Regulator question

[wyatt2323]

I am hoping that ya'll can help me. I'm a new diver and in the process of shopping for gear. I'm looking on the net at regulators and it really doesn't tell you what's included. So, what may seen like a silly question, but keep in mind that I'm new to this:

Is everything sold seperately (regulator, ABS, console, low-pressure inflater hose, first stage)?

Are different brands compatable with each other.

Any recommendations of brands/models would be appreciated, for this and ALL gear.

Thanks from Canada.
David

 

[Jimmer]

Generally a regulator is sold as a first and second stage, the octopus, console are separate, and the inflator hose comes with the BC but can be purchased if needed. I am partial to Zeagle for regulators, but there are many top notch brands that would be excellent for the conditions up here.

Jim

 

[redacted]

A new "regulator" usually means a 1st stage and one 2nd stage unless it says something different. The LPI hose usually comes with a new BC.

This can be tough for a new diver. I recommend using www.leisurepro.com for price baselining. Then talk to www.scubatoys.com and www.divesports.com for asistance in selecting your gear and the actual purchase.

 

[superstar]

The reg 1st and 2nd stages are sold together, you add the safe second(octo, air2) the BC usually has the inflator hose. Mask, snorkel, fins, wet suits, are seperates. You can mix and match brands.

 

[stepup]

As for Brand I am currently diving a Tusa expert Reg and I am in the process of buying a Dive Rite. I am buying it piece by piece. As in i have my console and octo and I am about to buy my first and second stage. The reason I am going with the dverite is I a planning on starting my cavern class and hopefuly eventually get ito cave diving. Thats just my 0.02

 

[johnny_bravo]

Any recommendations of brands/models would be appreciated, for this and ALL gear.

Thanks from Canada.
David

Hey David. When I did my diving in Ontario most people who dove locally used a cold water reg like the Sherwood Blizzard (I did). Lots of shops in ON carry that brand. On the high end of regs you have the Scubapro, Apeks, Aqualung, and Atomic brands.

Even if you buy on the net or second hand make sure you get a reg that can be serviced locally.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[vel525]

David,
Welcome to the board and scuba diving
I really don't have anything additional to add, the replies above seemed to cover it.
All of the major brands have varying warranties so that's one other thing you might consider when picking a brand. As for the specific model, that really depends on the type of diving you will be doing. There are plenty of technical discussions on here so the search button will provide more than enough information.

 

[scarefaceDM]

You will want a cold water reg. Which is environmentaly sealed. Mares Abbys, Apex and Scubapro are on the top of the list. Zeagle is also good, but I know nothing of them.

The other thing is the Yoke or DIN configuration. I know your new to diving, but if one day you want to go the technical route/ deeper dives. Then DIN would be your choice. You can simply add a YOKE adapter to the DIN connection.

You will want to get a Balanced reg, first and second stage. Breathing at surface and at depth is the same on a BALANCED REG. You want the effortless breathing as opposed to sucking the air out to get that breath., especially at deeper depths. ( I am talking about the NDL recreational limts )

Many/all regs are sold first and second stage packages. You will find LDS that will have a full reg set ( Octo, SPG/Compas, First/second stage ) already to go. If your on a budget you will find a good used set. Just remember to get it serviced regardless if the person you got it from said they were good to go.

You can combine most brands, as long as the threads are the right size.

LP inflator hose usually come with the BC. But you can get that for cheap if needed.

I am hoping that ya'll can help me. I'm a new diver and in the process of shopping for gear. I'm looking on the net at regulators and it really doesn't tell you what's included. So, what may seen like a silly question, but keep in mind that I'm new to this:

Is everything sold seperately (regulator, ABS, console, low-pressure inflater hose, first stage)?

Are different brands compatable with each other.

Any recommendations of brands/models would be appreciated, for this and ALL gear.

Thanks from Canada.
David

 

[loosebits]

I am hoping that ya'll can help me. I'm a new diver and in the process of shopping for gear. I'm looking on the net at regulators and it really doesn't tell you what's included. So, what may seen like a silly question, but keep in mind that I'm new to this:

Is everything sold seperately (regulator, ABS, console, low-pressure inflater hose, first stage)?

Are different brands compatable with each other.

Any recommendations of brands/models would be appreciated, for this and ALL gear.

Thanks from Canada.
David

You can use different brands assuming the IP (intermediate pressure) of the 1st stage is in the same range as the 2nd. The IP of the first will be fairly easy to change (any shop can do) but if both your 2nds don't fall in the same range, you're hosed.

If you're diving in sub-45 deg water or so, I'd recommend a sealed diaphragm (or a Sherwood Blizzard). That pretty much eliminates Scubapro and Atomic. Off the top of my head, Apeks, Aqualung and Mares are the big sealed diaphragm guys. You can get a piston reg that handles cold water but it always seemed like a kludge to me (little brushes or throwing goop in the 1st stage) whereas diaphragms can be sealed with the addition of a $5 membrane and a little pressure transducer.

Any of the big brands make good regs and price and quality are somewhat related as long as you stay away from gimmicks like titanium, tungsten or regs with precious stones in them (e.g. Mares Ruby). Some other brands that make great regs include Salvo and DiveRite. I'm not sure if either of those manufactures make yoke regs as they are geared towards the technical market (300 bar DIN).

Btw, there are other options for a computer/spg than a big console. A lot of divers wrist mount their computer and compasses and use a simple 1.5 or 2" SPG that go for around $100 (see http://DiveRiteExpress.com or http://www.salvodiving.com/).

Right now I have 2 Apeks DS4 1st stages with ATX50 and ATX40 2nds and a pair of Salvo regs. I've had a DR and loved it but switched over to Salvo.

Edit: Just checked, neither DR or Salvo make yoke regs.

 

[Blue Kangaroo]

all great answers - i'll add one thing else - weight ! believe me, it makes a difference if you have to travel with all your gear. I love apeks tx range but ditched it in favour of a lighter aqualung - same with my BC , fins etc etc. If this does not really apply then I'd go for apeks, BUT servicing use to be an issue - not so much now. I use to carry a full service kit with me (o rings, diaphram, etc) as a just in case. The beauty of apeks is they are very robust, if a little expensive.

ask at your local club, nose about, maybe even try other peoples gear. Usually everyone in only too happy to supply an opinion !!