How cold is cold enough for require a cold regulator?

[eelnoraa]

I dive in Monterey CA. It is probably the coldest place I will dive. Do I need a cold water regulator? Or the normal one will do?

 

[meierdierck]

i dive monterey year round, you should be fine, what reg are you diving?

 

[micklock]

Most manufactures say 50 deg.

 

[CalgaryDF]

Ask your LDS, they should be able to tell you if the local conditions require a cold water reg.

 

[eelnoraa]

i dive monterey year round, you should be fine, what reg are you diving?

I don't own one. I have been using rentals, they are oceanic alpha 8 (primary & opto). I am thinking buying one. I saw ScubaPro MK11/S555 for $250 online, seems like a good price. But Mk11 is not cold water rated, so I don't know if it would matter.

 

[eelnoraa]

Most manufactures say 50 deg.

If it is 50, I think Monterey is cutting close. Even in hot summer day, Monterey water is in the 50's. 2 weeks ago, water was 52F at the beginner of my dive.

 

[fisheater]

Lots of us dive non-cold rated regs routinely down to the low 40's without mishap. YMMV.

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[RJP]

There's no downside to a coldwater reg in 50F water. In fact, they tend to have better environmental sealing than "non" coldwater regs.

 

[eelnoraa]

There's no downside to a coldwater reg in 50F water. In fact, they tend to have better environmental sealing than "non" coldwater regs.

I understand a cold water reg will cover all cases, but it also costs more. I wonder if I should use MK11/s555 (non environment sealed) in Monterey cold water. I don't want to pay for something that I will never take advantage of, but if it is necessary, then I have no problem going for it.

 

[James Bond boat entry]

If you have your heart set on a Scuba Pro regulator, spend the extra $110.00 for the Mk17/G250v setup, then you are covered.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=BrandDisplay&BrandName=Scubapro&Page=2