Best first regulator, DIY service

[2airishuman]

Lots of good advice upthread.

A jacket is mostly "plug and play". Is a BP/W very easy to set up (harness, D-rings, etc.) ? How about getting used to it underwater ? I've never tried a back-inflate system. I assume that you almost feel naked in comparison with standard jackets.

I don't think I've ever done an open-water dive in a jacket. I started with a BP/W. It helps to have someone experienced with them show you the proper strap lengths and D-ring positions, but you can figure it out yourself eventually.

The only difficult thing in the water is removal and replacement of your scuba kit. Instructors have told me that some students just can't do it in a BP/W. It is a common mistake to have the shoulder straps too tight which will make it considerably more difficult to remove/replace in the water.

What is the average lifespan of a quality reg that is rinsed and maintained properly ?

The ones I dive were manufactured in the 1970s. I bought them used. I expect they'll last me as long as I am diving.

What is your criteria when choosing an SPG ? Where should it be attached on the harness ?

Any SPG will work. The 1.5" ones with the plastic, rather than glass, window work fine. I have not had good luck with older SPGs.

Most dive shops sell yellow octo regs that seem to be inferior second stages. Is it a problem to have the exact same black second stage as an octopus ? Where do you attach your octopus ? My instructors are mostly "octo donors" but I don't feel comfortable with it as I feel it's not how things usually happen in emergency situations.

Like many people on Scubaboard I dive and recommend a "primary donate" configuration with a secondary on a neck bungee. My primary and secondary regs are identical.

 

[tdallen]

Even with my very limited experience I've been on several dives where a pairing problem or failed battery affected a diver using AI. It's probably fair to say they were rookie issues that could have been avoided... but they affected the dive. Since I'm a new and inexperienced diver with variable SAC rate, and since I really value my vacation dives it would suck to call a dive or switch to a rental regulator due to an AI problem. I like the idea of AI so my first regulator purchase will include 2 HP ports so I can have both an AI transmitter and a backup brass and glass SPG.

 

[tbone1004]

Even with my very limited experience I've been on several dives where a pairing problem or failed battery affected a diver using AI. It's probably fair to say they were rookie issues that could have been avoided... but they affected the dive. Since I'm a new and inexperienced diver with variable SAC rate, and since I really value my vacation dives it would suck to call a dive or switch to a rental regulator due to an AI problem. I like the idea of AI so my first regulator purchase will include 2 HP ports so I can have both an AI transmitter and a backup brass and glass SPG.

which computer/transmitter were you using? the oceanic design is much more stable than the suunto design...

 

[tdallen]

which computer/transmitter were you using? the oceanic design is much more stable than the suunto design...

The problems didn't affect me, I'm still building up my first set of gear. That said, in the cases where I know which brand of computer was involved it was Suunto. I bought an Oceanic myself .

 

[buddhasummer]

Even with my very limited experience I've been on several dives where a pairing problem or failed battery affected a diver using AI. It's probably fair to say they were rookie issues that could have been avoided... but they affected the dive. Since I'm a new and inexperienced diver with variable SAC rate, and since I really value my vacation dives it would suck to call a dive or switch to a rental regulator due to an AI problem. I like the idea of AI so my first regulator purchase will include 2 HP ports so I can have both an AI transmitter and a backup brass and glass SPG.

I hear you, I have to move heaven and earth to be able to do a dive trip, as such I don't want to call any dives if I can avoid it. I take super simple reliable regs, back ups, robust fins with spring straps etc etc.

 

[Schwob]

...
I have to move heaven and earth to be able to do a dive trip, as such I don't want to call any dives if I can avoid it.

Yeah, ... wouldn't it be nice to just go diving... definitely need to change that...

 

[buddhasummer]

Yeah, ... wouldn't it be nice to just go diving... definitely need to change that...

Yes, I used to be single until rather late in life, then got married and had a child, now it seems no time or money anymore. I used to go for a 5 week diving adventure most years, but now I'm lucky if I get a week every couple of years. With advancing age it hurts more than it used to. Fortunately I do have a local beach site, conditions are usually bad, viz 1-3 more often than not but at least I do still get to dive. I do spend more time now fixing old regs which still keeps me "in it" . Oh, the good ole days...

 

[BoltSnap]

Yes, I used to be single until rather late in life, then got married and had a child, now it seems no time or money anymore. I used to go for a 5 week diving adventure most years, but now I'm lucky if I get a week every couple of years. With advancing age it hurts more than it used to. Fortunately I do have a local beach site, conditions are usually bad, viz 1-3 more often than not but at least I do still get to dive. I do spend more time now fixing old regs which still keeps me "in it" . Oh, the good ole days...

You make getting married and getting old sound very scary and suffocating

I can't imagine me not being able to dive because of any reason especially due to a medical condition or living far away from the sea.

 

[buddhasummer]

You make getting married and getting old sound very scary and suffocating

I can't imagine me not being able to dive because of any reason especially due to a medical condition or living far away from the sea.

Marriage, what can I say. My son I don't regret for a minute. Getting old, that's life.

 

[buddhasummer]

Was going to type more but am finding it hard to breathe...