How does R190 Breathing Ease Compare w/ Atomic Regs?

[DA Aquamaster]

On the metal SP second stages, the center of the exhaust valve is supported on 4 spokes extedning in from the perimeter. These are somewhat bendable and can sometimes get pushed in during servicing of the reg which can then sometimes cause the exhaust valve to seat less than perfectly on the perimeter.

If the tech does a proper suction test on the second stage, they will catch it and correct the problem. If not, they might miss it and the reg may breathe wet. The same thing does for an exhaust valve with salt built up around the edge - a suction test should detect the problem even if the tech neglected to clean the reg.

 

[jim T.]

Wow, thanks everyone for so many responses so quickly! I guess I'm trying to decide on cost basis/vs. historical reliability. If the R 190 isn't significantly hard to breath from when stressed OOA on a bail out bottle it seems attractive. I knew about the unbalanced/de-tuned, reduced flow at 500 p.s.i. but just wanted to be assured that it wouldn't add to CO2 loading, overbreathing, etc. compared with balanced, more expensive regs. If it's pretty easy to breath off R190s and not a big issue, I may go that route. Aqualung is having a free octo w/ reg. purchase deal right now. Any "standard" bail out regs there anyone can recommend? I'd love to just do another Atomic but can't afford it right now and want to get my pony rig set up sooner than later to get used to slinging it.

Thanks again, everybody!