I'd like to buy an IP gauge; would like to understand differences between two types.

[Blue Sparkle]

Thanks again, everyone! #1 sounds completely suitable, and is inexpensive enough that I don't think I'll piece together my own. If I ever get to the point where I need a "better" gauge for some reason, well, then I will probably also be to the point where I want a spare gauge (which will be the #1 I already have).

What a great resource Scuba Board (and its members) is Great info, a range of helpful input, and all in a couple of hours.... amazing.

B.

 

[Peter_C]

I upgraded from #1 (Now my friend uses it) to #2 which lives in my save a boat dive kit. The first one was harder to read accurately. I do use mine to adjust first stages in the field if they are out of adjustment. One of my IP gauges gets used before every day of diving.

Of course I do have something of a tool fetish...

 

[Blue Sparkle]

Harder to read in what way? Because of the size? It looks like (at least these two examples) have the exact same gauge/face, but the more basic one is 1.5" and the deluxe one is 2". Not that that isn't important; just wondering if there was something else about it that made it more difficult.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Harder to read in what way? Because of the size? It looks like (at least these two examples) have the exact same gauge/face, but the more basic one is 1.5" and the deluxe one is 2". Not that that isn't important; just wondering if there was something else about it that made it more difficult.

A true gauge connoisseur would insist on a big honkin', shiny chrome-plated gauge that offered a high degree of accuracy throughout the entire scale. A larger gauge face simply makes it easier to resolve readings. Picture a gargantuan gauge with 1 psi increments rather than 5 psi increments. You know, the kind of object that a tool fetishist would salivate over.

Your young eyes will do OK with the 1.5" el-cheapo gauge.

 

[keyshunter]

The more expensive might be more accurate, but unless you need to set your regs at a very specific IP, that's not that important. Mostly you're checking for IP creep and recovery.

I'm glad you brought up the accuracy issue. My pretty Peterbilt gauge has always registered almost exactly 15 psi higher than any other gauge with which it has been compared. Since I saw no easy way to recalibrate it (I probably should have returned it), I just allowed 15 psi from the face reading for the base setting, and all has been well.

 

[Zung]

+1 for #1.

The absolute accuracy is probably not a big concern, as long as it's within some reasonable range, say +/-5% (128-142 PSI for a target of 135). It's a good idea to test it against another one once in a while to be sure it's not too far off.

 

[muddiver]

A true gauge connoisseur would insist on a big honkin', shiny chrome-plated gauge that offered a high degree of accuracy throughout the entire scale. A larger gauge face simply makes it easier to resolve readings. Picture a gargantuan gauge with 1 psi increments rather than 5 psi increments. You know, the kind of object that a tool fetishist would salivate over.

Your young eyes will do OK with the 1.5" el-cheapo gauge.

If you are not using one of these,

Than you are not geting an accurate reading. Only $596.00 at Amron International.

 

[Peter_C]

I have one of these that I picked up in perfect condition for $65.

"Precision IP: Static intermediate pressure is measured on a precision 4.5” IP gauge mounted on the bottom right of the panel. This gauge is accurate to within ±1% of the full swing (±3psi)."

I upgraded from #1 because to me it was a POS, without enough resolution. Buy whichever one you want. If you are just using it for quick checking both will work.

 

[Blue Sparkle]

If you are not using one of these, than you are not geting an accurate reading. Only $596.00 at Amron International.

I knew there had to be a #3. And it is life-support equipment

Peter C: Okay, that does look pretty nifty, I'll have to admit.... But I'll still start with #1, I think, for now

 

[tfsails]

A true gauge connoisseur would insist on a big honkin', shiny chrome-plated gauge that offered a high degree of accuracy throughout the entire scale. A larger gauge face simply makes it easier to resolve readings. Picture a gargantuan gauge with 1 psi increments rather than 5 psi increments. You know, the kind of object that a tool fetishist would salivate over.

Your young eyes will do OK with the 1.5" el-cheapo gauge.

What you REALLY, REALLY need is a gauge with a mirror on the scale so you can line the needle up with its reflection to get it accurate within a needle-width and eliminate parallax error. Oh yeah--and the gauge needs to be calibrated to an example traceable to the National Bureau of Standards. That oughta set you back a few sheckels!!