S.P.E.C. Boot and the MK 20

[Geo7]

If the cover is too rigid, I think water will seep in and equalize the pressure. It can't seal that well, although my Atomics can hold a vaccum for a while. I don't see sealed piston regs lagging in IP while descending, as Rob has found with some sealed diaphragm regs (but I have never checked)...

 

[USdiver1]

Current lubes are much lighter in consistency, and will be lost over time and replaced with seawater if that volume reservoir isn't there.

The main reason I avoid "environmental" boots on my first stages. Dive, rinse in fresh water, repeat. After my dive trip, pressurize and leave in fresh water overnight for a thorough clean.

 

[Geo7]

The main reason I avoid "environmental" boots on my first stages. Dive, rinse in fresh water, repeat. After my dive trip, pressurize and leave in fresh water overnight for a thorough clean.

I think for clean, clear water, that is the way to go (Caribbean, Mediterranean, liveaboards...). Piston reg and good rinsing. For cold water, or beach dives where the water is full of suspended sediment and fine sand, sealing is a nice option to protect the sealing surfaces. Our different biases reflect different locations, but having at least the option is nice.

But with the recent price increases for Tribolube, I think a new reg after some years may be cheaper than sealing? Yes, silicone is cheap, but I don't want to cross-contaminate my tools and workbench with flammable lube.