What would you want in a $2500 regulator?

[-JD-]

One that creates a force-field generated, air-filled bubble completely around my head so I can see and breathe "normally".

Was that too much to ask for the price point?

 

[lowwall]

Here are some of my ideas, with little-to-no regard to practicality:
[[*]self-sealing: when not pressurized, both stages of the regulator would be self sealing, so it could be rinsed (or even dropped off a boat!) with no water incursion

This exists for first stages. Not needed for seconds.

[*]built-in analyzer: the 1st stage would have a built-in O2 and CO analyzer (upgrade for trimix?), with an LED readout for O2 %, MOD and an audible alarm for CO

Not just no. Hell no. Regs are super reliable and last forever with reasonable care because they are simple mechanical devices. Keep the electronics separate.

That said an inline device that went on the hose between the first and second stages and reported to your computer or a HUD could be cool. Basically rebreather tech for open circuit.

[*]built-in diagnostics: the 1st stage would have diagnostics recording/displaying the efficiency of gas delivery through the primary LP port, as a measure of whether the regulator needs service

See previous. Also, you can do this already with a $15 IP gauge.

[*]built-in dive logging (date, time, depth, gas analysis, gas pressure over the duration of the dive, water temp, gas allocation -- LP port 1, LP port 2, etc -- to more accurately record SAC vs gas used for the BCD or inflating an SMB, etc)
[*]all electronic functions would be powered via a rechargeable battery in the 1st stage that is powered via a gas turbine (windmill) -- when pressurized and delivering gas, the regulator recharges it's own battery

All of this would necessarily reduce breathing performance and decrease reliability. Filling your BCD is a negligible use of your gas. You use around 1500 liters of gas during a dive. Maybe 10 of those go into your BCD. And if you fill your DSMB at depth, it's either a few liters or nothing if you do it by exhaling.

[*]the 2nd stage would have a long exhaust -- think a corrugated tube that mechanically attaches to the outside of the LP hose, with exhaust bubbles exiting behind the diver's head, near the 1st stagen

Would greatly increase work of exhalation.

[*]quick-disconnect hose fittings at the 1st stage, so that the regulator set can easily be disassembled and packed compactly for travel

Currently this requires one thin wrench. Not worth the complexity and risk of failure to replace this with a quick disconnect.

[*]10-year/500 dive normal service intervals

The materials, with the possible exception of valve seats, are capable of this now. The common current 2 year or 200 dive interval is to to catch stuff like a clogged filter or salt crystal intrusion into threads from causing breathing problems or making the reg unserviceable.

 

[bubblemonkey2]

It needs to have a built-in vape, for the vape people and every single chain-smoking guide in SE Asia

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

For that money I’d want all the rest of the gear too.
I could completely outfit myself from scratch for $2500!
I’m trying to figure out a way to justify $2500 just for a reg and I can’t seem to do it.

 

[plaamook]

I’d need to be able to drive it to the dive site.

 

[Jonn]

Always been a bit bothered by AI transmitters hanging out the side of the primary. They look cludgy and delicate. Might be nice to have the electronics tucked away safe in the solid brass housing itself, although permanently tying the reg to a particular brand or standard of computer would be a big risk. Would also like to see CO and O2 analysis in addition to pressure, instead of manually testing with a separate gadget beforehand.

 

[scrane]

Since we already have perfectly good regulators for well less than $1000. , a $2500. regulator is just for people who own $100,000. cars.

 

[Angelo Farina]

Since we already have perfectly good regulators for well less than $1000. , a $2500. regulator is just for people who own $100,000. cars.

Actually a top notch regolator is less than 500 eur, including a decent octopus:

Scubapro Erogatore MK17 EVO G260 + Octopus R195 | eBay

Le migliori offerte per Scubapro Erogatore MK17 EVO G260 + Octopus R195 sono su eBay ✓ Confronta prezzi e caratteristiche di prodotti nuovi e usati ✓ Molti articoli con consegna gratis!

www.ebay.it

I really don't see how one can spend more...

 

[GF99/99]

There better be a rebreather attached to the other end of it.

 

[lionfish-eater]

It would need to do pleasant things to my SACk