What temps determine the need for a "cold water" regulator?

[ganu76]

(I've searched around but haven't seen this question asked here.)

I'm looking for my first reg set (likely a Mares Ranger 12 w/ MV octo) but I have a concern about the definition of "cold water". I intend to continue to train in a local quarry where bottom temps will be right around 50 degrees. (Let's err on the side of caution and dip into the mid 40s.)

With that being said, should I expect any problems with a normal regulator, given the above temps? Should I limit my searches to cold water regs only?

Thanks in advance.


G

 

[fisheater]

No problems.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My own rule is that under 50 degrees for any length of time I want a cold water rated reg. And to be honest there should not be that much difference in price.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[halocline]

Are you sure there's water in the mid 40s in Alabama? I'd be surprised.

Anyhow, most regs would have no problem in water near 50F, maybe some others might start to freeze in the low 40s, others would be good right down to the mid 30s, it depends. It's not like all 'non' cold water regs will freeze at X temp. Sorry I don't know about yours in particular.

 

[ganu76]

Well, I may have erred TOO much on the side of catuion with the mid-40s temp. I do know that one of the quarries I plan to dive lists a bottom temp of 52-54. Not sure about the other quarry near by. I just wanted to add a 5 degree buffer.

Still though, I love these responses. Keep 'em coming as you guys see fit.

 

[Peter_C]

I dive Scubapro MK25's which are not cold water regs, being piston regs. I have no problem diving them in 43 degree water, and routinely dive in 48 degrees and sometimes 46 degree water. Even had them down to 37 degrees briefly with no issues.

My personal opinion is if it is going to be under 45 degrees then cold water regs are in order.

 

[Agility]

IMHO in cold water having two independent first stages which you can shut off on your own is more important than the type of first stage (piston or diaphragm) if you plan to go deeper than you can comfortably surface on a freeflowing regulator.

 

[Diver0001]

(I've searched around but haven't seen this question asked here.)

I'm looking for my first reg set (likely a Mares Ranger 12 w/ MV octo) but I have a concern about the definition of "cold water". I intend to continue to train in a local quarry where bottom temps will be right around 50 degrees. (Let's err on the side of caution and dip into the mid 40s.)

With that being said, should I expect any problems with a normal regulator, given the above temps? Should I limit my searches to cold water regs only?

Thanks in advance.


G

I agree with Jim Lapenta. Under 10C/50F and I'm not comfortable using a regulator that isn't spec'd for cold water. That might sound overly cautious but don't forget that expanding gasses cool down and it's entirely possible in 10C water that a short free-flow (for example, taking the reg out of your mouth for some reason and forgetting to point the mouthpiece down) could cause the regulator to develop temperatures inside the first and 2nd stages that could theoretically freeze 10C water. That said, I don't think it's a huge risk in the temperatures you mentioned but my attitude is for the extra money it's a potential problem that can be avoided.

R..

 

[mainedvr]

Not trying to hijack the thread, just curious as I dive the MK 25 first stage, and when I did my research to buy it it said it has anti freeze technology, (the profile that is turned into the body I believe) and are made for all water temps. I do dive in as cold as 38degree temps and never have had a problem just curious if this is just a sales pitch.

"Anti-freeze protection for all diving temperatures and externally adjustable intermediate pressure for easy maintenance."

I dive Scubapro MK25's which are not cold water regs, being piston regs. I have no problem diving them in 43 degree water, and routinely dive in 48 degrees and sometimes 46 degree water. Even had them down to 37 degrees briefly with no issues.

My personal opinion is if it is going to be under 45 degrees then cold water regs are in order.

 

[chrpai]

Not trying to hijack the thread, just curious as I dive the MK 25 first stage, and when I did my research to buy it it said it has anti freeze technology, (the profile that is turned into the body I believe) and are made for all water temps. I do dive in as cold as 38degree temps and never have had a problem just curious if this is just a sales pitch."

There are many threads out there if you search for them. Generally, the MK17 is a better cold water reg then then the MK25. There are more reported instances of icing up and free flowing with the MK25.