just for cold/contaminated/sandy/silty water. Your lds can order you any combination of first and second stage. I also prefer a balanced diaphragm to a piston. BTW the 7 will also be used as a stage reg when I get to that point. MY other primary regs are a delta3 w cdx5 and a gt3 w/cdx5. Right now the gt3 is on a bungee and the spare cdx5 is in the bag until I get my doubles set up next month or so.

 

[cerich]

I would not compare regulators to cars.

Why not? I can think or quite a few reasons to do just that...

 

[NJMike]

Stu S,
I'm getting ready to test out the Alpha 8 in a rental setup. I'll be going down to about 70'. If I have no problems with it (and I don't anticipate any), I'm going to buy it.

My question for you: when you were at 145', what was the water temp?

 

[Stu S.]

Hey...two questions. I could burn a lot of electrons here. The temp at 145 feet was 74 degrees.

Cars: If Oceanic made cars, I'd buy one. Do you watch football? Those car and truck ads push the "macho" aspects of the product. Did you see the 500 horsepower Mustang ad? The difference in performance between a 75 horsepower car and the 500hp model advertised yesterday is remarkable. Regulators also may differ in performance, but not in that magnatude. You can't impress the single gals at the local watering hole by diving an XYZ regulator, either.

Fortunately, the "macho image" of diving faded away years ago. Sure, it attracted young men to the sport, but it also caused some insurance companies to charge a diver more money.

To me, a regulator, as a product, compares more favorably to a home appliance. Buy a good fridge, and it will last 20 years. The basic product has been perfected. If you want some extras, including a 15 inch monitor on the door, you can get that, too. It seems the same with regulators regarding reliability and features.

That's my two cents... and one more; If Oceanic made a wash machine, I would buy one, too.

Thanks for reading,

Stu.

 

[cerich]

Hey...two questions. I could burn a lot of electrons here. The temp at 145 feet was 74 degrees.

Cars: If Oceanic made cars, I'd buy one. Do you watch football? Those car and truck ads push the "macho" aspects of the product. Did you see the 500 horsepower Mustang ad? The difference in performance between a 75 horsepower car and the 500hp model advertised yesterday is remarkable. Regulators also may differ in performance, but not in that magnitude. You can't impress the single gals at the local watering hole by diving an XYZ regulator, either.

Fortunately, the "macho image" of diving faded away years ago. Sure, it attracted young men to the sport, but it also caused some insurance companies to charge a diver more money.

To me, a regulator, as a product, may compare more favorably to a home appliance. Buy a good fridge, and it will last 20 years. The basic product has been perfected. If you want some extras, including a 15 inch monitor on the door, you can get that, too. It seems the same with regulators regarding reliability and features.

That's my two cents... and one more; If Oceanic made a wash machine, I would buy one, too.

Thanks for reading,

Stu.

Thanks Stu, I'll ask Bob Hollis if he wants to get in the home appliance business...

Seriously, there is a large difference between a reg like the SP5/Alpha 8 and the FDX10/Delta 4 in regards to performance. Like most cars however if you dive the legal limits (130 ft recreational) those differences don't show that much. Your 145 fsw in warmish water is a little like doing 80 in a 70 zone, even my wifes little yellow Geo Metro Convertible(not her daily ride, a re-do of her college days car) with all three cylinders pushing those 13" steelies will manage that, not quick but will. Now put that car on the Autobahn and it will resemble a bug in the radiator!

The real difference in performance will start to REALLY show at 200+ with 300+ being the realm of having to have a absolute top performer.

I have had the Alpha 7/SP5 in the 200 ft zone and it does do very well compared to many other regs out there, however there is a noticeable difference from its brothers up the Oceanic line.

On the ego aspects, I have had customers who have been sold on a mid line regulator that after a short period decide to upgrade to the most expensive regulator they can find. Simply put owning anything mid line didn't meet their self image needs. It had nothing to do with performance. ( Thus BMW, Jag, Lexus, Rolex and Tag all exist, all of these you can get equal performance less expensively, but they lack that certain something)

Best,

Chris

 

[huladncr]

As has been stated a number of times the Alpha 7 or 8 is a solid robust good breathing second stage. What has been mentioned but perhaps glossed over is the first stage. Suggestions to upgrade the first stage should be strongly considered in my opinion. When you rented was the Alpha connected to an SP4 or perhaps a DX4 or CDX. My predjudice is towards the better diaghram first stage. I have an old Delta 2 with a DX3 and an Alpha octo that is still one of the best breathing and most trouble free regs I own.