DIR- Generic GUE CCR Setup

[Raptor^]

I have a couple of things I wonder regarding the GUE CCR setup.

What Apeks first stages are preferred for backgas? Only interested in Apeks regs, Scubapro are not of interest to me although I notice a lot of divers are opting for them. I am guessing its because of availability and weight, but I would like to know what Apeks regs are most suitable for the setup.

For the ones that have opted for the Nautec Explorer valves over the Lola, is anyone using the 300 Bar valves or is it the 232 Bar variant that is widely used? The Lola valves are 300 Bar, but the Nautec are most commonly delivered in 232 Bar.

I see it as a great benefit with 300 Bar as you can get a lot more use out of the set before needing a top-up. The pricing for Nautec valves are at a premium vs the Lola valves, but Nautec's 300 Bar version is even more expensive than the 232 Bar version.

 

[tbone1004]

1-The DS4 will be most similar to what is used, though the Tek3 can be just as easily used. Doesn't particularly matter.

2-in the US we don't typically distinguish between 200 and 300 bar valves because our fill whips are universal, if you don't have 300bar tanks then no need to use 300bar valves

 

[flymolo]

The Lola’s come in 200 bar variety as well. I use tek3 for my backgas regs but the ds4 or dst work fine as well. I’d imagine a 5th port on the right post might be nice for the wing inflation hose.

 

[inquis]

Without a BOV, I would run the typical 5-port doubles setup on the Lolas (wing from R post, deep BO necklaced from L post). Admittedly, this is more relevant to mixed team diving and pretty far down the failure tree. (With a BOV, it's run off the left post instead of a necklaced second stage.)

A turret (DST) is nice for the long hose off the R post. I use Tek3 for the O2 & suit bottles.

 

[Noctilux]

by my opinion,

DS4, easy to service, affordable and for the backgas reliable.
The Nautecs are much too expensive. Yes, better than the Lola's, but not worth it. Lola's are easy to operate. Just the manifold is leaky.

 

[Raptor^]

Thanks, pretty much confirmation of what I expected

With the DS4 I guess you run a splitter for the ADV and wing inflation? And with the TEK3 or a 5th port on a DST/FSR you can run without the splitter. Did the need for a splitter on the right post weigh into you decision or not?

Nautecs are very expensive, and it seems most people do not find them to be worth the extra cost.

 

[mr_v]

Thanks, pretty much confirmation of what I expected

With the DS4 I guess you run a splitter for the ADV and wing inflation? And with the TEK3 or a 5th port on a DST/FSR you can run without the splitter. Did the need for a splitter on the right post weigh into you decision or not?

Nautecs are very expensive, and it seems most people do not find them to be worth the extra cost.

Nautec is crazy expensive in the US. However, European prices were palatable last time I looked. Nothing beats Nautec in terms of operation smoothness... But you have to be Nautec certified to rebuild the valves if you want to keep warranty. And that's a show stopper for me because Nautec does not seem to offer any certification courses for non-dealers. I haven't taken my Nautec apart to see what is so special about the valve.

 

[ChrisMBC]

FWIW, I just did my CCR-F course. Started with DS4s, but the hose routing (especially with the drysuit off the left post - not a long-term problem, hopefully) wasn’t great. I switched to my FSR regs with the 5th port and the routing is much better. I imagine the DST would also be ideal, but I save my DSTs for stage regs.

For the O2 reg, note that you can’t use any of the Apeks sealed regs as they’re over-balanced, and the IP increase at depth (*real* depth) could be an issue for the solenoid. I’m using a Scubapro MK17; Aqualung Core/Helix would also be a great option for a sealed reg. Otherwise the US4 it comes with works just fine.