Scubapro R380

[superstar]

Is the Scubapro R380 2nd stage adequate for cold water diving or will it freeze up.

 

[redacted]

The demand valve body and housing which contain the poppet are pretty substantial hunks of metal which provide good heat exchange and should prevent any icing of the poppet.

 

[Arcaporale]

As far as regulators icing up in cold waters, the first stage is of main concern. The 2nd stage design would make very little to no difference in the cold water capabilities of the regulator.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

That used to be true 20-25 years ago when second stages were all metal, and to a lesser extent 10 years ago when most plastic second stages still had metal air barrels. However, now with many models being all plastic in terms of cases and air barrels, heat transfer to the interior of the reg from the warmer water outside is very poor and it is possible for ice to form on the lever causing the reg to freeflow or even worse, fail to deliver air at all.

That said the R380 is reliable in cold water as the inlet fitting is pretty substnatial and does get reasonable heat transfer to the exterior of the reg - but it helps a lot if you leave the little rubber trim boot off the LP hose where it meets the inlet fitting.