Regs for Deco/Stage Bottle

[CompuDude]

So I'm about to start slinging a 40 to work on my trim and get used to it, in preparation for using it as a stage bottle / deco bottle / (and occasional slung pony bottle), and deco classes.

I've heard recommendations ranging from "get the cheapest reg you can that's not so cheap it'll kill you" to "put your absolute highest performing reg possible on that bottle!"

What say you? Obviously I could start cheap and upgrade down the road, but I was wondering what SB's opinions on the matter are.

Perhaps this could have been posted in the tech section, but this should probably do.

If I do go cheap, anything wrong with the AquaLung Calypso? I have high end ScubaPro for my primaries (mk25/s600), and that's usually my preference, but I can get a really good deal on AquaLung stuff. (Not such a good deal that I'm seriously considering Apeks, however, so don't go there!)

 

[Rick Inman]

My two cents.

You want a reg that is going to be there for you when you need it. You don't ever want a sub-par reg on a stage/deco bottle. Many people feel that you should use the same brand as with your back gas, or at least as is on your other stages, so you can exchange parts.

I was told, "Buy the best quality reg you can afford."

 

[Doc Intrepid]

The AquaLung Calypso will work fine.

You won't be on a deco reg that long, and you don't need a bunch of levers, dials, or knobs on it. Just a steady-breathing, reliable, workhorse of a reg that is reasonably bulletproof - just like the Calypso.

JMHO. YMMV.

 

[dl348]

I don't think that the Aqualung Calypso would be a bad choice, Aqualung makes good regs. I personally use a Titan LX on my deco bottle. I see a lot of OMS and Diverite regs on deco bottles in this area. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Meng_Tze]

So I'm about to start slinging a 40 to work on my trim and get used to it, in preparation for using it as a stage bottle / deco bottle / (and occasional slung pony bottle), and deco classes.

I've heard recommendations ranging from "get the cheapest reg you can that's not so cheap it'll kill you" to "put your absolute highest performing reg possible on that bottle!"

What say you? Obviously I could start cheap and upgrade down the road, but I was wondering what SB's opinions on the matter are.

Perhaps this could have been posted in the tech section, but this should probably do.

If I do go cheap, anything wrong with the AquaLung Calypso? I have high end ScubaPro for my primaries (mk25/s600), and that's usually my preference, but I can get a really good deal on AquaLung stuff. (Not such a good deal that I'm seriously considering Apeks, however, so don't go there!)

I run cheaper regs on my deco/stage bottles. But that is my own running. I run apeks regs on my back gas (doubles and sidemount rigs) and anything from salvo, DR to 'unknown-but-looks-just-like-DR/Salvo' on deco/stage bottles.

I think you have to assess for yourself how comfortable you will be with a cheaper reg. If you would take a well known brand A and a lesser known brand B, often you will find that they are actually made in the same factory..... just a different face plate.

This one is a personal preference. Regardless of quality....be safe and know what you are doing and why with stage/deco bottles. But that is another thread

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I dive with a Mk17/S600 or MK25/S600 for backgas on singles and dual MK17/S600's (DIN) for doubles setups. I have a MK17/S600 (also DIN) with a button gauge on my pony.

I like the Scubapro MK17/S600 its my favorite scubapro reg, in fact its the only reg from scubapro I like at all anymore. The MK25 used to be my primary singles reg but with more the 2 hp and 2lp hoses I dont like how the hoses route so I switched to the MK17 now but occasionally use my MK25.

Yep I have 4 MK17's, 1 MK25, and 3 S600's, and 1 R190 so I have some experience with scubapro regs. I would never get another second stage that was not adjustable underwater either, thats what makes the S600 my favorite second.

I would say pick your brand and get a mid-range to high quality reg from that brand. OMS and Dive Rite make my favorite regs now but I already own so many scubapro regs so I kept everthing the same for anal-retentive reasons.

I will probably get more MK17/S600's in the future tech diving needs just cause I have so many but If I started all over getting regs it would be Dive Rites or OMS all the way.

 

[brokenbones]

I use the same regs on my deco bottles (except myO2 bottle where I use an OMS reg) that I do on my doubles....Scuba Pro Mk17s. I wanted to ensure that I had reliable, easy breathing regs on all my tanks! And added advantage is that you can use you deco reg as a backup reg for your doubles if you have a problem with one.

 

[Hoosier]

MK17 will be a good option like you where are located in a cold water place.
However, MK25 is the best for double hose routing. MK17 can't beat MK25 yet, so MK19 is in the market.

Actually, CompuDude has known all answers as a veteran SB members as he addressed in his initial post.

I am using MK2/R380 for my deco bottle and I have been told/advised to use the high end model many times. However, if you are using two stage/deco bottles, I don't think there is any big difference to consider for pure O2 regulator because a regulator will be used at 20ft anyway. 50% reg. will be another concern though.

 

[nereas]

Congrats, CompuDude, on moving up. You are asking really good questions.

Your first stage in training and for most single-stage diving will be for EAN 50. And your MOD for this gas will be 70 fsw. That is fairly deep, so I would recommend a high-end ScubaPro that is O2 cleaned for this first stage bottle.

Your second stage in traing and for most two-stage diving will be for 100% O2. And your MOD for this gas will be 20 fsw. So this is where a cheap reg, although also O2 cleaned, works fine.

Your argon bottle, for your drysuit, can also have a fairly cheap reg. I use ScubaPro Mark 2s on my O2 bottle and on my argon bottle.

However the most common objection that I have heard from accomplished tech divers is that they often say they want TWO really good high end regs for BOTH these stage bottles, in case they need to swap regs underwater due to a failure. That is a good argument. I do not believe it, but it is a good argument.

Your THIRD stage in training and for certain advanced three-stage diving will be for TMX 30/30. And your MOD for this gas will be 140 fsw. That is really deep, so you really need a high-end ScubaPro for this particular stage bottle. Not everyone dives with 3 stages or more however. But even some two-stage divers will opt for TMX 30/30 as a deep deco mix, and then a good high end reg would be needed.

IF you then also train for dives in the range of 250 fsw to 350 fsw, you may have 4 stages with you. The fourth mix would likely be something like TMX 20/40 or thereabouts. And again, a high quality reg would be needed.

Only the regs on your O2 bottle and your argon bottle could get by as cheap regs. The rest not.

I have 5 ScubaPro Mk 20s and 2 ScubaPro Mk 2s.

I said ScubaPro, but any high end reg like Zeagle or Atomic or Apex etc is fine.

So you decide.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Great thread you guy's prevented me from using the search feature. I'll keep reading.