Recommendations for a Cold/Temperate Water Reg?

[Luis H]

Sounds similar to my favourite cold water reg, the ZX series from Zeagle. Case is plastic, as is the adjustment knob on these second stages, but everything else, air barrel, heat exchanger etc. is all metal on them.

On paper the ZX-DSV or ZX-Flathead VI are very similar to a Mk17-G250V combo. I'd like to try out the Scubapro combo someday, since I keep hearing so many good things about it.

In the G250V the adjustment knob is also metal and it should add some to the heat transfer.

A more important advantage of the G250V is that its design and many of its parts are based on a regulator that was first introduced about 43 years ago (the metal adjustable, 109) and many if not most are still going strong. This is a track record that is hard to match.

Also for the same reason parts availability and ease of finding qualified techs will not be equaled by most other companies…


Now all Scubapro need to be reminded is that customer loyalty only comes from long term customer support (it also applies to many other dive equipment companies).

 

[Jimmer]

I can't disagree with you there, Scubapro does have a fantastic history that not many others can match. That was part of the reason I chose to learn to maintain my own Zeagle regs, so I never had to worry about lack of service. I keep at least one first stage kit, and one second stage kit, as well as the pin spanners in my save a dive kit.

I do like the fact that all the Zeagle second stages use the same kit, and all the diaphragm first stages use the same kit. It makes keeping track of parts very easy.

 

[Coelacanth]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I don't think I'm too worried about abut the reg freezing up as in literal ice forming as I've still yet to try a drysuit.

I like the idea of both the Oceanic Delta and the metal ones. But do the metal ones have issues with rust? I'm not sure of what kind of metal(s) are in them.

 

[Couv]

Coelacanth (my kids would love your name and avatar),

If you rinse your gear after each dive and soak it after each trip and make sure it is dry, you should have no corrosion issues for decades. Corrosion becomes a problem after a metal reg is not cared for properly. If you DYI service your own regulator, refrain from leaving it in the acid (vinegar/water) or the ultrasonic cleaner too long.

c

 

[Jimmer]

I'll just add to what Couv said, and specify that for 99% of all the regs out there, the metal in them will be chrome plated brass, which is very corrosion resistant. A light rinse after every dive, will keep chrome plated brass in great shape for years and years.

 

[UncleJoes]

If you're looking for an all metal reg, the MARES proton metal is a great option. Everything except for o-rings and a few bushings are metal. The only down side is that none of the Mares line is adjustable. With proper service that is not a problem, but it does turn a few of my customers away.

On the other hand, I couldn't agree more, with I believe about a half dozen other posters, that the Oceanic Delta 4 is the BEST reg out there for the money. I emphasize for the money, because there are obviously better regswith higher price tags.

If you want the Delta 4, ask around to make sure you're getting last year's model. Due to a patent issue with Atomic, Oceanic had to remove the second stage swivel, which I beleive adds a whole 'nother level of comfort and reduces Jaw fatigue.

Buy Locally if you can due to service considerations, but I have about 5 of the swivel delta's left if you like that feature.

 

[Chad Carney]

Thye new Zeagle FH 7 has a new polymer cap so it's even better preventing 1st stage freeze up.

An interesting note about adjustable 2nd stage knobs... almost zero from Apeks and Zeagle get bent even though they are mostly metal with just a polymer cap. I was a Scubapro user since 1972, and dealer from 1977 through 2000, and observed that the all metal knob and thin stem was often bent on 109 and G250 second stages.

 

[Coelacanth]

Thanks so much for all the replies. Have any of you guys tried a Sherwood? I though I read somewhere that they were designed for cooler water, but I may be wrong. Plus its ridiculously on sale at leisurepro (which is also a bit suspicious...)

And brace yourselves for a noob question, but what is the difference between high and low pressure ports?

 

[Jimmer]

Thanks so much for all the replies. Have any of you guys tried a Sherwood? I though I read somewhere that they were designed for cooler water, but I may be wrong. Plus its ridiculously on sale at leisurepro (which is also a bit suspicious...)

And brace yourselves for a noob question, but what is the difference between high and low pressure ports?

Sherwood's use a dry sealed piston first stage. It's the dry sealed part that makes them good cold water regs. They aren't known for being particularly high performance however. They are considered very solid, reliable regs, but to be fair, there are a lot of regs I would consider reliable, but with better performance.

The high pressure port is essentially connected directly to the valve side of the reg, and full tank pressure flows to this port. This is the port where you attach your pressure gauge, so you can read what pressure is remaining in your tank. The low pressure ports are located after the air pressure has been regulated, and are typically about 145 psi above ambient pressure. It's this lower pressure air that you breathe through the second stages, and gets injected into your BCD and Drysuit.

P.S. The man who used to be in charge of Sherwood's reg design, is a guy by the name of Jim Fox, who was a Canadian engineer, and was brought on by Sherwood, to help develop their cold water regs. When Zeagle decided they were going to start building their own regs in house, they hired Jim, and essentially gave him free reign on building a series of high performance regs, after his time at Sherwood was spent building the very reliable, but slightly under performing regs they built their reputation on. The result is one of the reasons I love Zeagle regs. High performance, reliability, good cold water capabilities, and a reasonable price.

Safe diving,

Jimmer

 

[sharky001]

I have two Poseidon Cyklon 5000 Metals and an old [circa 1998] Aqualung Arctic. The Cyklons have been around for 45 years or something and were the first single-hose reg. They are pretty paired-down and there are zero frills, but man do they ever breathe nicely. I basically always dive in cold water and have never had them freeze-up. They're robustly built and you'll often see them in the most demanding diving situations, b/c there is little to fail i.e. they're simple units. I'm sure there is better breathing regs out there, but the Cyklon is pretty bomber and breathes beautifully especially at depth. They're expensive to buy and maintain.