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Breathe Easy Underwater with Leisure Pro’s Regulator Buying Guide

Breathe Easy Underwater with Leisure Pro’s Regulator Buying Guide

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on November 11, 2017

Amassing your own scuba gear is an exciting and intimidating process all at once, as there are so many options to choose from and features can vary wildly from one model to the next. The scuba regulator is one of the most important pieces of your life support equipment, so check out our Regulator Buying Guide before you shop to get a good foundation of knowledge.

First Stage vs Second Stage

Highland by XS Scuba Compact DIN First Stage

The first stage regulator is a metal piece that attaches to the diver’s air cylinder with a hose. It regulates pressure as air exits the tank before it enters the air hose so you can breathe naturally as you dive.

The second stage contains the mouthpiece and purge valve. The purpose of the second stage is to deliver air to the diver’s mouth and to purge air and debris from the mouthpiece if needed. The second stage is so efficient that it can even purge vomit (yes, underwater vomiting can occur at times!).

Diaphragm vs Piston

Regulators use either a piston assembly or a diaphragm assembly, which reduces the air pressure from high to moderate in the first stage. Both designs are equally sensitive to the diver’s inhalation needs except under conditions where high flow is required, in which case the piston regulator delivers much more air than the diaphragm regulator.

Piston regulators offer a very good air flow rate and generally have just one moving part. Even though piston regulators have fewer moving parts than diaphragm regulators, they tend to be more expensive because the machining process is so precise. However, they tend to be more reliable and less expensive to maintain for this same reason.

A diaphragm first stage has multiple moving parts but is much simpler to manufacture, offering a lower initial purchase cost. The disadvantage to this is sometimes lower performance as well, but it’s not generally noticeable within recreational diving limits. Cold water divers typically prefer diaphragm regulators because they are less likely to free flow in cold water than piston regulators.

Purge Button/Exhaust Valve

The second stage’s exhaust valve is a one-way valve that allows the diver’s exhaled air to leave the regulator. The purge button allows the diver to force air from the tank through the regulator to clear any water that may have inadvertently entered the second stage. This button should be simple to operate even when wearing thick dive gloves. It should also only require the pressure of one finger to successfully perform the purge.

Din vs. Yoke

There are two types of coupling fittings that are used to attach a regulator‘s first stage to the tank: DIN and yoke.

DIN fittings are safer than yoke fittings and are the only fitting that can couple with high pressure tanks. The advantage of DIN fittings is that they screw into the tank valve and trap the high pressure O-ring so it cannot protrude, which can occasionally happen when using a yoke fitting. A DIN regulator can be equipped with a yoke adapter, which screws onto the threaded part of the DIN first stage. This style of adapter is somewhat cumbersome if you frequently use yoke-style tanks.

Yoke couplings are more commonly found throughout the world’s dive destinations and are almost always used with aluminum 80 tanks. A yoke-style regulator can be equipped with a separate DIN adaptor, which replaces the yoke portion of the first stage semi-permanently. This option is preferred if you frequently use DIN valve tanks. DIN adaptors should be installed by a qualified scuba repair technician at a full service scuba shop.

Balanced

Simply put, balanced regulators offer a steady breathing experience, regardless of depth or air pressure in your tank. It is very rare for an unbalanced regulator to be preferred over a balanced regulator. An unbalanced regulator can make you feel like you’re struggling to breathe as your tank’s air depletes, as you descend, and as the pressure exerted on your body and gear increases. Balanced regulators ensure your breathing effort is steady throughout your dive, compensating for depth and decreasing tank air pressure by equalizing the pressure on both sides of the air valve. The one downfall of balanced regulators is because they are a more complicated piece of gear, they tend to have a higher purchase price than unbalanced regulators.

Mouthpiece

Cressi XS2/AC2 Piston Regulator

Your second stage regulator‘s mouthpiece is a vital component of your life support system. A mouthpiece should be comfortable in your mouth; if it feels too big or small, elect to use a different size mouthpiece. Mouthpieces are typically made from hypoallergenic silicone, which is a pliable, yet sturdy material. More manufacturers are producing mouthpieces that are ergonomically designed to reduce the common issue of jaw fatigue. This is a great advantage because your jaw will maintain a natural position, which decreases fatigue while on the dive as well as post-dive jaw soreness.

Because mouthpieces wear out with extensive use, divers should keep an extra mouthpiece in their save-a-dive kit. Some divers incorrectly bite down hard on their mouthpieces, instead of softly cradling the mouthpiece between the upper and lower teeth. This results in the bite areas separating from the main portion of the mouthpiece. If this happens, the mouthpiece must be replaced before returning to the water.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro