I will make it to Portage some day. I have gotten pretty good with my double hose and can clear it and buddy breath without issues. I'm a tall guy with a thick chest so I may have to try something different than my vintage US Divers cam backpack. I changed the straps out to fit my chest and can get the reg between my shoulders but it rides up sometimes. Is the Phoenix the way to go? I have a banjo and use it for a gauge but wonder if I would like the flexibility of a Phoenix double hose. I think I have been bitten by the "double hose bug" because I'm looking forward to my next reg. I like the way that the "round label" Aqualungs look. How are the older Aqualungs compared to the "round labels"? Is there a model/year that I should avoid? Thanks for the feedback Herman.
There is no difference between a square label and a round label internally, the only difference is the exhaust can label and the shape of the indent it sets in. This is true of both DAAMs and RAMs. There are a couple of exceptions, there were some made for the military that are slightly different and there were a few sold with heavy duty yokes in the late 70s. These are somewhat rare and sell a good bit higher, fine for the collector but there is no real difference for the diver and even with those, the parts are still interchangable. For whatever reason, the round labels do tend to sell for a little higher price....no clue why except I guess some either like the way they look better or maybe it's because they are a little more rare since the round label was only sold for 3 years and it was at the end of the DH era so not as many were sold. There is no reason to decide on one over the other except personal preference and maybe cost.....same goes for the shiny chrome vs the satin chrome, no difference other than looks and age, satin is older.
When you change to different models, then the internal parts do vary somewhat. The older DA Navy and Broxtons do have some different internal parts. While I would not completely say stay away from them, I would suggest you leave those until you have an interest in a slightly different reg. Mistrals and their cousins like the Jet Air are totally different inside and work on a different principal all together. They have their following as does every other reg, I have several of the different ones and like them all. If you have an interest in a different model then I would suggest a Mistral as your next reg. I would caution you on buying brands other than US Divers and Voit. The parts for other brands is either very limited or non existant. While many are good regs, they are not restoration 101 and should be put off until you really want a restoration challange. It not uncommon for us to make parts for these reg.
The Phoenix is a good way to go for a reg you intend to travel with or use where a dive op is involved. Many of them do not like/understand vintage gear and often will not let you dive with it. A Phoenix adds both HP and LP ports so you can attach all the "necessary" modern attachments to make them happy but if you so chose, you can just plug up the ports you don't want and dive it completely old school. I usually dive mine with just a SPG. Price wise, on average a RAM sells for $100 or so more than a DA and the only benefit you get is a balanced first stage. For another $100 or so, you can modify a DA to a Phoenix and have a balanced first stage with a heavy duty yoke and ports to use as you need. The Phoenix is a screw in mod so there is no damage to the reg and it can be converted back to it's original condition in just a few minutes.
If you are using one of the blown plastic pack that are about 1 in or so think, you should consider finding a different pack. Those tend to hold the tank up off your back too far. Also, adding a crotch strap to any of the BPs will stop it from riding up. Bryan has a new BP designed especially for DH regs that you should check out. I also like the old thin single layer plastic or metal packs. Most of these will not fit AL -80 tanks but I have a modification you can make to them that solves that problem.
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And in case you are wondering what BabyDucks comments are about, one of the board members handle is "DA Aquamaster" who is BD's sweetie.... both friends of mine.
