Which brands/models of 1st-stage regs offer 'ACD' option these days ?

[scubafanatic]

Does anyone have a current tally of brands/models offering ACD (auto closure device) 1st stage regulators ? They seem to generate some controversy, strong opinions over the years and I'm not sure where the consensus opinion lies currently with respect to them being a good or bad idea? If memory serves, the only brands I'm aware of as offering this 'feature' are/were Aqualung and Oceanic, but I'm unsure of the current state of the market these days? Also, if memory serves, Oceanic has gone way downhill with respect to service/parts availability in recent years (based on prior SB threads I've encountered).

 

[JackD342]

I believe Oceanic has discontinued their DVT feature, don’t know if they ask for it to be a retrofit removed during service.
Mares now has an AST system on at least some stock items, perhaps optional on others. (It was originally optional only)

Aqualung ACD is on all current models other than Calypso and Titan in the US. Can be added to either of those with the right parts/kit, and Calypso has regional variations of original configuration.

I can definitely say Sherwood, Cressi, and XS Scuba do NOT have anything comparable, and have not heard of anyone else.

 

[grf88]

Ones to stay away from in my opinion.

 

[scubafanatic]

It certainly seems to be a good idea, especially when diving in areas/circumstances where dive crews can be a bit slack about keeping dust caps on regs, so I wonder why the concept appears now to be so limited or faded away ?

 

[halocline]

I believe Oceanic has discontinued their DVT feature, don’t know if they ask for it to be a retrofit removed during service.

Glad to hear oceanic got smart and ditched the little ball-and-spring gimmick. What a dumb idea that thing was.

 

[JackD342]

It certainly seems to be a good idea, especially when diving in areas/circumstances where dive crews can be a bit slack about keeping dust caps on regs, so I wonder why the concept appears now to be so limited or faded away ?

Well, lost one manufacturer (Oceanic) but added another (Mares). So I don't know about "faded away."
I am sure many manufacturers if asked would say that they don't see a need, but I also suspect that once current design patents start to expire they may suddenly re-think that position. Each of the 3 systems was very different, and anyone new adding such a feature will probably need to find another unique 4th design. Easier said than done.
Even the original Aqualung ACD design had to be modified - moving the filter from inlet mounted to body mounted - due to a patent infringement with Oceanic.