Piston vs diaphragm... Balanced??

[halocline]

My LDS wouldn't even talk about the second stage regulator until he talked about how overbalanced first stages are the only good regulators (holding a $1200 atomic regulator).

Here's a tip for you. Whenever someone at a dive shop uses the word "overbalanced" to try to sell you a regulator, it's time to leave that shop.

 

[Shorty esquire]

I can't claim to be an expert but I'm probably the best crash test dummy for regs. I weigh 150kgs (330 lbs) used to play rugby and am 194 cms(6'4"). I have to dive twins to get as much bottom time as my wife.

I personally use two 3rd generation Scubapro mk5s (40 year old balanced piston) hooked up to Hog 2nd stages.

The combo:
-was relatively cheap;
-self serviveable with cheap parts;
-fully adjustable; and
-performs superbly.

Seriously, just yesterday I dove Gordon rocks in the Galapagos and emptied two Al80s in 30 mins at 15m (seeing hammerheads, sunfish and whalesharks are exciting!).

The moral of the story. I doubt there would be anyone who would find a good balanced piston like a Mk5 not up to their needs. Also, mixing up 1st and 2nd stages is ok as long as the parts are reasonably normal.


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