What reg? Delta 4 or XsScuba TriMetal??

[Brannon132]

Hey guys, my name is Brannon and I am pretty new to scuba diving, about a dozen or so dives. I am looking into getting some gear and was wondering about two different regulators out there. The first is the XsScuba Tri-metal and the second is the Oceanic Delta 4. If anyone has any expierience with either please let me know. Now I live in Seattle and dive mostly in the Puget sound which is about 48 degrees I believe. Would either of these regs perform negatively in cold water? Another thing is the Delta 4 is about $120 more than the tri-metal. Now I know that’s not a lot to you scuba diving buffs, but it’s a chunk of change to me :11doh: Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much, Brannon McCarthy :14:

 

[scubatoys]

I would be a hands down vote for the Oceanic. It is environmentally sealed, has the Dry Valve Technology that will stop water from getting into the 1st stage, even when the DM on the boat forgets to put on a dust cap, and it has the swivel at the second stage. If you make some calls, you'll probably find you can get it for less that 120 more than the tri-metal.

My biggest problem with the tri-metal is that the reg was an IDI, which went belly up, and XS Scuba - bought up the rights. There is probably nothing wrong with it, and I know the guy who runs XS scuba - and he's a real good guy... But that's a little different to me than a company that actually makes regs. I've been to the oceanic facility and have watched the engineers working on cad designs, seen prototypes being cut on the CNC machines, sat in their deco chamber where they test designs at depth... Pretty impressive stuff.

But when it boils down... I'd rather have the environmentally sealed diaphragm, the DVT and the swivel... and there is no shortage of Oceanic dealers domestically or abroad if I ever have a problem with it. I'm not sure how many dive shops in Belize carry rebuild kits for XS scuba regs.

And in the scheme of thing, it will probably only be about a $75 swing...

 

[rescuediver009]

I have tried the XS reg, and while it breathes ok, it does require a messy aftermarket seal that will have to be filled with cristo lube for any nitrox application, so the cost difference will be less. Secondly, since this will have do me done aftermarket, there is no guarantee that it will be done properly, and thus will breathe even worse at depth. With its primary features being price and magazine reviews, it is suprising to see how much parts can be and how hard they are too find.
So while pneumatic balancing is more popular than mechanical, and I was not incredibly impressed with the quality of the environmental seal, I would trust an Oceanic reg anyday. As mentioned they do have a solid reputation and they also have a lifetime parts warranty that will definetely be worth more in the long run than $100.

 

[mike_s]

the Tri Metal reg has gotten two very good reviews in recent months from ScubaDiving Magazine. Do a search on their site for their regulator reviews. It was
tested in the 2005 regulator review and the 2005 "Muscle Regulators" article.

send an email to PaulWall also. he has one and can give you a review of it.

I don't think they sell it at Scubatoys, but you can pick one up at Dive Sports
for a pretty good price. http://www.divesports.com/mall/xsscuba_reg_seaairtrimetal.asp

 

[Zoomer]

I was in the market as well and looking... only thing I can add is that several people that have the Tri Metal reg complain of a sticky adjustment....

Just my 2 cents.

Dave

 

[Jeff88]

My wife and I both use the XS Scuba Tri-Metal Regulators. We have had no problems with them on any of our dives so far. I haven't noticed the "sticky adjustment" problem either. Mine has breathed easy and dry for me.

 

[Brannon132]

Thanks a ton for all the info, I think right now I am swaying towards the Delta 4. I am going to do a little more research first. I will let you guys know which one I picked and how it turns out. Thanks again, Brannon

 

[Penopolypants]

I have the Delta 4 and love it! It breathes well and the swivel keeps it comfy, and the dry valve technology stuff is pretty cool. Larry at scubatoys sells them, or if you want to buy local, UWS on Aurora has them as well. They were on sale the last time I was in there, before christmas.

I haven't had any problems diving with it in the Sound. The coldest dive I've done with it was 49 degrees.

 

[TASea]

Brannon, I will echo Jeff88's comments on the Tri-Metal. I've got about a dozen Puget Sound/Hood Canal dives on mine, down to 45 degrees, and it's performed flawlessly.

 

[80Oceanic]

Delta 4 of course

Just make sure u get FDX-10 and not CDX-5 as a first stage.

CDX-5 (is not Dry Reg)