Regulator decision for pony bottle

[paperdesk]

I'm looking for a Pony Bottle recommendation for recovery work in murky, cold water.

I have the following, which would you choose? (my primary reg is an updated DIN Atomic B1)

1. Atomic B2 (with all the fancy swivels)
2. Scubapro MK14 with G250 (like a tank)
3. Other "random" reg combos I have (Tusa, Sherwood, Zeagle etc., all of which are in good working condition and some of which have yellow octos).
4. ____________ (if you don't like any of the above options post a suggestion here).

Thanks!

Ted

 

[tbone1004]

Atomic would be out due to being piston
Scubapro would be high on the list with the MK14 due to being sealed diaphragm
Depends on what the other regulators are. If you have a Sherwood first stage with a bleed valve, maybe that with a G250, but really nothing beats Poseidon Cyklons for muck diving

 

[Caveeagle]

I just set up two Poseidon Cyklon 300 regs for use as bail out or deco regs. The 2940 1st stages are relatively compact with a button SPG mounted. They are unbalanced, but seem to breath fine down to 60' during testing.

I also have the eviro-seal covers in case I am ever using them somewhere its really mucky.

 

[tbone1004]

unbalanced doesn't mean non-compensating, they still compensate for depth but the IP changes with tank pressure

 

[paperdesk]

Ah, very interesting replies. Tbone, are you saying that piston may not as good for murky water"? I just looked up the Poseidon Cyklon regs, and got a fright at the price!

I do have a Sherwood with bleed valve, I wasn't sure what to make of it at first!

Ted

 

[tbone1004]

if you are doing cold murky/muddy diving, unless the piston is sealed it isn't the ideal design for that environment imho. Sealing them is expensive and messy as well so I just try to avoid it.
Scuba gear
You can probably get him to part with that for cheap, or just use the Sherwood with the G250 second stage and call it a day. The sherwood first stages are beasts and will handle anything.

 

[shurite7]

Here, we use the Mk17 for the first stage on both our primary tank and bailout tank. Your Mk14 will suffice. Your B2 really isn't necessary for a bailout tank. tbone has already pointed out why.

One thing to take into consideration is maintenance. Which regs can you get serviced locally and which ones do you have to send off. Being able to get them serviced without having to send them off is a nice option.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'm looking for a Pony Bottle recommendation for recovery work in murky, cold water.

I have the following, which would you choose? (my primary reg is an updated DIN Atomic B1)

1. Atomic B2 (with all the fancy swivels)
2. Scubapro MK14 with G250 (like a tank)
3. Other "random" reg combos I have (Tusa, Sherwood, Zeagle etc., all of which are in good working condition and some of which have yellow octos).
4. ____________ (if you don't like any of the above options post a suggestion here).

Thanks!

Ted

First, why use "B1" and not upgrade it to a B2?

I have used Atomic regulator since 1997 in ALL environments in NY, New England and tropics and not problems whatsoever!!! Whoever is recommending against piston regulators is just simply ignorant with personal grudge against the two main manufacturers who make piston regulators, SP and Atomic.

I am using a B2 for pony bottle and my main is a ST1 (sometimes SP S600/MK25). Excellent setup that you can be sure it will take all the abuse no problem.

If you are going to dive in waters colder than 10C, you need to make sure that your regulator is setup for cold water in that temperature including the hoses.


BTW, you can get the B2 first stage sealed no problem and it is easy with the proper tool and a trained and authorized technician. No issues with the seal at all. My ST1 is sealed and I don't even notice or have any issues with it.

 

[paperdesk]

Thanks for the link tbone. I've emailed the seller.

Shurite7, the only shop within 2.5 hours only services Scubapro and Atomic, so that is why I'm drawn to them.

BurnahMuntasser, it's clear that there are different opinions out there on whether or not piston regs are suitable for this type of diving. I never even thought about this issue till now, so I appreciate hearing from both sides. I don't know if my B2 is sealed or not, as I bought it used. I'll examine it to see if I can figure that out.

Ted

 

[tbone1004]

Burhan, did you see that I actually recommended that he use a piston first stage?