Regulator issues

[OnceLoyal]

Not sure if this is where to post this Q or not, but here it goes.
I have a new AquaLung Titan LX thats been on maybe 6 dives. It seems ot be getting more and more difficult to breath while laying flat on the bottom and looking up for example. The only other time I notice this is when I am looking directly up while inverted. I am talking about putting my head back as far as it will go. I contacted my local DS about this and they say it is in my head....Doesn't it sound like it might need an adjustment? Is it normal for new regs to need adjustment? This happens regarless of the "flow" switch or psi in tank.

 

[RonFrank]

It's a low end reg, but reported to breath VERY well. No reports however on how it does upside down. Some regs don't breath so good when inverted. My only suggestion is to try a second Titan LX, or maybe someone who dives this reg will respond. Some regs don't breath so good upside down.... my Zeagle breaths well inverted, but not as easily as it does normally.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Cool thx Ron. I am not saying I will be diving inverted and laying on the bottom looking up all the time. I just want to make sure there is no issue. I am new to diving and take my reg to be a very very serious piece of equip

 

[redacted]

It is in your head. But it is not that you are crazy, it is the position of your head in relation to the position of the diaphragm. Most 2nds will do that to one extent or another with well tuned high performance regs being effected the least.

 

[scubafanatic]

It is in your head. But it is not that you are crazy, it is the position of your head in relation to the position of the diaphragm. Most 2nds will do that to one extent or another with well tuned high performance regs being effected the least.

...awap is exactly right.....many 2nd stages do this in your situation...however, I don't notice this problem on my expensive regs ( Atomic M1 / Atomic T2 / Apeks XTX 200 (2)...or on my Poseidon Jetstreams. ) ...yes, I also own an older Aqualung Titan LX too.

...it is a good thing you are 'exploring' your reg's capabilities/limits early on...so you will know what to expect and not be surprised/panicked.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Thanks for the info. If it gets any worse I will have it inspected. If not I will deal with it and use it till I can justify a new higher quality reg

 

[captain]

When on your back the regulator second stage diaphragm is above your lungs and in a zone of less pressure so your lung have to do more work to inhale. It is similar to breathing from a snorkle.

 

[Michael31]

Remember that on the Titan LX (at least mine) there is a + and - adjustment lever to help prevent free flow at the surface. You may want to play with the adjustment lever to see if that helps relieve the problem.

 

[Slonda828]

Remember that on the Titan LX (at least mine) there is a + and - adjustment lever to help prevent free flow at the surface. You may want to play with the adjustment lever to see if that helps relieve the problem.

For diving, it should be set to have the lowest inhalation effort when not on the surface.

 

[scubapro50]

With only 6 dives on the regulator I would take it back to where I purchased it to have it checked out. The shop should be able to test it and find out if there are any problems. Read over the handbook that came with the regulator and ask them any questions you may have about it's operation or cleaning between dives.