DIN or Yoke first stage?

[curiousgeorgie]

Would like to know if it is better to buy a DIN first stage with a yoke adaptor or buy a YOKE first stage with a DIN adaptor? Does it make a difference? I would like the ability to dive with LP and HP tanks.

 

[waterbearer]

My setup is primarily DIN. I bought it as yoke, then got the DIN and put that on. I switch it back over to yoke whenever I have to rent tanks.

 

[Felon_Monk]

I would go din. Well if you ever plan to buy your own tanks and dive high pressure tanks at any point. I just went thru the dilema of finding the parts to change my yoke assembly over to din(wasnt hard and only 43 USD). But if you plan to rent alot of tanks, then maybe you should stick with yoke so you dont have to deal with the adapters.

 

[serrada]

Would like to know if it is better to buy a DIN first stage with a yoke adaptor or buy a YOKE first stage with a DIN adaptor? Does it make a difference? I would like the ability to dive with LP and HP tanks.

No such thing as a YOKE first stage with a DIN adaptor.

DIN is much better, but like others said renting sucks with the DIN because usually you have to use a DIN to Yoke adapter. I'm lucky that locally all the dive shops and charter boats have DIN tanks. On the other hand I got to the Keys often and they never have them. Then I have my girlfriend complain because the 1st stage keeps bumping her in the head.:shakehead

 

[Whale Whisperer]

Actually there is such a thing as a DIN to Yoke adaptor, but your not supposed to dive with it, it's Only intended for filling.

I really like DIN, it's streamlined and you don't have to worry if the mangled O-Ring on the tank will work out. Unfortunatly some dive shops don't even know what DIN is! I've asked some dive shops and they'll look at you as if you're crazy and ask "What is DIN?". The availibility of DIN is limited here in the states too, but it's widely used in Europe on a positive note.

 

[Luc Dupas]

Actually there is such a thing as a DIN to Yoke adaptor, but your not supposed to dive with it, it's Only intended for filling.

No...
It is definitely also supposed for diving... you can bet... As an example: the good old Poseidon regulators already for more than 20 years are standardly being sold as DIN first stage regs, with this DIN2Yoke-adaptor delivered with it, such that you could also dive with Yoke-only valves which used to be quite common in those days (especially in the US and related territories). Nowadays (since more than 15 years) the more modern valves which do double duty as Yoke as well as DIN valves (once you remove the DIN insert from the valve) offer you the freedom to use both Yoke and DIN 1ste stages.

 

[pescador775]

Not all high pressure tanks require DIN, nor is it technically necessary. For example, Worthington makes an hp tank with standard thread and convertible valve (DIN or yoke). Faber also makes such tanks. Both of the above feature the 3/4 inch staight pipe thread neck which will accept standard yoke valves, or other types with this thread. Today, Asahi continues to manufacture a 3500 psi-rated tank line which employ the 7/8-14 machine thread and currently only DIN, 4500 psi (VHP) valves are made to that thread. VHP is what that valve is actually intended for although low pressure techies have taken a like to them. The reason has to do with the smooth profile which allows them to hook up multiple regulators with reduced snag factor. Some techies think of them as more secure or "safer" but I don't see safety as a factor with only 3500 psi, but if slammed against a bulkhead I suppose the DIN connection would be more secure than with a yoke. I suggest checking for leaks when yoking up a rental tank regardless of pressure. Your tank with good valve no problem. The yoke has an advantage of widespread availability in the US. It is simple and reliable, not subject to collecting moisture or sand which can contaminate the tank or fuzz the connection. A grain of sand in a DIN connection could cause a leak. Bruising the thin valve wall could be a show stopper. If you decide to go DIN, then suggest you purchase a yoke adapter. This adapter will project the regulator slightly forward but is usually not a problem. However, the regulator should be aligned with the turret on bottom.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I bought my first regulator and tanks about 6 months ago. After much research I went with the DIN 1st stage and I got my tanks with the Thermo Pro DIN/K valve. Now all of my options are open. I can use my reg with DIN tanks or Yoke tanks using the Din-to-Yoke adapter that I have. It screws right onto the DIN threads and you are now good to go to use a tank with a K valve (Yoke). My tank valves have an insert that when removed makes them DIN valves and when inserted makes them Yoke. It's the best of both worlds for both the regulator and the tanks.

Given that, I much prefer DIN. The only time I use my DIN-to-Yoke adapter is if I have to borrow or rent a Yoke tank. As far as my tanks go, I always leave them configured as DIN. The only time I could imagine screwing in the insert and making them Yoke valves is if my regulator is in the shop and I have to rent another.

 

[Whale Whisperer]

Would like to know if it is better to buy a DIN first stage with a yoke adaptor or buy a YOKE first stage with a DIN adaptor? Does it make a difference? I would like the ability to dive with LP and HP tanks.

Yes Luc you are right! lol Sorry I was talking about an adaptor to connect a 1st stage regulator with a yoke fitting and connecting it to a tank with a DIN connection. The one's you use for filling DIN tanks if your fill whips only have Yokes on them

 

[TeddyDiver]

Would like to know if it is better to buy a DIN first stage with a yoke adaptor or buy a YOKE first stage with a DIN adaptor? Does it make a difference? I would like the ability to dive with LP and HP tanks.

There's two kinds of DIN's LP (200bar) and HP (300bar). Only 300bar first stage is connectable to all common tanks (with or without an adaptor)....