gxtoast
Contributor
Hi Everyone,
There is a proliferation of primary air SPGs, with sizes varying from less than 2", up to 2.5" in diameter, and scales ranging from 300 BAR, up to 450 BAR (4,400, up to 6,500 PSI).
Remember: [1.0 BAR] = [14.5 PSI] = [0.987 ATM = atmosphere at sea level]:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_(unit)
Most SPGs for sale seem to be 2", with some 2.5" options, and I was wondering what people actually prefer and for what reason. Scubatoys had a massive 2.5" Highland SPG sale at some point and people were clamoring for this size.
I was about to purchase a Highland 2.5" SPG in BAR, because looking at a tape measure the 2" looks absolutely tiny. However, later looking at an actual 2" circle (rather than a tape measure) it seemed that this would not be too small.
It also seems that the Highland gauges have different faces on them when looking at the 2" vs the 2.5". Strangely, the 2" face has the ticks further towards the center of the dial, leaving more white area around the circumference. What gives with this difference? This just compresses the size of the typefaces because they have an even smaller arc to fit into.
I have also taken a look at Termo, who make a 300 BAR (4,400 PSI) scaled SPG that is about 1 3/4" in diameter. The scale is good. However, the gauge has both red and blue markings on it, which really become redundant very quickly I think. The Termo gauges also have plastic faces rather than glass, and one LDS said the glass faces have a tendency to crack, whereas the plastic faces tend to only scratch.
I have read about issues with Termo gauges. Mostly to do with leaking, even when close to new. Interestingly these seem to be made by the same company that makes OMS, OxyCheq, DR, Highland, Halcyon, etc. From this I can only assume that each company works with Termo independently to produce SPGs according to their own specific designs and standards.
So, what do people prefer about size and scales in their SPGs? What about plastic vs glass faces?
I was inclined to purchase a boot with the SPG and cut off the tail to expose the area where the hose attaches, but still protecting the SPG itself from shock damage (such as when it is flapping around out of the water. Thoughts on boots or the idea of cutting enough to expose the fittings?
If any of this seems to be just academic just chime in with that as well.
Cheers,
Nick
There is a proliferation of primary air SPGs, with sizes varying from less than 2", up to 2.5" in diameter, and scales ranging from 300 BAR, up to 450 BAR (4,400, up to 6,500 PSI).
Remember: [1.0 BAR] = [14.5 PSI] = [0.987 ATM = atmosphere at sea level]:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_(unit)
Most SPGs for sale seem to be 2", with some 2.5" options, and I was wondering what people actually prefer and for what reason. Scubatoys had a massive 2.5" Highland SPG sale at some point and people were clamoring for this size.
I was about to purchase a Highland 2.5" SPG in BAR, because looking at a tape measure the 2" looks absolutely tiny. However, later looking at an actual 2" circle (rather than a tape measure) it seemed that this would not be too small.
It also seems that the Highland gauges have different faces on them when looking at the 2" vs the 2.5". Strangely, the 2" face has the ticks further towards the center of the dial, leaving more white area around the circumference. What gives with this difference? This just compresses the size of the typefaces because they have an even smaller arc to fit into.
I have also taken a look at Termo, who make a 300 BAR (4,400 PSI) scaled SPG that is about 1 3/4" in diameter. The scale is good. However, the gauge has both red and blue markings on it, which really become redundant very quickly I think. The Termo gauges also have plastic faces rather than glass, and one LDS said the glass faces have a tendency to crack, whereas the plastic faces tend to only scratch.
I have read about issues with Termo gauges. Mostly to do with leaking, even when close to new. Interestingly these seem to be made by the same company that makes OMS, OxyCheq, DR, Highland, Halcyon, etc. From this I can only assume that each company works with Termo independently to produce SPGs according to their own specific designs and standards.
So, what do people prefer about size and scales in their SPGs? What about plastic vs glass faces?
I was inclined to purchase a boot with the SPG and cut off the tail to expose the area where the hose attaches, but still protecting the SPG itself from shock damage (such as when it is flapping around out of the water. Thoughts on boots or the idea of cutting enough to expose the fittings?
If any of this seems to be just academic just chime in with that as well.
Cheers,
Nick