Choosing The Right Regulator

Choosing The Right Regulator

When divers talk about regulators they are usually talking about a complete set of regulators which is typically made up of a first stage, hoses, a second stage, a redundant second stage (normally referred to as an Octopus) and an instrument console (which can include pressure gauge, depth gauge, compass or possibly a dive computer)

All of these components can be bought individually but manufacturers match suitable elements together to create pre-assembled packs to meet a number of uses and environments that both recreational and technical divers typically find themselves in.

::Contributors::
- Simply Scuba
- Scubapro
- Mares
- Miflex
- Mark Newman
- Shaun Johnson
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[scottjackson]

This is the first I've ever heard the alternate needs to the same brand as your first stage. As a matter of fact, I've always had a different brand on mine and was sold and installed at various dive shops. I've bought several through the years.

[ChristianCastleman]

35yrs of diving always with mixed brand regulators, nothing wrong with a Scubapro, Dacor, Oceanic, Sherwood rig..

[peterchilds]

You can mix and match regulator brands / manufacturers, it just would not be advised by the manufacturers because they want your money for the Octo as well, all the gas fittings are standard.

[oceanpacific]

I ve been using an oceanic air XS integrated with my aqualung Titan set up for 10+ years🤷🏽

[ChildOfTheWilderness]

Do first stages matter that much, apart from if they are designed for cold or warmer water?

[lauraallen]

Hi. This video was very helpful! However, what I’m most interested in right now is tanks - how often do I need to dive locally to get a good ROI on a tank and what kind of tanks are good for which conditions/types of diving. For example, I’m pretty efficient with my air consumption but half of the people around where I live have high pressure tanks, which makes it a little awkward when finding buddies if they have a high pressure and you don’t. But I’m not about how to weight myself for a high pressure tank and if it’ll be harder to get filled. It would be so great if you could do a video on tanks. Thanks again!

[markwebster]

Recommended to me by some Techies was a APEKS DS4 1st stage and ATX40's. last me for life

[tayguarapereira]

What's the reason for you to say you can not mix brands (1st, 2nd, and octo)?

[peterturnham]

I have been diving since 1990 2, 3, 4 dive trips per year, Hot and Cold destinations. I Dive French Federation so can do -60m if I choose. Most important thing at the moment is get a DIN regulator not an INT. In the red sea and elsewhere they pump their tanks to 230+. Yes they have INT but with INT you use their O rings, badly maintained and I have had one Blow completely. With DIN you use your O ring and that will be good.unless you are stupid.. After that check the service cost and time of the regulator. A service can cost nearly as much as a regulator. Yes I am a bad man, I use Scdubapro regulators, religiosly soak them in diluted vinegar followed by distilled water soaking after every trip.. My favorite regulator Scubapro Mk2, not balanced, bought second hand, had been hammered by a club, So SIMPLE so light on breathing, even at depth. Easy to maintain. Still travels in my bag as a reserve. Second stage my Octo, If someone needs it it WILL worki.

[mikedavies]

... I run miss matched, but the components are all at a similar performance level ...

[michaelzschoche]

What regulator do you personally use mark? I don’t know why YouTubers never say what gear they prefer to use.

[cecwill]

Not mixing brands....?? That is the worst advice i have ever heard. I have been diving professionally since 1995 and I mix all my regulators and then adjust them accordingly for the intermediate pressure. I have SP A700 on a MK25 with an OMS Evoque as a primary. I have SP MK2+ with Oceanic GT3 and Aqualung Calypso. I even combined a SP G250 to a Poseidon first stage and primary. My point is, that you can put everything together IF you know how to adjust it properly! But if you are a brand new diver and uncertain, what to buy, then i suggest you buy a ie. Scubapro first stage with a primary and a R095 or R195 Octopus, then you have come a long way. If you have the money and you want absolutely the best, then buy a complete Poseidon regulatorkit. You will never regret it and you will have a set for the rest of your life. I have 3 different Poseidon kits and they have never failed yet. The oldest is from 1996 and is a Cyklon 5000 and it works super. Just make sure to take care of it and have it serviced regurlarly. Mixing brands has for me never been a problem at any point, just know what you are doing.

[ValdiValdies]

So .. Basically there is 2 factors to look at. If cold water diving - heavier first stage, if you want easier to breathe - pay more for primary. This video didn't help me at all.

[joshuasmith]

Lifetime high performance gear is all I buy, because no matter what depth or temperature I'm at, my life depends on my gear working correctly at all times.

[Chris-qkgr]

You are 100% wrong on mixing brands of octopus. Any brand of octo can be used on any first stage if it is tuned properly. In fact some mixed brands work better than same brands.

[chrishiggins]

Really? Why can you not mix and match brands? All first stages reduce to intermediate pressure. Yes you may need to have the 2nd stage tunes for 1st but there is no reason to not mix and match.

[colelawton]

Why the hell would you lie to everyone like that? You absolutely DO NOT have to have matching brands in your regulator set?

[cecwill]

Not mixing brands....?? That is the worst advice i have ever heard. I have been diving professionally since 1995 and I mix all my regulators and then adjust them accordingly for the intermediate pressure. I have SP A700 on a MK25 with an OMS Evoque as a primary. I have SP MK2+ with Oceanic GT3 and Aqualung Calypso. I even combined a SP G250 to a Poseidon first stage and primary. My point is, that you can put everything together IF you know how to adjust it properly! But if you are a brand new diver and uncertain, what to buy, then i suggest you buy a ie. Scubapro first stage with a primary and a R095 or R195 Octopus, then you have come a long way. If you have the money and you want absolutely the best, then buy a complete Poseidon regulatorkit. You will never regret it and you will have a set for the rest of your life. I have 3 different Poseidon kits and they have never failed yet. The oldest is from 1996 and is a Cyklon 5000 and it works super. Just make sure to take care of it and have it serviced regurlarly. Mixing brands has for me never been a problem at any point, just know what you are doing.