Regulator Freeze-up At Monterey (CA)

[rstofer]

Has anyone had problems with regulator freeze-up at Monterey? Any particular brands/models to stay away from?

I have been reading the various posts regarding freezing and I am beginning to get concerned. I have a couple of old Oceanic Omega II regulators that I bought in Singapore and used in south and south-east Asia. I have also used them at Catalina and Monterey without incident.

But, what if it was just luck?

I am fairly certain the dive shops aren't renting Oceanic Delta 4/FDX10 or ScubaPro Mk17/G250V regulators for checkout dives. Hm... What are they renting?

So, what are people using? Or more to the point, what are they NOT using?

Richard

 

[Gombessa]

You might want to post this question up in the Norcal forum too, that'll hit a wider regional audience than just those of us who use "New Posts."

As for myself, I haven't had any such problems myself, nor do I recall it being an issue for anyone else. The lowest temps I've seen in the water there are 47-48F; I don't know how much (or how long) of a freeflow you'd need to start freezing a manifold/regs.

I don't think "luck" is the reason your regs are doing fine in Monterey, there are hundreds or thousands of divers in Monterey every week, from first-time OW students to experienced tech divers. I'd wager if you'd poll them, the vast majority will never have experienced an cold-water reg freeze.

I've never heard of icing up as a major issue of concern in these waters. Most people are too busy worrying about the kelp

 

[ToddK]

I agree with Gombessa across the board. Most of the times, Monterey is 53-55F.

 

[mikerault]

Just there a week or so ago, temps at 55 degrees at 80 feet, doubt you would have a freeze up.

Mike