Regulators and GAS

[reefrat]

GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome!) I suffer it with guitars, guns and regulators!

Regulators are what makes SCUBA happen, and they have been a source of intrigue and awe for me since I ,as a 6 year old, I first watched the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau on our B&W TV!
The very first time I breathed off a regulator underwater was spiritual, even though I had been spearfishing for years. And I know that most scuba divers these days take for granted that thing they breathe from, but for me it will always be the ability to breathe underwater- something without which my world would not be the same.

But there have been so many fascinating and cool regulators to play with and own!!!
Like most reasonable (GAS) addicts I am always trying to reduce the habit to a reasonable level. I know I can't dive them all so here are my thoughts:
In 2014 I am going to mount my vintage metal second stages in proud fashion on a board in my office and reduce my working armory to 2 regulators! My single hose is going to be an Aqualung Titan LX / Egress and black Hog SPG, My DH is going to be the new Argonaut Kraken, when I can get my hands on one.
The concept is to go get:
One practical all round- do it all single hose outfit.
Get the double hose I have always wanted but was afraid to ask!

Anyone else have a GAS resolution for 2014?

 

[halocline]

Why don't you dive the metal regs and mount the plastic ones.

 

[reefrat]

Yep, not easy to retire a perfectly good 156!!

 

[Couv]

GAS .....In 2014 I am going to mount my vintage metal second stages in proud fashion on a board in my office and reduce my working armory to 2 regulators! My single hose is going to be an Aqualung Titan LX / Egress and black Hog SPG, ....

I'm hurt.

 

[Luis H]

GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome!) I suffer it with guitars, guns and regulators!

Regulators are what makes SCUBA happen, and they have been a source of intrigue and awe for me since I ,as a 6 year old, I first watched the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau on our B&W TV!
The very first time I breathed off a regulator underwater was spiritual, even though I had been spearfishing for years. And I know that most scuba divers these days take for granted that thing they breathe from, but for me it will always be the ability to breathe underwater- something without which my world would not be the same.

But there have been so many fascinating and cool regulators to play with and own!!!
Like most reasonable (GAS) addicts I am always trying to reduce the habit to a reasonable level. I know I can't dive them all so here are my thoughts:
In 2014 I am going to mount my vintage metal second stages in proud fashion on a board in my office and reduce my working armory to 2 regulators! My single hose is going to be an Aqualung Titan LX / Egress and black Hog SPG, My DH is going to be the new Argonaut Kraken, when I can get my hands on one.
The concept is to go get:
One practical all round- do it all single hose outfit.
Get the double hose I have always wanted but was afraid to ask!

Anyone else have a GAS resolution for 2014?

I will agree with the stuff that I highlighted... but downsizing... I don't think so.


My Argonaut is now my go to regulator, but I have plenty of others to play with and share. I can't imagine just having one DH.


I don't use a single hose regulator regularly, but my wife uses a Titan 1st stage with a nice Scubapro Balanced Adjustable second stage (the best of both words, IMHO).

I do have several BA seconds pair up with Conshelf for stage bottles and secondary regulators (on two outlet manifolds).

 

[Nemrod]

My main two regulators currently are my USD Phoenix RAM-HPR and my AL Titan LX. I want a SP G260 and someday perhaps if good fortune and the stars align there will be a Kraken. I have semi-retired my 109s, Conshelfs, MR12-IIs and other assorted stuff. The Titan just is a better all around regulator and I do not feel sad if it gets lost, stolen or mashed. My double hose regulators in my collection, aside from the Phoenix, have already been in semi-retirement.

The regulators I keep ready to dive are, in order of priority:

1. USD Phoenix RAM-HPR (with Calypso octo) and sharing top billing the AL Titan LX set.
2. SP 109 with Mk V set.
3. USD square label RAM-HPR.
4. Conshelf XIV Supreme set for cold water.
5. Voit Navy with HPR and converted to a Cyclone RAM first stage.
6. USD Mistral, my second regulator to own and mine since circa 1966.

and;

Very important, my wife's AL Legend.

N