Second Stage Regulator Recommendations

[rhwestfall]

@TheOldPilot - What type of diving are you considering in your extended sailing voyage? There are some "lesser performing" yet "bullet proof" designs you might consider. Some of these are also "stupid simple" to maintain in the event you need to work on them. For bimbling around on shallow reefs, they just might be a great idea....

 

[TheOldPilot]

@TheOldPilot - What type of diving are you considering in your extended sailing voyage? There are some "lesser performing" yet "bullet proof" designs you might consider. Some of these are also "stupid simple" to maintain in the event you need to work on them. For bimbling around on shallow reefs, they just might be a great idea....

Same type as in the original post - reef diving in the south pacific, mainly. Of course, being able to get under the boat as well when/if needed.

If you can send some examples my way, I'd love to take a look. Again, might be worth picking up anyways as a spare even if I decided against having as a primary.

 

[rhwestfall]

An unbalanced piston first stage like a ScubaPro MK-2 (MK-2 EVO is the new model) has just a seat and two internal o-rings (EVO adds a third o-ring due to a replaceable volcano orifice), and has just one moving part (piston). Now, ScubaPro can be difficult for obtaining service kits (not really), if you are willing to do some work, they can be obtained. This regulator is so easy to maintain. This is a fully supported regulator.

Paired up with a balanced second stage, (the discontinued but supported g250 or a S600, a HOG Classic, etc), and you have a nice bit if kit for a low purchase cost, and a low operating cost. There are a fair number of balanced seconds that could fit the bill....

 

[TheOldPilot]

An unbalanced piston first stage like a ScubaPro MK-2 (MK-2 EVO is the new model) has just a seat and two internal o-rings (EVO adds a third o-ring due to a replaceable volcano orifice), and has just one moving part (piston). Now, ScubaPro can be difficult for obtaining service kits (not really), if you are willing to do some work, they can be obtained. This regulator is so easy to maintain. This is a fully supported regulator.

Paired up with a balanced second stage, (the discontinued but supported g250 or a S600, a HOG Classic, etc), and you have a nice bit if kit for a low purchase cost, and a low operating cost. There are a fair number of balanced seconds that could fit the bill....

Thanks!

 

[rhwestfall]

I'd even throw in the idea of some of the vintage stuff, but i don't think it meets your needs (and I hate to see that stuff killed in saltwater).....

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm biased, since two Deep6 Signature second stages were delivered to me today. (Deep6 shipped them two days ago--the same day I ordered them. How's that for prompt?)

 

[rhwestfall]

Sealed diaphragm firsts are a nice consideration for that awful tasting water.... decreases the maintenance level of "effort'....

 

[rhwestfall]

the other option is a balanced first, and a simple downstream second (something like a r295 - has a disc seat and a couple o-rings... ) The one I set up over the weekend cracks at 1.2" to 1.4" without even trying to hot-rod it.... It was designed to be a rental fleet regulator because it is robust and simple.

 

[jlcnuke]

From your info/criteria/objectives provided, the following is my preference in order:

1. Deep6
2. DGX/Deep6
3. HOG

forget the others....

This would be my thoughts as well. With the relatively small difference in pricing, I'd just go with the Deep 6 signature if I were in your shoes.

 

[DiveGearExpress]

The DGX Gears D6 would seem to meet all your needs, the XTRA would exceed them unnecessarily. The DGX Gears D6 Regulator is a "classic" basic time-tested design based on a balanced diaphragm first stage. The DGX Gears D6 second stage is pneumatically balanced. If you are seeking a reliable and easy breathing regulator for warm water sport diving the D6 is a great value.

What really makes our regulators stand out from the crowd are our value prices plus the DGX Gears lifetime limited warranty. Dive Gear Express believes the consumer has the "right-to-repair" and our policy is to make the DGX Gears regulator service parts individually available for purchase without restriction. The service manuals and schematic diagrams are available to the general public under the Product Attachments tab of the DGX Gears regulator service parts kits.