Mix and Match Regulators, First Regulator Purchase?

[scuga]

I've been shopping for a regulator online and notice that some regulators are 1st stage only, some are second stage only, some are octo but the same name as the second stage, and some come as a package with first and second.

Is it possible to buy first stage separate specifically for Atomic?
Could I just buy another regulator and call it an Octo or are Octos made differently.

Would this be a good setup:

Atomic M1 First Stage
Atomic ST1 Second
Atomic ST1 Second (Octo)

Thanks

 

[fppf]

Most companies sell a first and second stage together as a set.

In most cases the only difference between a "regulator" and an "octo" is the octo's tend to be a basic regulator and there detuned a little to prevent them from free flowing easy. You can buy two high end adjustable regulators and use one as an octo without an issue.

 

[USCScubaboy]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/257567-regulator-vs-octo.html

 

[herman]

I've been shopping for a regulator online and notice that some regulators are 1st stage only, some are second stage only, some are octo but the same name as the second stage, and some come as a package with first and second.

Is it possible to buy first stage separate specifically for Atomic?
Could I just buy another regulator and call it an Octo or are Octos made differently.

Would this be a good setup:

Atomic M1 First Stage
Atomic ST1 Second
Atomic ST1 Second (Octo)

Thanks

It is typical for manufacturer to sell the first stage and primary second as a set although some manufs who cater more to the tech market are selling them as separates. In any case, there is no technical reason not to mix and match as you choose with a rare few exceptions. From a practical point of view, you are most often times better served using a set from the same manuf. When it comes time for service having 2 or 3 different brands on one reg can be a pain if the shop you are using does not carry and service all of the brands. It is not uncommon for a shop to only service 1 or 2 brands.

No reason at all not to use any second stage that is sold as a primary as an octo, the reverse is not the case. Many regs sold as octos are lesser quality and even in the case of regs of the same quality and design some internal parts may be different, heaver springs for example. An octo is typically set up to be a little less prone to freeflow which translates into a little more difficult to breath from. Not usually a lot but still not something you want in a primary reg. If you intend to use a primary as an octo it is a good idea to buy regs with user adjustable cracking pressure adjustments (not to be confused with venturi assist controls). That way you can increase the cracking pressure of the one deemed as an octo to reduce freeflows and at the same time have the performance available if you need it.

 

[scuga]

Thanks for the input guys, the regulator vs. octo thread was a good read.

I wonder if my LDS could order specific first stage and second stages from atomic or do they have to order package deals also?

 

[SandyRobinson]

Would this be a good setup:

Atomic M1 First Stage
Atomic ST1 Second
Atomic ST1 Second (Octo)

Thanks

Just curious, why not get a complete M1 or a complete ST1? Either one would be a great reg.

 

[Mike Boswell]

The type of octo I have (Aqualung) can be used right side up or upside down. This means that it "will work in either righthand or left hand positions. No more sharp bends in the hose or upside down octopuses". They are a bit prone to free-flow, though - maybe they have fixed that by now.

AquaLung ABS Octopus, Yellow

 

[scuga]

Just curious, why not get a complete M1 or a complete ST1? Either one would be a great reg.

I have no doubt. I really like the M1 first stage but I want the swivel and all titanium construction of the st1 seconds. I will probably end up with a M1 although recently someone told me that a mk17 and g250 is the way to go.

 

[USCScubaboy]

choosing a reg is mainly a matter of personal choice. It's like favoring choosing between American muscle or European imports.

make sure the mk17/g250 combo fits you.

 

[scuga]

I saw this on ebay maybe i will go with a bundle deal

POSEIDON SCUBA DIVE JETSTREAM MK3 REGULATOR KIT - eBay (item 120520076668 end time Mar-20-10 01:08:41 PDT)