how about a little input here...

[silverfish]

This is a first for me here. I posted an opportunity for anyone to comment on some information given to me about a regulator I am considering purchasing. I really don't know the differences in regs from a tech standpoint at all. In fact the biggest problem I have with diving is getting familiar with the technical side of all of it.The post I am refering to is on the"Omega 2 servo-activated".I have asked about this reg before and am a little surprised that no one here seems to have any comment,(or perhaps experience)with this one. It is obvious to me however, that several of you are knowledgeable enough about equipment to make some kind of comment on what I was told about the "servo-activated" part of this reg, is it really a benefit or just hype?

I am still only ow cert and currently use a borrowed Sherwood Oasis, I will be getting my advanced cert by May and intend to dive as often as possible and in as many (Preferably warm) locations as my poor budget allows.I will need my own reg soon as the owner needs his loaner back.

Some comments on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rick Murchison]

There is a good write-up on the oceanic website; there are some opinions on ebay.
http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/Product.cfm?PL=Reg&SL=omega
http://www.epinions.com/otdr-Diving_Gear-regulators-Oceanic-Omega_II
I've never seen one of these regulators in the field.
Rick

 

[neil]

silverfish,
I have worked on a few Omegas. They are very simple regs and easily worked on. I have never used one, but the general opinion of the people I know who have is that it flows tons of air. Some describe the feel as slightly unnatural in that it can give an almost positive pressure feel to the air flow. Some folks like this in a regulator. And it comes in a whole bunch of cool colors
Oceanic regs in general seem to have a good reputation.

Neil

 

[Norm]

In My Opinion: Since it's introduction the Omega has become a good quality reg. Most owners I've talked with were thoroughly satisfied with their regs, (and I've seen several of them down deep). Servo regs merely have a smaller valve that opens a larger valve during inhalation. They are usually great breathers at depth. Most are inherently good environmental regs and most are balanced as well. Some "flutter" up shallow, (above 30'), but I've never heard of this problem from Omega owners. Some folks swear by a side exhaust and a few swear at it. It makes no difference to me. I hope this helps.
Norm

 

[devjr]

I like the looks of the design(thanks, Rick). This reg has a pilot valve so I guess there are some teeny, tiny parts in there. Looks to be light as a feather. Lexan is a tough plastic so there shouldn't be any cracking over time.

 

[neil]

There are indeed a couple of teeny tiny parts, the lever and the spring. Same as in a non-pilot reg only smaller. There is no poppet, the seat is on one end of the lever. And the only adustment on this reg is a screw that that is attached to the primary diaphragm. All it does is change the gap between the diaphragm and the demand lever. Pretty simple.

Neil

 

[silverfish]

I appreciate the input. I have alot to learn about all the equipment and I guess there is really not a more important piece than the reg.

Rick, thanks for giving me the info on the two sites. That helps a bunch. Are there other informative sites that might help techno-dummies like me understand more about the overall operation of our gear? I am surprised that as large as this group is the kinds of regs that are used are not more diversified. I understand that most of you prefer Scubapro or Apeks. Is Oceanic relitivley new on the scene or something?

Also anyone care to comment on reasons not to purchase on line is the price is considerably better?

 

[jon677]

Silverfish...

I was just wondering how your story turned out. Did you ever purchase an Omega II? If so, what do you think?

I just bought one (2nd stage only) but haven't got it wet yet. I've previously always used Scubapro regs but the perfomance claims for the Omega II seem intriguing. I'll pair this one up with my Scubapro 1st stage.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[oxyhacker]

I got one somewhere, but never use it. It was given to me by a buddy who didn't like it, who was given it by a woman who said it tried to kill her by feeding her water at depth on several occasions.

Servo valves tend to be quirky and touchy, the Omega especially. Some people love them and some people hate them - it's very much a matter of taste. People often complain it feels like they only have two valve settings: too little air and too much. Breathe gently and they don't seem to be giving you any air. Breathe hard enough to open the servo all the way and they' ll give you so much air it feels like the reg will blow out of your mouth. They also tend to be very wet breathers. And they are tricky to tune.

If they clearly outperformed other, more conventional regs, there might be a reason to put up with the extra complexity. But they don't. So why bother with them?

A good rule of thumb, especially if you don't have a lot of experience, or money, is avoid oddball regs.

Originally posted by silverfish
This is a first for me here. I posted an opportunity for anyone to comment on some information given to me about a regulator I am considering purchasing. I really don't know the differences in regs from a tech standpoint at all. In fact the biggest problem I have with diving is getting familiar with the technical side of all of it.The post I am refering to is on the"Omega 2 servo-activated".I have asked about this reg before and am a little surprised that no one here seems to have any comment,(or perhaps experience)with this one. It is obvious to me however, that several of you are knowledgeable enough about equipment to make some kind of comment on what I was told about the "servo-activated" part of this reg, is it really a benefit or just hype?

 

[jon677]

Hello Oxyhacker...

Yeah, I've heard about the occasional wet breathing (I wonder if that's what the original owner "really" meant?) and the copious volume of air. Other than that, other members on this board seem to think they are easy to maintain and quite trouble free.

I guess I'll find out for myself soon...

Thanks for the input.

Jon