Mini pressure guages ?

[Bigbella]

How accurate and reliable are the miniature pressure guages available from a lot of shops - the ones that screw directly into the first stage without a hose ?
Obviously a small dial cannot give a detailed reading, but close enough ? Once fitted, does the guage turn or does the face orientation depend on how the threads match ?
Finally.....any to avoid or any recommendations?

Many thanks in advance.

I've used them for years on bail-out bottles; and have never experienced an issue with any of them; though I have heard that they can vary a good deal, in terms of quality, as most everything else. Those that I have, are simply threaded, rated to 360 bar / 5000+ psi, without any rotating gauge face; and are easily readable in any position.

I have had some in use for over twenty years, without any damage, under quite heavy use -- just be careful with your crap . . .

 

[crzyfish]

I have one on my pony and I hate it. It's so damn small and my eyesight underwater (and above) isn't the greatest. I'm not looking at it for an accurate reading of 3000psi, just that it's still full. It's better to find a sale on a SPG and a short HP hose and use that instead.

 

[broncobowsher]

If you are trying to read the mini gauges underwater, you are doing it wrong. The wrong gauge for the job.
The mini gauges are great for checking stuff on the surface, not in the water.