What the best way to select the right regulator? (scuba)?

Question

I'm a noob scuba diver and I'm buying some gear. I just need a regulator, but we have limited access to dive shops in my area. What's the best way to pick a reg?

Answer 1

I don't know.  But I know someone who would.  I'll try to post tonight if I can reach them.

Answer 2

Ideally try before you buy for the type of diving you currently or plan to do in the future ( nitrox or cold for example) and your rig set up but you can always check out Scuba Diver Magazine's website. The magazine runs gear reviews on a REGular basis ( pardon the pun). Here's a link to their reg test lab.

http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulato...

Personally, I use Apeks currently with a back up set of trusty old Sherwood Magnums when the A's are being serviced and I like the Mag's second stage so much that I use them on the A's first on a regular basis.

What to look for in a reg? If you're cold water, environmentally sealed. Diaphragm or piston 1st stage? Techies and cold water types like diaphragms as a rule. It's a holdover from the days when diaphragms were the only regs that were environmentally sealed. Not true entirely now since many piston regs can be outfitted with seals. It's a personal choice here. Breathability, number of low and high pressure ports should also be a consideration. Never know when you're going to find a use for an extra LP whip after you've used two for a BC and dry suit for example and there are a number out there that only provide 2. Remember that.

There's a feature you'll come across in a number of 2nd stages these days for tuning it. It adjusts your breathability and anti free flow. Sometimes just a selector with "dive"/"no dive" but on some models is customizable. Up to you if you want to mess around with that type of thing, but a properly set up and tuned first and second environmental rig should never free flow ( I did say "should") and to me...that feature is just a toy that can be a distraction. Even my ancient Sherwoods have delivered excellent breathability and no free flows even in ice. I'm also , however, not an air hog nor during a dive do I work up enough of a sweat to require more than my Zen like state to require much. :) You may be the same or different, I dunno, it's an individual thing.

One last thing to consider is the "smackability" of the seconds. They are going to take the most punishment. Stepped on, dropped, you name it. The exhaust on them also needs to be "you" friendly. If you plan on diving full face, some models out there exhaust in a rather inconvenient place. In front of your eyes with some full face masks.

Edit:   I can't actually recommend anything much beyond the points to look for. Most manufacturers these days offer reg sets that are Nitrox cleaned and compatible right from the box. It's really up to the individual and their respective rig. I can, however add that since you plan on going wreck, bear in mind that you'll want a 1st stage that won't allow a snag. Apek models actually fit this bill nicely since they mount sorta upside down with tight hose routing. I have been hung up with the Sherwood's traditional design, caught on an engine room rail that required a ditch of the rig to unsnag ( caught between the 1st housing and my old Mares Synchro BC plastic grab handle). Bad luck, but I proved it was possible to do it. :)

One last thing. You'll need to service whatever you buy. Stick to something that your nearest or best dive shop deals or at least can service.