The Grail

[Nemrod]

@Nemrod

So just what did you pay for your grail reg? Just curious.

The only thing I am allowed to say regarding the 156 is that it was "very, very expensive and worth every penny" .

The Scubapro spg and the 109 were bought by me in the day. The Mark V "type" first stage is one of a number of these I acquired in the day when Tekna shut down. They are 99% parts compatible copies of the Scubapro Mark V but had better chrome and a stainless steel turret bolt. This one was refitted with a cave seat and set for 126 psi IP.

James

 

[Open Ocean Diver]

No the exhaust valve is black as was the diaphragm. I had in my spares the red one so did a swap out and put the black one away for a rainy day.

This is it for me, I will buy/beg/harangue no more regulators. No more, no more, no more ------- . But this quest is now complete. And since it belonged to a friend it is even the better for that.

Well, I do have this thing for titanium, I will think no more of it!

James

Does yours have a lever sleeve?

 

[Nemrod]

Does yours have a lever sleeve?

I do not think any 109 or 156 has a sleeve. The air balance tube is brazed into the case unlike the G250 where it can be removed for service. Another win for the G250. We may need a Scubapro expert to set us (me) straight on the sleeve.

Only the very last 156 units have the CE approved stamp and the satin chrome case.

 

[Open Ocean Diver]

I do not think any 109 or 156 has a sleeve. The air balance tube is brazed into the case unlike the G250 where it can be removed for service. Another win for the G250. We may need a Scubapro expert to set us (me) straight on the sleeve.

Only the very last 156 units have the CE approved stamp and the satin chrome case.

My CE has a sleeve. A couple years ago I got lucky and found one brand new in the box.

 

[Nemrod]

My CE has a sleeve. A couple years ago I got lucky and found one brand new in the box.

That is interesting. It has a plastic sleeve? On the exterior of the air tube assembly?

 

[Open Ocean Diver]

That is interesting. It has a plastic sleeve? On the exterior of the air tube assembly?

Yes just like the G250 V and 260, also the exhaust valve is the same as the G260. It has a very unique step on the air barrel.

 

[rx7diver]

First, let me say, it was very, very expensive and worth every penny . After a long and arduous search I have come to possess my Grail regulator. A true CE marked big valve 156. Yes, it has the 109 knob and smooth chrome cover (which I prefer) but the body is satin chrome with the all important (to me) CE which indicates the full size 30mm exhaust valve like the G250.

 

[Open Ocean Diver]

This is pretty heavy porn, I’m not sure SB would allow me to send you a picture. Lol

 

[Nemrod]

Yes just like the G250 V and 260, also the exhaust valve is the same as the G260. It has a very unique step on the air barrel.

Yes, I see that now, when looking about on the www. I see there were two variants or generations of the 156 CE. I am glad that mine does not have the plastic sleeve though I am sure it was considered an improvement. I can get my plastic sleeve fix on my G260 which I like very much.

I have this beat up old G250 that a LDS gave to me as trash. I cleaned it up, sanded the case and then flame polished it back to something near presentable and then rebuilt it with all the latest parts. It pains me to say that it not only breaths better than my other G250s but also better than my G260s and this 156. Since all the magic is in the air tube assembly I think I need to just pull it and insert it into one of my prettier G250s . And it ain't got no stinking sleeve on it either!

 

[Nemrod]

This is pretty heavy porn, I’m not sure SB would allow me to send you a picture. Lol

Oh pretty please do!

Here is an inside picture of my CE 156 compared to one of my 109s. The larger exhaust valve of the CE is clearly visible: