How do I know if a cold water reg?

[9supratt4]

I am new to the sport and I will be doing a lot of diving in local waters in New Jersey. I've been told I should look for a cold water reg....how do I know if a reg is a cold water reg??

 

[Web Monkey]

I am new to the sport and I will be doing a lot of diving in local waters in New Jersey. I've been told I should look for a cold water reg....how do I know if a reg is a cold water reg??

The regulator needs to have a specific known-effective method for preventing first stage freezing.

The Atomic M1, for example does this by filling the first stage with a non-freezing grease that keeps out water. "No Water=No Ice"

There are other methods that I'm sure other divers will explain. I own the M1, so that's the one I'm familiar with.

One thing I can say is that advertising or a label that says "cold water" is meaningless. There needs to be actual science behind it.

Terry

 

[jaycanwk]

The industry standard definition of "cold" water, if I'm not mistaken, is defined as below 50 deg. F or 10 deg. C.

For a regulator to meet that criteria, the first stage will be enviornmentally sealed either by oil or dry/air sealed, and the second stage will either be made of all metal or have heat sinks aorund the air barrel if made of plastic.

Remember, you can always use a cold water reg. in warm water, but you can't use a warm water reg. in cold water.

 

[9supratt4]

The industry standard definition of "cold" water, if I'm not mistaken, is defined as below 50 deg. F or 10 deg. C.

For a regulator to meet that criteria, the first stage will be enviornmentally sealed either by oil or dry/air sealed, and the second stage will either be made of all metal or have heat sinks aorund the air barrel if made of plastic.

Remember, you can always use a cold water reg. in warm water, but you can't use a warm water reg. in cold water.

For that last reason you have of not being able to use a warm water reg in cold water is why I am looking for cold regs. I figure, living in NJ the water is usually cold, especially at depth, so that is why I am looking for a cold water reg.

I believe the Atomic Z2 is available as a cold water reg. Is that correct?

 

[rstofer]

The US Navy, Coast Guard and NOAA have chosen the Oceanic FDX10/Delta 4 as their cold water regulator. I bought this reg for my wife. You can get a pretty good deal at Oceanic Regulator Instant Rebate Sale

I could do without the DVT stuff so I actually bought Oceanic Delta 4 Non-Swivel FDX10 Non-DVT Regulator

My other choice would be the ScubaPro MK17/G250V

AquaLung is very clear about which regulators they recommend for cold water: Aqua Lung Regulator Range

Richard

 

[Web Monkey]

For that last reason you have of not being able to use a warm water reg in cold water is why I am looking for cold regs. I figure, living in NJ the water is usually cold, especially at depth, so that is why I am looking for a cold water reg.

The above is exactly why I said the term "cold water" is meaningless. 50 might feel cold but it's certainly not the coldest water you'll run into in NJ.

I believe the Atomic Z2 is available as a cold water reg. Is that correct?

I'm not sure if you can order it sealed or not, but there's definitely a service kit for it. Before you get one, check and see if the M1 is less expensive than the Z2 with the service kit, since the M1 comes already sealed.

Terry

 

[Dockmaster]

Not that it's a sure bet, but most cold water regs have names that sound cold like "Blizzard", "Glacia", "Alaska", "Ice", etc. When you go on a manufacturer's website to look at regs, look for an enviornmentally sealed first stage. Most of these are diaphragm first stages, but not all of them (Blizzard). Likewise, not all diaphragm regs are for cold water (Zeagle Envoy).

Check out Zeagle's website for some good information about what makes a reg a "cold water" reg. There are some good deals out there on Flathead VIs now that the 7s are out.

 

[Belce]

There is the Navy Authorized for Use List or NAU. But the navy does not have a requirement to test any regulator for that list nor can they be induced to test a model. In other word there are great systems that do not show up that list such as Scubapro's Mk17/G250v regulator set.

Look ay what people in your area are using, look at what local stores are selling, talk to people about it as well.

 

[atedeschi]

OP

here is a shop for you to check out www.njwreckdivers.com located in south jersey, and they can set you up with the gear you need.

as far as cold water regs, it depends. you really do not need a cold water reg especially just starting out. i dive off NJ and i dive diverite rg3000s for all my regs, and use them in 43 F at 200' and no issues.

 

[mikeyjoe]

Hi,

What you are looking for is a first stage labeled with the term "enviromentally sealed" - in other words, it is sealed from the elements, keeping the cold water from the inside of the 1st stage.