Choosing a Regulator can be a daunting task but can be a fun task if armed with a little information
A Little Background
Regulators = Aqua Lung Legends
The very first regulator I purchased was secondhand and the reason for that was it came from someone I trusted, it had a full service history and at the time I did not know what I wanted or needed from a regulator. With hindsight it should not have been that daunting, the excitement I had from purchasing my first motorbike (yes I had one of those - it gave me independence), is what I should feel when purchasing a regulator, so this guide is to do just that Guide YOU.
In another article Regulator Features we have explained the in's and outs of the various points of a regulator and therefore this article is about choosing a regulator
Ensure the First and Second Stage(s) are from the same manufacturer
Ensure the First and Second Stage(s) are from the same manufacturer, so that is the bit that connects to the cylinder (First Stage) and your primary regulator and Octopus. The reason being on manufacturer and at servicing the first stage pressure are set to manufactures working pressure recommendations, these can differ slightly so mismatched products may not work as intended.
If a cannibalised (regulators that are mismatched) is presented for service you might find your service technician a) refuses to service as you have configured b) services but at an individual component level (so not as an integral unit) and it is returned to you not put back together i.e. first and second stages fitted. This does not stop you putting them back together and using them, but you do need to be aware that potential issues could occur because of the mismatch.
If a cannibalised (regulators that are mismatched) is presented for service you might find your service technician a) refuses to service as you have configured b) services but at an individual component level (so not as an integral unit) and it is returned to you not put back together i.e. first and second stages fitted. This does not stop you putting them back together and using them, but you do need to be aware that potential issues could occur because of the mismatch.
First Stage - Cylinder Connector
There are two types of connector - DIN or A-Clamp(Yoke), here at Dive Rutland we offer both options generally. When would you choose one over the other. Full description can be found in Regulator Features article
If you intend to do lots of deep, technical or overhead environment dives the recommendation is to go DIN. This connection tends to be stronger and is preferred amongst the diving community for those types of dives.
You can convert a DIN connector to A-Clamp and vice versa so it comes down to personal choice
If you intend to do lots of deep, technical or overhead environment dives the recommendation is to go DIN. This connection tends to be stronger and is preferred amongst the diving community for those types of dives.
You can convert a DIN connector to A-Clamp and vice versa so it comes down to personal choice
First Stage - Number of Ports on First Stage
If you are going to be attaching a submersible pressure gauge(SPG) and an air-integrated transmitter then you will need two high-pressure ports.
You will need four low-pressure ports to connect your primary second stage, alternate hire source (octopus), a low-pressure hose for your BCD or wing and a drysuit hose if diving in a drysuit
You will need four low-pressure ports to connect your primary second stage, alternate hire source (octopus), a low-pressure hose for your BCD or wing and a drysuit hose if diving in a drysuit
First Stage - Balanced or Unbalanced
Generally known as Budget or Premium. Whilst price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor on such a crucial piece of life-saving equipment, economics of course play a part in the decision-making process. Unbalanced regulators are at the lower end of the price spectrum.
Second Stage - Venturi Assist or Not?
Straight forward question, do you want a Venturi assist or not on your second stage - described in Regulator Features
Servicing
Your regulator needs to be serviced in line with manufacturers recommendations, this can add a significant cost to ownership. Some manufacturers recommend every 200 dives or 2 years and some 300 dives or 3 years but with annual inspections in the off years i.e.taking a 200 dive / 2 year recommendation: -
Year 1: Visual Inspection
Year 2: Full Service
Year 3: Visual Inspection
Year 4: Full Service
Year 5: Visual inspection; so on and so forth
Some manufacturers offer 'parts for life', you will need to be the original purchaser and register your product within the required framework, this should then reduce the cost of your servicing as the service technician will only need to charge you for time
Choose a manufacturer for your regulators that you can get serviced locally and parts are easily available, always try and support your local dive centres, without your support they will not be there when you want air or have that lovely dive trip arranged for you, as well as providing all of the camaraderie that diving friends bring.
Year 1: Visual Inspection
Year 2: Full Service
Year 3: Visual Inspection
Year 4: Full Service
Year 5: Visual inspection; so on and so forth
Some manufacturers offer 'parts for life', you will need to be the original purchaser and register your product within the required framework, this should then reduce the cost of your servicing as the service technician will only need to charge you for time
Choose a manufacturer for your regulators that you can get serviced locally and parts are easily available, always try and support your local dive centres, without your support they will not be there when you want air or have that lovely dive trip arranged for you, as well as providing all of the camaraderie that diving friends bring.
Apeks Service Packs
Cold Water Diving
If you are going to be diving in cold water then your regulator needs to be environmentally sealed - not sure what this is then have a read of the Regulator Features article
This type of regulator is generally a little more expensive
This type of regulator is generally a little more expensive
Travelling
Taking your own regulators on holiday means you do not have a hire cost but then with airlines removing their diving equipment allowances and becoming much stricter with the travel allowances passengers are allowed, that bit of extra weight can make a difference. I personally no longer carry a handbag and take my regulators in their carry case as my handbag, but appreciate not everyone can or wants to do that.
Many manufacturers have taken this into account i.e. Apeks with the xl4 range have made lighter and / or smaller first stages, please do ensure that this doesn't affect performance or limit the features of your chosen regulator set.
Many manufacturers have taken this into account i.e. Apeks with the xl4 range have made lighter and / or smaller first stages, please do ensure that this doesn't affect performance or limit the features of your chosen regulator set.
Buy Once, Buy Right
This is a mantra that I live by where diving equipment is concerned, buying a good set of regulators will last you, your entire diving career but you will find in time you will upgrade or change just because you can, not because they have worn out!
After all the thrill of having the newest and latest toy is the best feeling ever.
After all the thrill of having the newest and latest toy is the best feeling ever.
Have fun choosing and investigating the options, we here at Dive Rutland are happy to guide you and if we do not have the chosen set in stock we will get in for you (as long as a manufacturer we stock or have an account with). All regulators purchased from us, will be put together and tested prior to leaving the shop for no additional charge
v1.00 November 2020