Blacthorn
Contributor
Wouldn't a rental be the lightest reg?
Lightest Reg for Travel
- Thread starter kaarant
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
thanks for your comments.
Weight is definitely my priority. Traveling with camera gear and dive gear, I am more protective of my Nikon D200/Aquatica setup with Ikelite strobes. I am trying to find ways to reduce weight, and thought maybe a few changes to my dive gear would help. But, I am not willing to change my DIR set-up, just change out some of the pieces that might save a few pounds, so I can be certain all of my camera arrives for the fun.
I currently use the Scubapro MK20/S550 with DIN, will probably stick with this for now.
Weight is definitely my priority. Traveling with camera gear and dive gear, I am more protective of my Nikon D200/Aquatica setup with Ikelite strobes. I am trying to find ways to reduce weight, and thought maybe a few changes to my dive gear would help. But, I am not willing to change my DIR set-up, just change out some of the pieces that might save a few pounds, so I can be certain all of my camera arrives for the fun.
I currently use the Scubapro MK20/S550 with DIN, will probably stick with this for now.
Blacthorn
Contributor
Okay, actually being serious now. Most probably the lighest way to do the reg would be with an Atomic t2, then swap out the hoses for the Milex hoses, once they are released here. Check this thread http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/219837-miflex-hoses-anyone-used-them.html
Or you could get one of the titanium MK25 1st stages. Also if you are diving a bp/w which I assume you are, switch to either an aluminum or a Kydex plate from DSS. Those both would save weight in your baggage also.
Or you could get one of the titanium MK25 1st stages. Also if you are diving a bp/w which I assume you are, switch to either an aluminum or a Kydex plate from DSS. Those both would save weight in your baggage also.
Another recommendation for the best reg on the market, the Atomic T2 matched with either a Ti2 Octopus or SS1 Titanium Safe Second. Keep them in your carry-on, never check them.
Save some weight on your checked bag by buying the new Akona AKB 188 bag (less than 10 lbs, and with wheels and extendable roller-bag style handle). These bags just came out and we have several out in Papua New Guinea right now on a trip.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Captain Larry
Save some weight on your checked bag by buying the new Akona AKB 188 bag (less than 10 lbs, and with wheels and extendable roller-bag style handle). These bags just came out and we have several out in Papua New Guinea right now on a trip.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
Captain Larry
mahjong
Contributor
I travel with a Scubapro MK20UL/D400 (or sometimes the G500). Paid around ~$250 on eBay for both. Never had a problem and the setup breathes soooo smoooth.... A good Titanium setup would be the elite for light weight regs, but it's also for the elite wallet. I keep my MK20UL well pampered and it's mighty solid and light as a feather.
grassyknoll
Contributor
I have an Aqualung Micron which I recently gave to my daughter once she was certified. It's an excellent small, light and affordable travel reg. I have used it for many different types of dies and never found it to be lacking. I have no doubt that the Atomics, Scubapro and other higer-end regs are excellent but I just can't justify the added expense. The Aqualung Titan first stage that most Microns come paired with, are staples of a lot of rental ops, so that says something about their durability and reliability. I guess it all comes down to what type of diving your reg will be used for, if it's mostly warm water, vacation diving I would think any newer reg would from a reputable manufacturer will suffice.
Of course, this is just my opinion.
miketsp
Contributor
If it's for travel to typical tourist locations, you definitely need the yoke version. Otherwise you'll always need the DIN/Yoke adapter anyway and then you added weight.
If you want light weight then go Titanium but only if you only dive air.
I dive a lot of Nitrox and after examining the ignition curves of Ti under high PPs of O2 I'd never feel happy with a Ti 1st stage. The safety margin is just too low and over the years I've sometimes been given cylinders with a grossly high O2 PP. And of course you can only use most analysers after you open the tap.
If you want light weight then go Titanium but only if you only dive air.
I dive a lot of Nitrox and after examining the ignition curves of Ti under high PPs of O2 I'd never feel happy with a Ti 1st stage. The safety margin is just too low and over the years I've sometimes been given cylinders with a grossly high O2 PP. And of course you can only use most analysers after you open the tap.
Well the 7 foot DIR hose may be your main weight problem. A few ounces on your first stage wont mean much, just get use to paying extra weight charges. 
BlueDevil
Contributor
I recently replaced two reg hoses on my reg set with Miflex hoses and it does make a noticable difference to the weight. When i get around to it I will replace the inflator hose with a Miflex as well. Eventually I think I will end up with Miflex hoses on all the regs I use for travelling.
BlueDevil
Contributor
I just wanted to check if that is the Aqualung Mikron reg or the Aqualung Micra reg that you are talking about???
I am interested in the Mikron as a travel reg and as a small reg for my daughter but they haven't been released here in Australia yet.
Similar threads
