In January I purchased a new Flathead LT. I have become strictly a warm water diver so an environmental seal was not necessary. Also, my diving now begins with a plane ticket; therefore, I wanted a quality lightweight and durable regulator (e.g. survive dive resort and travel abuse). The LT fit my requirements. My previous regulators have included an Apeks ATX 200 and an Atomic B1 (dove this reg at Bikini). My first trip with the LT was to Borneo this March where I spent seven days diving Mabul and Sipadan islands. The following review is provided:
1. According to Zeagle the dry weight of the LT is 2.5 lbs/1.13kg. The Z second stage comes with a 30 inch Miflex hose. I also use a Zeagle Envoy octopus (36 inch Miflex hose)) and a Zeagle Slimline console. This setup traveled very nicely in my carry-on. FYI, I had my regulator, wrist computer, small torch, camera, housing, mask, batteries and charger in my carry-on and had no problems with airport security at Incheon (Seoul), Kota Kinabalu and Tawau airports.
2. When I first got the LT I liked its appearance. It has a solid look to it. And, as I looked at it on a daily basis on a tank in the dive boat I liked its appearance even more (except the day when they set up my reg upside down?).
3. The water temperature was routinely 85 degrees F./29 C. and my max depth on this trip was only 96 feet/29 meters. The regulator breathed just fine at all depths and in all positions. At times I found myself upside down in order to take a picture. On one dive (Barracuda Point) for one minute or so I did have to fin against a relatively strong current and again the LT breathed just fine. It was also a dry breather.
4. The resistance control knob and the venturi lever were easy to adjust; even while wearing gloves for my Mabul muck dives (e.g. Seaventures Platform dive).
5. I used the original mouthpiece, and it was not bad, but for personal reasons I will probably install a Seacure.
6. The hose routing, along with the Miflex hoses, made for very comfortable diving.
If the LT lives up to Zeagle's reputation for durability, for years to come I will be a happy diver.
1. According to Zeagle the dry weight of the LT is 2.5 lbs/1.13kg. The Z second stage comes with a 30 inch Miflex hose. I also use a Zeagle Envoy octopus (36 inch Miflex hose)) and a Zeagle Slimline console. This setup traveled very nicely in my carry-on. FYI, I had my regulator, wrist computer, small torch, camera, housing, mask, batteries and charger in my carry-on and had no problems with airport security at Incheon (Seoul), Kota Kinabalu and Tawau airports.
2. When I first got the LT I liked its appearance. It has a solid look to it. And, as I looked at it on a daily basis on a tank in the dive boat I liked its appearance even more (except the day when they set up my reg upside down?).
3. The water temperature was routinely 85 degrees F./29 C. and my max depth on this trip was only 96 feet/29 meters. The regulator breathed just fine at all depths and in all positions. At times I found myself upside down in order to take a picture. On one dive (Barracuda Point) for one minute or so I did have to fin against a relatively strong current and again the LT breathed just fine. It was also a dry breather.
4. The resistance control knob and the venturi lever were easy to adjust; even while wearing gloves for my Mabul muck dives (e.g. Seaventures Platform dive).
5. I used the original mouthpiece, and it was not bad, but for personal reasons I will probably install a Seacure.
6. The hose routing, along with the Miflex hoses, made for very comfortable diving.
If the LT lives up to Zeagle's reputation for durability, for years to come I will be a happy diver.
