So you have the basics, what is next in term of gear purchasing? For many it’s a Buoyancy Compensator and Dive Regulator. The BC is a crucial piece of dive gear. It not only allows us to control our position but also holds the tank. BCs come in two different basic configurations. The jacket style generally has a bladder that wraps around the diver as it inflates while the back inflate has the bladder entirely on the back. The jacket style is the perhaps the most commonly seen in use by new divers. The back inflate is however very popular with many experienced divers. A jacket is shown on the left and a back inflate on the right.

The BC has an air cell to inflate and deflate, and accomplishes that via the power inflator. A BC power inflator is a device that is connected to the bladder by a corrugated hose. This hose generally is located on the left side and connects to the BC in the area of the shoulder, though some are connected in the center of the air cell. The power inflator is also connected to the tank by the regulator’s low pressure inflator hose. By pressing a button air is allowed to flow into the BC. Another button is used to control a valve that allows air to escape the BC. When venting or allowing the air to escape the BC, the inflator needs to be raised above the level of the connection to the BC or a trap – similar to that under your sink – is formed and the air cannot escape. Many BCs however also have additional valves known as dump valves to allow air to be vented without using the power inflator. When using the power inflator to vent, some models require the diver to get nearly vertical in the water. Dump valves are often located on the right shoulder and the bottom of the BC on either side, allowing the diver to vent air without getting vertical. BCs may have pockets, D rings, pouches to contain weights, and numerous buckles to hold things together. There are some BCs that have very little beyond a few d rings; these are known as minimalist or basic harness type BCs. Commonly referred to as “back plate and wing” BCs they are fully customizable in size, features, and function and also tend to cost much less than other BCs. They consist of a stainless steel, aluminum, or kydex plate, a simple one piece harness made of two inch nylon webbing, and a bladder (the wing) that is removable from the set up. Wings are available in different lifts to suit the type of dives, cylinder or cylinders used, and the amount of weight the diver requires. They commonly have three or four D rings, a buckle, and little or no extra padding, yet are very comfortable in the water. Some believe that back inflate BC’s tend to push a diver forward in the water. This is a myth. Back mounted BC’s on a properly weighted diver DO NOT push a diver face forward into the water.

Jacket Buoyancy Compensators are more commonly used and often have many “extras,” but this does not mean they are the best choice for every diver. Pockets often seem to be poorly designed and inconveniently placed. There are often more D rings than the three or four found useful by most divers or on some models none at all.

How then do we choose a BC? The priorities must be comfort, quality, and features specific to the needs and preferences of the individual diver. Price is not a reliable barometer of any of these, and paying more does not guarantee you a “better” BC. What matters is what the BC will do for you and how it will suit your needs.

What I look for in a BC is function and simple is better. Why? Because unnecessary complexity creates a more confusing piece of equipment, as well as creating too many potential failure points; it also involves unnecessary expense. There is simply no need for a diver to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a BC. That it will serve you for many years doing the types of dives you do, is the ultimate goal in selecting a BC or any other piece of gear for that matter.

Beware of claims that exotic BC features will make you a better diver. The only thing that will make you a better diver is good training and diving regularly. I can take any BC that I can get on –regardless of size, style, or configuration and within 10 minutes get horizontal and have full control over my buoyancy. This is the result of practice, experience, understanding the effects water has on me and my equipment, and proper weighting and trim. None of this is beyond the grasp of the average OW diver who wants to achieve this level of competence. A BC is a tool, and as with any tool, simple is usually better. The next items we’ll look at are dive regulators.

Dive Regulators

The item that allows us to breathe underwater was invented many years ago in a number of different forms. Regulators were used in industrial applications long before their relatively recent adaptation for underwater use in SCUBA. The modern SCUBA regulator is commonly attributed to two Frenchmen, Emile Gagnan and Jacques Cousteau. In the 1940s, they began to work on a design that allowed a diver to descend into the water and be supplied air at ambient pressure (i.e. as the water pressure increased the amount of air the regulator delivered also increased). This kept the pressure of the water from collapsing the diver’s chest cavity – a very good thing indeed! It also opened SCUBA to the average person. In the early days of diving, regulators (and most SCUBA gear) were sold in sporting good stores and through mail order. Dive shops were rare and training was done by ex-military divers or one bought a book, ordered the gear, got air from somewhere, and went diving! Things are arguably much better now.

Those early regulators were of the double hose design (above) made famous by shows such as Sea Hunt. They worked well and were the most common type in use until the single hose we know today came into regular use in the 1950’s. The single hose regulator is commonly divided into two basic types: the piston and the diaphragm. Each of them has subtypes known as balanced and unbalanced. The balanced regulator basically delivers air at the same rate regardless of the pressure in the tank. Unbalanced regulators tend to get stiffer or breather harder as the tank pressure drops. What concerns us in this work is what reg do we really need and why.

A complete regulator set consists of several parts: the first stage, second stage (there are commonly two of them, a primary and an alternate), the submersible pressure gauge (SPG), and a low pressure (LP) inflator hose. Each of these plays a vital role in breathing underwater. We’ll look at each of them in turn and then try to offer some advice on choosing a set.

The function of the first stage is to reduce the high air pressure in the tank to what is known as an intermediate pressure and distribute it to the other components in the regulator set. This intermediate pressure varies from regulator to regulator but is usually in the 135 – 145 PSI range. This is the pressure that is sent to each second stage and the LP inflator hose. The SPG receives the full pressure in the tank though it is restricted by a much smaller diameter orifice in the first stage and at the gauge itself. The hoses to each component that receive the intermediate pressure are of the same type and have the same size fitting at the first stage. The high pressure (HP) hose to the SPG usually has a larger diameter fitting. This is purposely done to avoid putting a low pressure hose on the high pressure side that would result in a rather spectacular failure of the hose and possible injury to those nearby. The second stage on many regulators is a demand lever type. The user inhales or pushes the purge button and the diaphragm collapses onto the lever, allowing air to enter the chamber and be inhaled. The first stage responds to depth and pressure and by way of the demand valve in the second stage, delivers a proper volume of air as depth increases or decreases. Many second stages have adjustment knobs that will allow the diver to fine tune the amount of air they receive and/or vary the inhalation effort required to depress the lever. While a very nice and convenient feature, it is not absolutely necessary for the average recreational diver to have. It adds to the cost of the unit and for the casual diver, makes no real difference over a well – tuned, non – adjustable one.

The primary second stage (the one in the diver’s mouth), often has adjustment knob and a lever known as a venturi lever that is open or closed. Open, the venturi lever allows air to flow unobstructed to the diver. Closed, it deflects some of that air back up against the diaphragm making it harder to depress and accidentally cause a free flow.

The LP inflator hose has a quick disconnect fitting that attaches to the low pressure inflator on the BC; it allows the diver to add air to the BC. With some exceptions, these are standard connections. Non – standard connections are used on BCs that have a different type of inflator, known as an integrated alternate, integrated octo (short for octopus), or integrated safe second.

These inflator mechanisms combine a secondary breathing regulator with the power inflator. Hoses on these regulators have fittings that will only fit those mechanisms. The integrated octo is the subject of much debate. It does eliminate a hose from the regulator, which theoretically improves streamlining. It is also said to be easy to locate at the end of the power inflator. However, it also requires the donor in a low or out – of – air situation to donate the primary. There is nothing wrong with that for those who have been well trained in donating in that manner.

The problem is that many, if not most, new divers are not trained that way; they have been taught using standard setups that have a separate octo. If you choose a BC with a non standard inflator as described above, it is completely reasonable to ask the shop to provide instruction in the water on its use. If they refuse, walk away. Do not attempt to use or purchase one of these units without instruction. You must control your buoyancy while donating, and for one trained on a standard set up this means venting while ascending. To vent with one of these units while breathing from the secondary, you’ll have to remove it from your mouth repeatedly or use the shoulder dump on the opposite side (if the BC has one). This is not something one wants to do in a stressful situation without being completely comfortable in doing so. I do not recommend these units to my students and I will not permit them in my Advanced Open Water class without seeing the diver use it. There are some class exercises in which this type of unit cannot physically be used at all. Another issue with these BC/regulator combinations is that if the diver decides to travel with one, it is also advisable to also take a spare hose for the integrated alternate because if that hose fails it may be difficult to find a replacement at the travel destination. It is advisable in any case to have a spare standard inflator hose for the regulator normally used with the BC equipped with this unit. In the event that the diver is unable to use their BC they can still use their regulator with a BC equipped with a standard inflator. If this is the case they will still need to have a standard octo that they can put on the regulator or be fully familiar with buddy breathing as they no longer are able to use the integrated second stage that is still attached to their own BC. I personally see too many unnecessary issues that can develop with the use of the integrated octo to make it a viable alternative.

While no part of the regulator is more important than another as they are all vital, the Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) is the most important gauge one can have. It tells you how much air is in your tank. In the early days of SCUBA, divers did not use them; they had another mechanism that indicated when they were running low on air. Called a “J” valve, it had a lever that functioned as a reserve supply. In the up position this lever gave the diver roughly 300 PSI of air that could be used for the ascent. The issue with these valves was that if the lever got hit or accidentally tripped, the diver might not know it! When the regulators began to breathe stiffer – indicating the air supply was getting low – the diver would reach back and pull down on the steel rod connected to the lever on the valve. With the valve already tripped, the diver had no reserve and had to make what could be too rapid an ascent to the surface, or hope a buddy was close enough to donate for a safe ascent. The SPG was a major step in resolving this issue.

The SPG is a simple device; it measures the pressure in the tank and indicates the reading on a dial, in most cases. While there are digital gauges available, including ones integrated into the dive computer, they offer no additional benefit but do add an additional potential failure point, as they are dependent on batteries. SPGs often indicate pressures up to 5000 PSI and 4000 PSI gauges are common. They are relatively maintenance – free other than rinsing, and changing the O rings in the connection to the hose. As with any mechanical device they can fail, especially if water accidentally gets into them via the first stage and is not removed before the regulator was re-pressurized. In such a case the gauge can be destroyed and the diver put at great risk. Anytime an SPG begins to act strangely it should be replaced. Gauges can be had from $40 to $80 depending on quality. Spend the money; your life is worth much more than that.

We’ve now looked at the essential parts of the modern SCUBA regulator and have briefly described their function. If you want to buy one, what should you look for? First of all, how much do you realistically have to spend? Do you want a piston or diaphragm? For the average recreational diver, it really makes no difference no matter what the shop may tell you. Balanced or unbalanced? This one can make a difference. A balanced unit will deliver the same volume of air with the same effort no matter what the depth may be or how low the tank gets. This is important in my opinion, as it eliminates one potential cause of diver stress (i.e. variable breathing effort). Anything that does that is good, so a balanced one it is!

The next consideration is the water temperature where the diver expects to dive. Warm water (for most regulators this is defined as above 40 degrees Fahrenheit) makes no real difference. Colder or cold water does. Some regulators are not designed to be used in cold water and should not be, due to freeze – ups. Diaphragm regulators tend to be more resistant to this, so if it’s the Great Lakes or deep inland quarries, a sealed diaphragm makes the most sense. Another factor to consider is water quality. Some regulators are known as environmentally sealed, in that no water or other contaminants get into the first stage at all. Some allow water into parts of the first stage. No special unit is required for diving in warm, fresh water that is relatively clean, or for saltwater when the unit will always be carefully rinsed. If there is a lot of sediment in the water or other gunk that could cause a problem, a sealed regulator is called for whether piston or diaphragm. For the strictly warm – water diver who takes good care of their gear, most any first stage will be more than adequate. For anything else, I’d personally only choose an environmentally sealed first stage of the diaphragm type.

Now, what second stages should we consider? The temperature of the water continues to have some influence here. For cold water, I like the adjustable second stage that helps to regulate the amount of air I can get at one time. It reduces the chance of a free – flow due to the first stage freezing as a result of too much air being delivered. In warm water, I use both adjustable and non adjustable second stages. One feature I also look for in a second stage is whether I can disassemble the stage underwater to clear it of anything that might get inside it; all of my personal regulators enable me to do this. I have seen dirt, twigs, and other stuff get into a regulator; being able to fix that without surfacing is convenient, while preventing the need for the diver to surface. The next item to consider is the mouthpiece. There are many choices and no diver should have to deal with an uncomfortable one. There are even custom ones that can be molded to the diver’s mouth. The mouthpiece should be comfortable enough to allow the diver to do a dive of any length with no jaw pain or fatigue.

It might seem prudent to save a few dollars by buying an alternate second stage (octo) that is cheaper than the primary; after all it will hardly ever be used. However, when it is used it will be during a high stress situation (you are donating to an out of air diver) and that is not the time to be dealing with inferior equipment. The octo should be of equal quality to the primary. You should be able to adjust or detune it enough to prevent it from free – flowing and still deliver an adequate volume of air. Again I do recommend that divers choose a standard octo over the integrated type. There is less maintenance involved, they are most likely what you were trained with, and usually they do cost less than the integrated. Standard octos can also be used on most BC’s the diver will ever rent or borrow. The brief summary on second stages is this: For warm water, any second stage of reasonable quality will do. For colder water you should get an adjustable second that can be disassembled under water. Match either with a standard octo of equal quality.

The LP hose is a simple matter of finding one that is the right length for the BC one is using. It should also have the correct connector for the LP inflator. Remember that if the hose has been used on a BC with an integrated inflator it most likely will not work on a standard BC. A second LP hose can be added if one chooses to get a dry suit. This will be connected to the inflator valve on the suit.

The high pressure hose and SPG are the last parts of the regulator that we need to look at. The most common configuration new divers are likely to be exposed to is the console set up. The console will always include at least the SPG and a depth gauge or dive computer. There may also be a compass. If you do plan on getting a console setup, make sure it is organized in the way that suits you best. If it has a compass, try to get a console that will allow you to see both the compass and the depth gauge at the same time; some do not and make it difficult to successfully navigate a course. When choosing a hose length, select one that allows you to easily lift the gauge to see it yet without excess length to get in the way otherwise.

To sum up about dive regulators: For warm water dives any regulator (piston or diaphragm), by any major manufacturer will be completely satisfactory. There is no need for a warm – water diver to spend extra money for a cold – water regulator. An environmentally sealed first stage is always a good option though. For cold water divers, the best choice would be an environmentally sealed, diaphragm first stage, coupled with an adjustable second stage to lessen the chance of a free – flow. For both setups I recommend a standard octo rather than an integrated one. Most new divers are trained with the standard setup and if you are partnered with a new buddy it will lessen or eliminate any confusion in a low on or out of air situation. Finally choose a console if not going with wrist mounted gauges – that will allow you to view the compass and depth gauge at the same time. For more in depth information on choosing equipment watch for my new book that will be available in the spring of 2011. “SCUBA: A Practical Guide for New Divers” will be available on disc, pdf download, Kindle, and in limited print editions.

Article supported by: lifts manufacturer

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator

The Scubapro MK25/S600 has been rated to be one of the best diving regulators that are available in the market in the modern times. This product when teamed up with the first stage MK25 becomes a deadly combination to the technical diver no matter the sea depth and coldness. This regulator is considered to be the ideal match to the first stage MK 25 as it has the utility of being adjustable to suit the preferences of the diver and sea diving conditions. The main benefit of this regulator is that it offers the benefits of effortless breathing to the diver. The product also enjoys positive reviews in the nature of its design precision and lightweight features. The regulator has the utility of having enhanced performance under cold water and the material is also resistant to corrosion.

With the aid of the second stage regulator the diver has no aifficulties breathing. The regulator has the ability to reduce the stress and also enhance the protection and the safety of the diver. The diver has the advantages of breathing smoothly and needs to make low efforts to do so. The regulator provides amounts of air that can be controlled by the diver. The regulator also has a balanced flow performance that is both classic and designated for rendering stability and reliability to the diver. This gives simple and solid performance to the diver and never disappoints him/her.

The second stage needs to be combined with the MK25 first stage and the general advantages of the piston lies in the fewer maintenance costs and reliability. The mechanism that is deployed is very simple and effective. The first stage design enjoys the reputation of being reliable for the provision of high delivery of air with better control. The first stage delivers more air to the second stage and even when there are changes in the tank pressure. With the aid of the balanced piston the diver has the benefits of components that are sensitive and lightweight. The balanced piston also gives instant and fast breathing responses to the diver when under water. The piston ensures that the diver gets the instant delivery of air whenever required and this in turn gives rise to an extremely high flow of air no matter how deep the diver may be in. This feature of the regulator works pretty well for the diver even when there is low tank pressure. If the diver is tired he can derive the benefits of smooth breathing ability even when at ascent or deco stop. When the diver needs to go in for balanced piston in the first stage this regulator is the first choice for professionals and hard core divers. The balanced piston also has the capacity to work well for both cold and warm water environments too.

The first stage also has the advantages of the two pressure ports that are opposite to one another and they permit the individual positioning of the first stage that points both up and down. This feature is a boon for the diver as he/she can position the gauges to suit requirements both to the right and the left side in order to get better freedom of neck and head movements.

There are also multiple low pressure ports that render ultimate freedom when it comes to the arrangement of the low pressure hoses. There are also five high flow ports that function on a swiveling turret and they are able to provide about 360 degrees swivel of hoses. There are also high flow ports that also deliver about 15% of more air than the other traditional ports.

When it comes to the S600 stage there is better air balanced technology and the second stage also renders a balancing chamber have the second stage mechanism. This mechanism has the ability to offset slightly the force of the downstream air that tends to enter from the first stage. This feature of the regulator gives the diver lesser tensions in the spring and it also decreases the resistance to the inhalation to the minimum level. This results in giving smooth breathing mechanism to the diver in all conditions. The air valve of this regulator has balanced technology and it is predominant in the X and S second stages. Combined with the first stages they tend to give the best of performances. The regulator is one of the most dependable ones around and trusted by divers across the world.

The regulator is one that has carbon fiber along with technopolymer housing rendering the diver light weight water resistance for longer life and durability. The regulator is also endowed with an inhalation effort that is adjustable and this exclusive feature helps the diver to adjust to the breathing efforts with the aid of a knob that is big enough to control. This can be fine tuned to any type of diving conditions that the diver is in.

Scubapro MK25/S600 regulator also has the advantages of deploying a mouthpiece that is comfortable enough to give comfort to the diver to reduce fatigue of the jaw. It also does not cause gum irritation as it has been made and checked by dentists worldwide. The mouthpiece is one that lasts longer than other mouthpieces that are available as there is only a lesser effort that is involved to hold it in place comfortably. The mouthpiece is one that is adjustable and it also gives the diver lesser breathing efforts and more smooth breathing facility. Every single breath that is taken by the diver is effortless and comfortable to the diver. The air delivery is without flaws and with this regulator the diver gets comfort and durability without tensions of depth and water temperature. It is highly recommended by professional scuba divers and the cost of the regulator is very reasonable too. The diver tends to get exhausted less and it is considered to be one of the best regulators in the world that is banked by millions of scuba divers across the globe! The price for equipment is 514.95$ ( at the time of review ) at leisurepro.com

In addition I would like to share a video review from simplyscuba.com

This Dive regulator have excellent reviews from customers , here are some of them from leisurepro.com

By Dive Master Don:  Effortless Breathing
I use this regulator in a variety of diving environments, from deep saltwater, to cold freshwater. It breaths effortlessly at all depths and tank pressures and is compatible with any breathing gas.

By geriatric diver: Very good
I bought this because ScubaPro stopped making parts for any older Scubapro model reg.
I am glad that I was forced to change. This reg is like breathing above water. It has never free-flowed. It goes a long time between servicing, but I do not recommend this practice.
It is light and comfortable.

By Greg: Scubapro = The Best!!!
This makes breathing effortless down under!! Don’t hesitate, just buy it!! Am going to buy another one for my son as a Christmas gift!!

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

One of the most common scuba diving equipments that the diver requires is the regulator or piston. One of the oldest and the most reliable ones in the market is the Scubapro regulator. The popular balanced and adjustable second stage version of the G250 is back and now it is in a better version with a new design. This piston comes now in a Vintage edition with loads of technical improvements. For those who have used the G250 for years the new G250V is the ultimate solution to their needs. The innovated MK25/G250V Regulator comes with the enhanced features of DIN/INT first stage configuration, balanced piston air flow, anti-freeze resistance, a new VIVA knob for convenient Venturi adjustments even if the diver is wearing thick gloves. The regulator also has a concept cover concept that gives the diver enhanced breathing performance by at least 50%. The makers of this the G250 have worked on this classic product to re-invent it to meet the demands of the modern world. The regulator has been enjoying positive reviews rendered by technical divers worldwide because of its high-end quality and unbeatable performance.

This piston is ideal for technical divers as it gives them unbeatable performance at the size of the G250. Cold water divers have given the verdict that this piston has better anti-freeze resistance. The MK 25 regulator renders unfailing performance and it carries its heritage of patented features that do not fail to disappoint. Manufactured by SCUBAPRO that is the leader of pistons for scuba diving the MK25 has a very consistent and stable performance and is ranked to be a superior regulator.

The regulator is superior because of its facility to render ultra stable pressure that result in a high delivery of air that makes it very punctual. This is perfect for a carefree dive that requires air-flow at any water temperature and instant air-flow. If you are a regular scuba diver you can rely on the benefits of the first stage piston that is reliable and has fewer requirements for maintenance. The piston has fewer parts that move because of a simple and effective mechanism and this is the reason why users rate this piston to be superior when it comes to the high rate of delivery of air in the first stage when controlled.

When it comes to the air balanced flow through the regulator the first stages of the air balanced pistons tend to deliver more air significantly to the next stage better than other first stage ones. The main problem with the others is that their performance is not affected by the tank pressure that changes. With the aid of a balanced piston, the use of light and more sensitive components of air cause ultra fast response to breathing and the immediate delivery of air that is required along with extra flow of air that is quite high in the case of low pressure ranges in tanks. This feature is very good for the tired diver as he/she gets a breathing regulator that is smooth especially at the ascent and the deco stop. The above balanced piston first stage is the first choice of many divers that are hard core scuba diving professionals as it has the potential to perform equally well in cold and warm water environments.

Divers also commend on another positive feature of the MK25 and that it the performance of its two high opposite high pressure ports that enhances the comfort of the diver. The presence of these two opposite high pressure ports permit the individual positioning of the first stage irrespective of the fact on whether it is pointing up or down. This feature is beneficial to the diver who makes an attempt to position the gauges on either the right or left and this in the process allows the diver to get enhanced freedom of head and neck movement.

Another positive feature of the Scubapro MK25/G250V regulator is that it allows the diver to adjust the piston externally to tackle immediate pressure. The regulator also is made of a brass body that is chrome plated and has very good resistance to corrosion that ensures durability.

The diver is also able to get ultimate freedom due to the presence of multiple low pressure ports in the regulator. The arrangement of the low pressure hoses in the MK25 also permits the scope of five high flow ports even when there is a swiveling turret and these hoses provides the diver with a 360 degrees swivel of hoses. There are also high flow ports that tend to deliver about 15% of additional air than the other conventional ports.  The MK25 is one that is best used in warm water and extreme depths. Divers are happy with its comfort and adjustability and they have found that the regulator had helped them to breathe without hassles during the whole dive. Most of the users of the regulator have added that they did not have to make extra efforts to breathe. Hard core divers and professionals recommend the use of this piston to everyone interested in scuba diving. Since the regulator is Nitrox compatible it has the advantages of being suited to the deep depths. The regulator successfully blows the air into the mouth of the diver and the presence of a metal barrel does not make the mouth dry either. There are many divers that have also commended on the looks of the regulator saying that it sports manly looks for the ideal scuba diver.

Regarded as a top piece of equipment for technical divers, there have been positive reviews of divers reaching 40m depth without any kind of breathing hassles. There are many divers that are also happy with the price and this is the reason why they have also rendered top ranks for the product as well. There are many divers that rate the piston as an excellent one. It is highly recommended not only because of its price but because of its features too. It is a value for money buy that does not let you down , the cheapest price for Scubapro MK25/G250V Regulator is 399.95$ at the time of review.

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

Regulator Review:  HOG (Highly Optimized Gear) D1 Coldwater 1^st with Adjustable 2^nd

In 2007, a new line of equipment was introduced to the SCUBA world. Known as HOG along with its recreational sibling, Edge, this line was designed to give the tech diver and the recreational diver another choice in the world of scuba equipment, an opportunity to buy high quality, no nonsense gear at a reasonable price. The line was not designed to take over the entire dive market, but it is making steady in-roads to many areas. Founded by Chris Richardson of Georgia, this is their goal is in their own words:

“We have a single minded purpose, to offer excellent quality equipment, superlative service and affordable prices.”

This they have done. They continue to add to the product line and the same theme is carried over with every new item. I became a fan and user of HOG equipment in 2009 when they introduced the D1 regulator. This reg was introduced to the dive community at an unheard of price for a regulator of this quality with the features it has. At select retailers, it was offered at the incredible price of $150 US for both stages! I bought two of each stage.

Shown above, these units came without hoses. Why? Very simple – they were sold with the idea that the diver knew best which hose he or she needed. Tech divers have set ways in which they configure their gear and many times it is not with hose lengths that are the same as what usually comes from the manufacturer. They may indeed want a standard length recreational primary hose of 32- 36 inches (1 meter) if it is going to be used for single tank diving, but more likely it will be a five foot or seven foot hose (2 meters). If it is a longer hose, an octo that is bungeed under the chin is used. In that case, as opposed to a 40 inch (1.2 meter) hose that would be donated to the divers buddy, a 22 inch (approximately 600 centimeter) hose is used, as the primary would be donated in an out of air situation. The five foot or seven foot (2 meter) hose also allows the divers to exit tight spaces such as a shipwreck or cave single file, where side by side swimming is not possible. In addition, technical divers consider the Buoyancy Compensator they are using to determine the length of the LP inflator hose. It could be as short as 12 inches (approximately 325 centimeters) or as long as 18 inches (approximately 475 centimeters) depending on the BC which is most often a Backplate and Wing type. As for the HP hose, most tech divers use only an SPG attached to the hose. As such, there is no console with a computer or compass, so these are worn on the wrist. Instead of the 32 or 36 inch (1 meter) hose found on most recreational setups then, the diver typically uses a 24 inch (approximately 625 centimeter) length hose.

So what HOG/Edge did in order to keep costs down and not have extra hoses lying around is, they left it up to the diver to decide what hoses are needed. I bought my regulators to use on my double cylinders. As such, I already had the hoses needed and so my total outlay was $308 US for both regulators! The price has since gone up but there are still deals to be had. One dealer offers the doubles set up for $585 US including an SPG. Try to buy one top end regulator from one of the major brands at that price!

The HOG regulators are made for the diver who wants a solid performer with good looks and a solid feel. They are rugged, big, and very cool looking. The picture above of the first stage is properly exposed. The finish is“black chrome” that just looks great and stays that way. The finish is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion. The stage is available with a 5^th LP port on the bottom to aid in hose routing — I highly recommend this option! The D1 first stage comes in DIN but an adapter for DIN to Yoke could be used. In places where DIN connections are common, such as in Europe, this eliminates the need to convert the reg over to the DIN fitting.

Here is one of my first stages with the 5^th LP port used for the primary second stage. As you can see, the finish is beautiful and highly reflective! The second stage is also very well finished and oozes class and character; mine is shown below. As you can see, it has been used! The photo on the left shows the adjustment knob and the lever (red) that deflects air around the inside of the chamber to reduce the chance of free flow on the surface. I love this feature. It allows me to tune the reg to a minimal breathing effort and yet not worry about bumping the purge button on the surface or underwater, which as we divers all know, can start a free flow that wastes air and elicits laughter from our buddies!

This feature is also why I have two of these dive regulators. For divers who do technical dives it is important to have a bungeed octo that is just as good as the primary. We do not want a lower quality unit to be the one we have to go to in an emergency. The price of the HOG regulators means that we do not have to sacrifice performance in order to save money. Of course, if saving money is a priority, it is probably not a good idea to get into technical diving in the first place, because once you start doubling everything you would carry on a non-technical single tank dive it adds up very fast. HOG knows this as they themselves are technical divers and take this into consideration in product development and pricing. The types of dives these regulators are designed for mean that cutting corners in quality to save money can be a very bad, if not fatal, decision. With HOG, that sacrifice is unnecessary. We can indeed have our cake and eat it too!

I have removed the face plate for a very important reason: to show that it can be done. And no special tools are needed.  It is imperative for me to be able to do this with my second stages, for if a problem arises underwater I want to be able to do this even with heavy gloves on. There have been times when a piece of debris got caught in the second stage — I once saw a reg with a twig in it! Being able to take the second stage apart at depth can be a real plus when it is a simple fix and you do not want to or cannot surface to address it. The photo below shows the top view of the second stage with the cover removed.

As you can see, the same attention to detail is used on the inside of the reg. The demand lever is robust yet light and moves easily. The horizontal red bar is the deflector mechanism. The adjustment knob is purposely made large, making it easy to manipulate even with dry gloves or mitts. Everything about this unit is made with function and reliability in mind. There are no wasted spaces or extras that could end up being failure points. The reg shown is the one that is located on the right post of my dual tanks, hence the bolt snap tied near the second stage.

The regulator is environmentally sealed, meaning no water or contaminants can enter the first stage when it is on the tank and pressurized. The unit is also rated for cold water. This was an important feature for me as I dive in water as cold as 38 degrees F; I will be taking these regulators under the ice in 2011 when I assist with an ice diving class. The other feature that was very important to me was that the manufacturer allows sales of the service kits to divers. That’s correct – buy this reg and if you know how, you can get the kit to service it yourself.  No hassles, no arguments!

It is highly recommended that you take a service course but the fact is that if you have serviced a regulator before, you can service these. Just take your time and remember how everything came apart! Another option is to buy the kit, take it and the regulator to any competent technician, and have them do it. One more option is to simply send the regulator to the dealer you bought it from and allow them to do it. The dealers that currently carry the line of gear all have experienced techs to service them. Finally, you can always send the reg to HOG to let them service it. Whichever option you choose, it is important to have the reg serviced when it is needed.

As to how they perform, that is what you really want to know isn’t it? The short answer is they work great! I, as an instructor, have had the opportunity to dive dozens of different regulators, from inexpensive basic piston regulators to what would be considered very high end units (titanium bodies, balanced, over balanced, etc.). The HOG D1 cold with HOG second stage breathes as good as or better than regulators costing literally two or three times as much. I have had them in water from 38 degrees to 85 degrees and they work with no extra effort in breathing. As a result, these regulators are now my favorite. I own eight other regulators from Sherwood, Oceanic, ScubaPro, and Aqualung – all of these will eventually be replaced with HOG or Edge regulators. The fact that I can service them myself, they breathe excellent, look good, and are utterly reliable makes that an easy decision. There is any number of choices one could make when selecting a new regulator and for the most part, all of them will work to one degree or another, but today’s divers want value for their money. They don’t want to waste hard earned cash on something they may have to replace or will not be happy with a year or two from now. The regulators from HOG will last the diver many years. They will also allow you to take some of that hard earned money and spend it on actual diving! In this writer’s opinion, the HOG D1 Cold 1^st stage coupled with the adjustable HOG second is the best regulator for the money on the market today!

Jim Lapenta

SEI Diving Instructor #204

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

A Review of the Scubapro MK25 and A700

The MK25 and the A700, easily one of the most financially demanding regulator sets available on the market today. It grabs attention because of its price tag as much as its polished body and impressive specification. Once it gets a buyer’s attention with its chrome plated veneer, the diver is then faced with the question of whether they are paying for the simple, self-indulgent prestige of owning Scubapro’s top-of-the-line regulator set or, if you are making a sound investment into a piece of gear that will make your dives easier, more enjoyable and that will continue to do so well after you require a walking stick on the shore. I have already made the difficult decision and made the big investment. I’d like to talk about why you might want to reach for your wallet too.

MK25

The MK25 is a well known, well tested prestige first stage. It is a balanced-piston controlled regulator which translates into unfailing easy-breathing at any depth, temperature and tank pressure. With regards hose placement, the 5 low pressure ports and 2 high pressure ports make creating your perfect diving rig a pleasure with little compromise. This is particularly true because the low pressure ports are mounted on a swiveling turret that ensures comfortable routing regardless of set-up.

Only one criticism comes to mind and it is minor; If you are like me and like to wear a big BCD and wear the tank band high on the tank then the turret becomes less effective as the BCD tends to trap the hoses. This can be overcome by having the first stage mounted upside-down which allows perfect freedom of movement.

A700

The A700 is Scubapro’s range-topping second stage. It has chrome-plated brass body which splits opinion on sight. Some love the all-metal design for it’s durability, temperature equalizing properties and it’s size minimizing attributes. Whereas there is another school of thought that feel the A700 is too garish and is overly boastful of its abilities.

Either way you look at it the A700 has serious hardware to back up its loud exterior: it has a superb breathing resistance, flow rate and a truly impressive ability to assist with each breath. The VIVA system and resistance vane are incorporated into one control knob for convenience and the purge button is big and easily depressed.

I won’t preach that this is the best regulator set on the market, but it certainly lives up to that brash exterior and even louder price tag. I would argue that it’s worth the investment.
Diving conditions can be drastically different, including extreme cold water and outside temperatures, posing the possibility of a regulator “freezing”. Therefore, resistance to freezing is imperative for the diver. All SCUBAPRO regulator systems are CE approved for 4300psi cold water diving. Some models go even beyond this super stringent qualification and have successfully been tested in extreme cold diving conditions at less than 36°F. As a specific anti-freezing measure, SCUBAPRO engineers have designed a patented finned cap for the MK25 first stages for optimal cold water diving. The ribs act as a radiator to increase the surface area of heat transfer from the water to warm up the internal parts that have been drastically cooled down by the gas pressure drop. For cold water diving, SCUBAPRO’s second stages feature precision molded carbon fiber and techno polymer valve housing and components. They even exceed the CE cold water norm. In addition, these components contribute to their lightweight features and corrosion resistance.

Specifications

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

When you are in the process of buying scuba gear and regulators, you must first check out the various Diving Regulator Reviews that are available in the market to understand your need and an insight regarding the best diving regulators that are available in the market. A proper review will allow you to decide what type of diving regulator you should opt for and you will also get a brief idea regarding the price range of these diving equipments. Usually you get two types of diving regulators, namely, the entry level or also known as the lower range and the mid range regulators categorized according to both price ranges as well as in terms of the type of the equipment.

If you go through the various Scuba Diving Regulator Reviews, you will understand that the basic regulator components include an A-clamp, Pressure gauge, analogue gauge with a high pressure hose, button gauges, mechanical reserve valves and sometimes air integrated computers. The variations of these components and sophistication associated with them create the different price ranges. Another important aspect that you must consider while buying scuba regulator devices is the type of diving that you intend to do. For greater depths you need to equip yourself with diving gear that will be able to sustain those high pressure regions without getting affected.

The most important property of your diving regulator is to allow you to breathe underwater effortlessly. No matter how many times you dive your regulator should be able to perform in the same way that it performed in its first dive. Moreover, after going through the various Diving Regulator Reviews, you will find that there are new and compact diving regulators available in the market that not only makes it convenient to use but also provides new features for divers so that they get an extra edge while diving.

You have to remember the fact that the regulator that you are buying should feel comfortable in your mouth, thus it does not mean that you should always opt for the most expensive regulator. Do opt for the regulator that you are comfortable with. You will also find great deals on these diving regulators in the market. However, do go through the complete description of the diving regulator first before buying them. With all the reviews that are available online you will surely be able to find the best diving regulator for yourself.

We recommend LeisurePro.com to buy high quality dive regulators for cheaper price

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving

Aeris’ 400 Pro DVT regulator’s patented dry valve design means you won’t have to sacrifice performance and durability in order to have a regulator that won’t flood. This pneumatically-balanced second stage will be the work horse of your dive gear; it will keep you breathing easily dive after dive. The diver-adjustable breathing valve allows you to control the airflow to match your breathing rate and body’s air needs.

The 400 Pro DVT’s lightweight design and patented orthodontic mouthpiece mean you’ll be comfortable and breathing easily throughout your dive and won’t face post-dive jaw discomfort once you’ve returned to the surface.
The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a pneumatically balanced, adjustable second stage is sure to provide you the highest performance for many years. The pneumatically balanced second stage provides the lowest possible inhalation effort. The AT400 Pro second stage adjustment allows you to adjust your breathing effort, fine-tuning the regulator to your desired setting throughout your dive.

The venturi assist deflector vane on the Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator directs airflow from the valve directly to the mouthpiece producing a smooth “venturi assisted” inhalation. Turning the venturi assist down, to a pre-dive position, prevents The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator from free-flowing while on the surface.

• Pneumatically balanced
• Diver-adjustable inhalation effort
• Adjustable venturi switch
• Nitrox compatible to 40%

The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a High performance over-balanced diaphragm first stage with environmental seal and the added protection of DVT (Dry Valve Technology).

• 4 LP ports, 2 HP ports for maximum hose placement
• DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

DVT is a revolutionary regulator technology designed to automatically eliminate moisture and contaminants from entering your first stage, even if the dust cap is accidentally left off. DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

What Others Say About This Dive Regulator

Verified Buyer from LeisurePro
This regulator is simply amazing. Breathing is effortless, even at 100+ feet. The dry valve technology does a great job (definately saved the day on numerous occasions). I’ve never had any problems with it, and it doesn’t cause jaw fatigue.

Advanced Diver
I have 55 dives on this regulator, and have used it everywhere from Northern California to Cozumel. I have never had a single issue with it. Great reg at a reasonable price.

Padi instructor
Although my reg is still fairly new, I have put more than a dozen dives on it. It’s been to 107fsw and has performed flawlessly. This reg breaths for you! Forget jaw fatigue. The DVT feature is very handy and the second stage adjustments are are set-it-and-forget-it simple

Join our facebook fan page and be part of our scuba community if you like our articles. Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DailyScubaDiving