Sealed piston/diaphragm?

[stdyk]

I have read every thread I can find on regulator technology, and have just 1 remaining question... For cold water diving (great lakes), is a sealed piston 1st stage as good as a sealed diaphragm 1st stage? I'm comparing the Zeagle ZX Flathead VI to the Atomic Z2, and the cristo + rubberband just doesn't seem as reliable. Thoughts? ...Steve

 

[Rick Inman]

I've been diving the Atomic M1 in water down to 36 degrees for about 3 years now, and the "cristo + rubberband" seems to do the job.

 

[Gary D.]

Same waters as Rick but we prefer Sherwood’s. All are good but we mainly dive the Maximus and ice isn’t a problem unless the operator creates it.

Gary D.

 

[Jimmer]

Like others have said, the operator can make the most difference, but I will say that around here, the Great Lakes divers I know generally have better cold water resistance with diaphragm regs over pistons. One other thing that I was just thinking was I recall reading a post from someone talking about how expensive it was to cold water prep a piston reg using the christo lube method, due to how pricey the stuff is. The diaphragms are dry sealed and not packed with lube.

 

[do it easy]

I'm a big fan of diaphragm regs in cold water. The diaphragm itself acts as an environmental seal (only the main spring is on the outside). I dive Mares Abyss regs and none of my regs have the extra enviromental seal.

That being said, I agree that the user makes the biggest difference.

 

[texdiveguy]

For cold water diving the diaphragm first stage is the way to go.

 

[stdyk]

Perfect, thanks for the help! I will probably take a closer look at the Zeagles... Steve