reversible second stage?

[LuvDivin]

Hi all,
I am looking for advice on the best setup for a 19cf pony, reg, gage and bracket that is travel-friendly. I'm a photographer so I'd rather clip and not sling.

Also I've heard that some regs have a second stage that can be used on either the left or right side, (so they have no top vs. bottom), does anyone know who makes such a reg?
It would be handy for the pony.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers,
LuvDivin

 

[scubadiver888]

I know that Poseidon regulators can be used left or right. I would suspect regulators which look like the Poseidon regulators might be reversible as well.

 

[joystershell]

How about the Oceanic Omega?

 

[bkotheimer]

Hi all,
I am looking for advice on the best setup for a 19cf pony, reg, gage and bracket that is travel-friendly. I'm a photographer so I'd rather clip and not sling.

Also I've heard that some regs have a second stage that can be used on either the left or right side, (so they have no top vs. bottom), does anyone know who makes such a reg?
It would be handy for the pony.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers,
LuvDivin

Hey there! I'm hijacking part of this reply from a post of mine a few weeks back.

I use a 13cf tank myself, and my setup uses a Zeagle Envoy Razor first stage instead of a traditional valve, so the rig is compact and disassembly/reassembly is relatively simple. Additionally, I have a yoke transfiller that lets me fill the pony myself from a larger tank. Both bottles equalize around 2700-2900 depending on the actual psi of the source tank when I do the fill.

The Mares MV octo, aka Dacor Viper, works equally well whether "right side up" or "upside down." Quotes intended, as there is no such thing as up or down with this particular 2nd stage. I did use this 2nd stage with with my pony bottle for a while and it worked quite well.

I use a pair of XS Scuba straps and strap the tank, facing downward, to the right of my main tank, flush against my wing. You may need heftier hardware for a 19, not sure. My second stage and hose is bungied against the side of the pony tank and deploys very easily if I reach back and yank on it.

DiveGearExpress and DiveRightInScuba both carry small SPGs that screw right onto the Zeagle Envoy Razor.

Have fun building your pony rig!

 

[LuvDivin]

Thank you all for the excellent advice.

I checked out the Poseidon, seem like really nice regs but pricey.
I see how the design of both Dacor Vipor and Oceanic Omega are perfect for the pony.

Bkotheimer,
I'd be great if the straps could hold the 19cf, my solo course instructor advised against anything like velcro straps but suggested a hardy steel mount. But those mounts are more 'permanent' so I can't release the tank quick and easy in a buddy dive situation like you can.

Might have to test it out.
cheers

 

[bkotheimer]

I've never tried to release the velcro straps while wearing my rig, so I'm not sure if I can hand mine off either. They've never slipped off by themselves, I can tell you that. But I would trust a solo instructor's word over mine if they say to go with a rigid mount.

Additional note on the Viper/MV... you used to be able to get this in black, i.e. with the coloration of a primary reg rather than an octo. But it's really hard to get the black faceplate as an aftermarket item if you purchase it originally in yellow. So choose carefully at purchase (if the black is still even available).

And I really can't recommend the Envoy Razor enough. Why have a separate valve and 1st stage when they can be integrated like this?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

I think a better term for the regulator you want is "ambidextrous," not reversible. I have some 2nd stages that are "reversible" but which in use have a definitive top and bottom. Reversing them takes a few minutes and some basic tools. Sounds like you want a regulator that is usable in either direction without tools underwater for emergency situations.

Dive Rite offers a Poseidon 2nd stage that is ambidextrous. I think it's literally stamped with the Poseidon logo. Oceanic offered that 2nd stage in the past but I believe that is discontinued. Some octo regs are able to be used either way, as some have mentioned.

 

[scubadiver888]

Thank you all for the excellent advice.

I checked out the Poseidon, seem like really nice regs but pricey.
I see how the design of both Dacor Vipor and Oceanic Omega are perfect for the pony.

If you do like the Poseidon but not the price, ask the shop to check for new pricing. Had a shop check and found out there was new pricing this month.

 

[LuvDivin]

I agree, it's a great design since it reduces chances of me losing parts! and the price is decent too.
Since your pony is positioned upside down, do you ever have to worry about ladders and steps on boat dives or getting the first stage bumped or scraped?
I'm wondering if I might use that orientation too, though the 19cf seems a bit long for that.

Are there specific advantages to this position?

 

[LuvDivin]

Ah yes, ambidextrous, you are right, I need to be able to switch it to either direction during a dive.