DIR- GUE Importance of having matching primary and backup regulators?

[Pearlman]

View attachment 713575
R190 doesn't even have the possibility for this to be a problem.

Is that a broken poppet?

 

[PfcAJ]

Is that a broken poppet?

Sure is.

 

[BoltSnap]

I always use either two matching high end seconds or not matching but same brand high end seconds. I just got a MK19 G260 with S270 alternate. I don't believe in using low end or unbalanced alternates. When you are or your buddy is OOA, you want the easiest breathing reliable air source for it is worth every penny you spend on it.

 

[BoltSnap]

A simple, unbalanced backup is super reliable. This is what you want.

Keep your regs as is.

All of my backups are R190-type regs.

This is more "matcho" line of thinking but not accurate. There nothing unreliable about balanced second stages. I have been using balanced higher end second stages for decades without issues. I continue to see issues with lower end, unbalanced, second stages used by others. I don't view "unbalanced" second stages as more reliable at all.

 

[PfcAJ]

This is more "matcho" line of thinking but not accurate. There nothing unreliable about balanced second stages. I have been using balanced higher end second stages for decades without issues. I continue to see issues with lower end, unbalanced, second stages used by others. I don't view "unbalanced" second stages as more reliable at all.

I just posted a pic of a failure mode that straight up doesn't even exist with unbalanced 2nds.

 

[rddvet]

I just posted a pic of a failure mode that straight up doesn't even exist with unbalanced 2nds.

POS crystal. They’re dangerous. I will give you $5 for it.

 

[davehicks]

I addressed this question of mismatched 2nd stages in this recent article:

Info - How to Choose a Regulator

How to Choose a Regulator (an overview of features and their value) One of the first pieces of equipment that every diver will acquire is a set of Regulators. This is one of the most critical pieces of your gear as it enables you to breathe underwater and are considered to be life safety...

scubaboard.com

tldr; Not ideal. Poor performing reg in OOA scenario is not good. You lose redundancy should one reg fail. DIY service is simpler if you only need to stock on type of service kit.

 

[BoltSnap]

I just posted a pic of a failure mode that straight up doesn't even exist with unbalanced 2nds.

Sure, there are also MANY failure modes with automatic transmissions so let's not buy cars with automatic transmission and opt for manual instead. The world will be a much safe and happier place with donkey carriages too.

 

[PfcAJ]

Sure, there are also MANY failure modes with automatic transmissions so let's not buy cars with automatic transmission and opt for manual instead. The world will be a much safe and happier place with donkey carriages too.

If my transmission goes I don’t drown but ok.

 

[BoltSnap]

If my transmission goes I don’t drown but ok.

If your transmission goes down when you are on a high speed highway with a trailer-truck behind, it is a huge issue.