Tolerance of flooding, balance & visibility probably isn't that relevant for the purpose of the OP
Agree about the Viper though
Agree about the Viper though
Which First stage for a pony?
- Thread starter koozemani
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halocline
Contributor
If he's using it on a pony or staqe, the 1st stage could flood if the valve is left off and the 2nd stage gets bumped enough to lose pressure. I'm sure it's happened. The balanced vs unbalanced part probably isn't that important, although it does allow for easier use of a button gauge rather than a full SPG. My pony set up has a SPG on a 6" hose, but I'd be just as happy using a small button gauge. Those are probably not nearly as accurate at low pressure; hence the nice thing about getting some warning through increase in inhalation resistance. I have to disagree about the visibility; anything that helps identify the 2nd stage in an emergency or differentiates it from other 2nd stages in the rig is a plus IMO.
So turn the valve on at the start of the dive. And use a DIN reg
How so?
Apparently the OP wants to use it as emergency backup, so accuracy probably isn't a big issue. Myself, I don't like the button gauges, partly because my eyesight isn't perfect
For multiple stage deco diving yeah... Don't think that's an big issue if the pony is slung with the second bungeed to it and used with a single tank rec setup, as described above
Not having a go at your comments BTW, IJS
I agree on the simplicity of the Mk2. Proven design that just plain works. Not fancy, but functional. I still have an Oceanic SP5 that I use on a pony. It's a clone of a Mk2 and dead easy to service.
The comments about flooding might be appropriate to the OP. I have seen pony regs that were used unpressurized and something leaked and they had to be torn down and checked.
As to visibility, all I can think of is that old phrase "oohh shiny!!!". It is easy to spot. I had a discussion with someone about using a yellow octo reg on a yellow pony bottle. No contrast, and in a stressed situation that octo did not stand out and say "here I am".
One other thing to consider, since you mention Tuscon- what can you get serviced in your area. Not much help if you need something checked/tweaked etc and the nearest place that services your brand is XXX miles away and you can't get it back for two weeks.
Hope this helps.
The comments about flooding might be appropriate to the OP. I have seen pony regs that were used unpressurized and something leaked and they had to be torn down and checked.
As to visibility, all I can think of is that old phrase "oohh shiny!!!". It is easy to spot. I had a discussion with someone about using a yellow octo reg on a yellow pony bottle. No contrast, and in a stressed situation that octo did not stand out and say "here I am".
One other thing to consider, since you mention Tuscon- what can you get serviced in your area. Not much help if you need something checked/tweaked etc and the nearest place that services your brand is XXX miles away and you can't get it back for two weeks.
Hope this helps.
halocline
Contributor
The unbalanced piston 1st in combination with an unbalanced 2nd will start to breathe a little more stiffly as the supply falls under 500 PSI. That gives you some warning that the bottle is nearing empty. A balanced reg will breathe the same down to the last few breaths. For this reason, I'd be perfectly happy using a MK2 on a pony bottle with no SPG, or one of those small button gauges that are useful to tell you whether the tank is full or not. I'd be less inclined to do so with a balanced 1st/2nd stage.
Also, and this is one of those "what-ifs" that usually I'm not too fond of discussing, but lets say for the sake of argument that the user did flood the 1st stage, and in doing so flooded the SPG. The unbalanced pony reg would then be useful as an indicator that you're very low on air. Granted, this whole scenario is a stretch, but if you're looking for a reg specifically for pony/stage/bailout bottle use, it's tough to beat the MK2 in terms of price and reliability. I have a whole closet full of higher performing 1st stages and I still use the MK2 on my pony.....although I very rarely use a pony. Different conversation!
BTW I don't mind your questioning my comments, that's what the forum is for.
Sounds like a good reason to use a proper SPG!
If the first flooded, would the pony be usable?
If the first flooded, would the pony be usable?
halocline
Contributor
That's kind of the question about flood tolerance. I suspect that it would work fine with most 1st stages, but the MK2 does have an advantage; no balance chamber. The water in the HP section would just go through the piston and out the IP chamber. This is also true with MK5-style balanced pistons, but they also have a dynamic o-ring that is subject to HP air; I guess it's possible that water in the HP section could force some extra extrusion and failure of this o-ring. This is all conjecture, but it does make sense from the point of the regulator design.
OP
koozemani
Contributor
Thanks for the responses. They should narrow my search, as it seems pretty unanimous that the mk2 is worth considering. I was going to use an Octo on it, but I might rethink that idea. as far as spgs go, I'll be using a button gauge.
I do like the idea of being able to service the edge/hog regs myself. But If need be there is a Lds in Phoenix that services them.
But the sole intended use for the pony in question is solely as an "oh sh!t" contingency for the gf and I (or another diver).
I do like the idea of being able to service the edge/hog regs myself. But If need be there is a Lds in Phoenix that services them.
But the sole intended use for the pony in question is solely as an "oh sh!t" contingency for the gf and I (or another diver).
If the cylinder will be dedicated to pony use, you might also want to consider the Zeagle Razor first stage. It's a combo valve & piston first stage, so it makes for a very sleek and compact pony rig compared to a standard valve with a first stage attached via DIN or yoke.
Since your second stage hose is attached directly, the whole pony rig with regs attached becomes kind of one piece. Simple and very streamlined. One less attachment/seal to possibly go bad, and since the valve knob is small and rather tight, there is little concern for accidental roll-off, especially if you run your second stage hose to the port immediately above the valve knob. Great for those of us who choose to dive with the pony valve always on.
Disadvantages include of course a loss in versatility using the cylinder as, for example, a stage bottle, and of course it also ties up whatever second stage you choose; which is why I would only recommend it for dedicated bailout pony.
I've been using one for years now and have been quite satisfied. While the combo valve/reg looks odd, the internal parts are actually quite standard and I've had no trouble getting it serviced.
Since your second stage hose is attached directly, the whole pony rig with regs attached becomes kind of one piece. Simple and very streamlined. One less attachment/seal to possibly go bad, and since the valve knob is small and rather tight, there is little concern for accidental roll-off, especially if you run your second stage hose to the port immediately above the valve knob. Great for those of us who choose to dive with the pony valve always on.
Disadvantages include of course a loss in versatility using the cylinder as, for example, a stage bottle, and of course it also ties up whatever second stage you choose; which is why I would only recommend it for dedicated bailout pony.
I've been using one for years now and have been quite satisfied. While the combo valve/reg looks odd, the internal parts are actually quite standard and I've had no trouble getting it serviced.
DrunkenParrot
Contributor
I would recommend the Scubapro MK2 plus and clones, like others have said bullet proof and very reliable.
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