Honking Regulator

[fisherkid]

I just got a brand new Atomic Z2 and Mikron octo. Interestingly enough on the surface the octo breathes flawlessly and the Atomic makes this awful honking noise on the exhale. My instructor says it's just because it's new and it will go away. So whats the deal?

P.S. I don't really notice much of a breathing difference with the Z2. Facing up it did seem a little harder to breathe from considering the reviews that is is flawless in all conditions I'm wondering if my reg needs to be tuned.

 

[tfsails]

Lots and lots of regulators make lots and lots of funny noises on the surface. The noises may or may not go away when you take the reg underwater. Noises on exhalation mean absolutly nothing--except that the exhaust valve(s) vibrate audibly when you exhale on the surface. I'd almost bet a paycheck that you won't hear that underwater.

Noises on inhalation can mean that the demand lever has enough looseness when the reg is pressurized that the diaphragm will vibrate harmonically against it at certain breathing rates. This will usually go away underwater. Some manufacturers specifically state that there is to be no rattling between the demand lever and diaphragm when you shake the second stage; others say that rattling is required. Some manufacturers are silent on rattling. Based strictly on memory (I'm at home, not at the dive shop) I'm pretty sure Atomic is silent on the subject.

Bottom line: if it ain't rattling underwater and it breathes ok for you, it's probably fine. It's not uncommon for regs to not breathe quite so well when you're looking up at the surface. The worst position to be in is inverted--just about all regs are quite wet-breathing in that attitude.

 

[fisherkid]

thanks