Choosing a regulator can seem a daunting task. First comes the shock that the cost of the regulator does not include the octopus, gauges and BCD inflator hose that was always included in the rented and school equipment. However, modern regulators all come up to a very high minimum standard so whichever you decide to purchase, you are unlikely to be disappointed.
Here is a helpful guide to help you make your decision. |
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Din Or A-Clamp?
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| The most common coupling is the International A-Clamp or Yoke fitting (same thing, different names!). Wherever you go in the world, the dive operation will certainly have an A-Clamp fitting but not necessarily DIN although DIN is becoming more common. |
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Even if you buy an A-Clamp regulator most manufacturers offer a
DIN kit with which a technician can replace the original A-Clamp
fitting at a later stage if needed.
DIN fitting regulators are by far a safer coupling with the regulator actually screwing into the tank valve, trapping the high pressure o-ring so it cannot extrude like it occasionally (and spectacularly) does with an A-Clamp fitting.
There are two types of DIN fitting - DIN200 and DIN300 with DIN200 having 7 threads suitable for use with 232bar/3000psi cylinders and DIN300 with 9 threads suitable for 300bar/4500psi cylinders. Although a DIN300 fitting will attach to DIN200 valve this is not recommended. A DIN 1st stage can be easily converted temporarily to a-clamp using a DIN to A-Clamp adaptor.
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Ports
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Most regulators first stage will have 1 high pressure port (7/16" thread) and 4 low pressure ports (3/8" thread). Having differing port sizes avoids any error in fitting as a high pressure hose is too big to fit in a low pressure port and vice versa.
Higher specification first stages may have an additional high pressure port which is ideal when you have computerised gauges and require an analogue back up gauge in case of battery failure. Some first stages feature a special low pressure port that is designed for use with the primary second stage as the air flow to that port is higher than the others.
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Nitrox
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Unless stated by the manufacturer, regulators are not suitable for use with elevated oxygen content mixes.
Most leading manufacturers now make their entire range suitable for use with nitrox (EANx) up to 40%. Above this level you need to opt for specially cleaned regulators such as the Apeks Nitrox range of regulators.
Titanium regulators are not suitable for use with nitrox. Nitrox regulators need to be oxygen cleaned each year with the annual service or if ever contaminated with unclean air which can increase the on going maintenance costs. You should consult the owners manual of your regulator and speak with your dive instructor for further advice.
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Compact Regulators
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Compact regulators are ideal for people who dive abroad. A compact second stage is around 50 - 75% the size of a normal second stage.
This design offers a lighter physical weight which in turn reduces jaw fatigue. Some are even smaller offering even more comfort during longer dives.
A compact first stage offers a big reduction in weight, which is both an advantage to you as a diver and is lighter in your suicase. |
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Side Vented Second Stages
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The exhausted air from a normal second stage exits the second stage under the mouthpiece.
This means that bubbles often come across the face of the divers mask, disturbing the view, especially whilst ascending and descending. A side vented regulator exhausts the exhaled air to one side offering a clearer view.
Some side vented second stages also have the advantage that they may be used either way up making them ideal for use as an alternate air source (octopus). |
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Alternate Inflator Regulators
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An alternate inflator regulator can replace the normal inflator/deflator mechanism on your BCD and still allows you to inflate and deflate in the standard way but also gives you a built in spare second stage regulator.
These are usually only slightly bigger than the normal inflation units that are available. Using an alternate inflator regulator means that you do not have to have an octopus (secondary second stage) and in an out of air situation, you give away your primary second stage and breath off the alternate inflator regulator (you can still control your buoyancy even when it is in your mouth).
These systems are ideal for travelling divers who wish to reduce the weight and bulk of equipment. However like all new equipment we would recommend practising using yours in a controlled environment first. These should only be fitted by a trained technician and only to a BCD made by the same manufacturer.
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Un-Balanced, Balanced or Over Balanced?
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Simply put, a balanced regulator is always a preferable option. Most entry level regulators are unbalanced whereas the next model up is generally balanced. A balanced first stage regulator offers consistent air flow regardless of depth and tank pressure. An unbalanced regulator will become harder to breathe from as depth increases and or tank pressure decreases.
That said, modern unbalanced regulators perform very well and the advantage of an unbalanced regulator is that annual service costs are lower as they tend have few moving parts. This does in turn make them exceptionally reliable as are all modern regulators, regardless of type.
However, balanced regulators offer consistent high air flow to the second stages making breathing resistance less and therefore breathing easier.Overbalanced regulators achieves unprecedented performance by increasing your air supply the deeper you go providing the best breathe for deep divers.
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Piston Or Diaphragm?
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These terms refer to the way the first stage of your regulator reduces tank pressure to an intermediate pressure. Piston regulators have a very good flow rate. They generally have only one moving part (the piston) which can make them quite expensive since the machining to make the body must be exact.
Piston first stages tend to be more expensive to buy as they have to be manufactured more precisely, but having fewer moving parts makes them even more reliable and less expensive to service.
Most deep divers will insist on a piston first stage. A diaphragm first stage has many moving parts but is much simpler to manufacturer, offering a lower initial purchase cost but lower performance (not generally noticeable within recreational sports diving limits). However, diaphragm regulators tend to offer more protection in colder water against free flow.
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