Reg for AL 40 Pony

[babs13]

I'm looking to purchase a reg for my pony in the near future. I want a high quality reg that breathes well, as I may use this reg on deco's and etc after more dives and future training. Also, I'm thinking of doubles after another year or so, and am taking the tech route [hoping to take tech 1 in a few months].

I currently have the Atomic M1 for 1st stage, primary and octo.

I'm looking at the Atomic M1 as an option, but don't want to be that spendy. However, it is a reg that I know and like. Alot of folks around here use Apeks.

The Apeks XTX 100 or 200 look awesome. Not sure about the 50. Or the status models.

Since I'm thinking forward for the future, I hope I can use and keep the reg on the pony, or have the option to move it to a doubles set up [then I'll have to buy another to match]. Thoughts?

[Jack Hammer]

If you are going to go tech you want a solid easy breathing reg for your deco bottle as you'll likely be breathing off it more than you will your backgas regs. When you get doubles you will need a second reg set, so I think getting something for your pony with the intent of using it later for your doubles is a good call. You should try to hook up with some local tech divers and dive the recreational stuff with them to start learning more.

Talk to a tech instructor and tell them you want to build up to this over the next year or two, they will likely offer advise for setup and can help you with gear choices. There is a lot of 'buzz' on the internet about what gear to use and which brands are "best." Try not to put too much stock into this, get your info from a solid reputable instructor that you plan on using. There are plenty of rock solid regs out there that have been proven in many conditions that do not cost an arm and a leg.

[navyhmc]

I went with a Mares Rebel 12 Nitrox Regulator reviews and discounts, Mares and a button gauge for mine. I have been very pleased with it as it had every thing I was looking for: 300 DIN, Nitrox, balanced and a great price

[Tassie Diver]

For high FO2 deco gases, you don't need a high performance reg. High FO2 can't be breathed at great depths, therefore a simple, down-stream, un-balanced first stage is more than adequate. You also have the advantage of being able to 'feel' when the tank is about to be empty, before the last breath!

I really like the Scubapro Mk2+ first stages (with a nitrox kit) for deco regs. They are simple, reliable and cheap! Save your money for high performance back gas regs.

Cheers

TD.

[LiteHedded]

Originally Posted by Tassie Diver

For high FO2 deco gases, you don't need a high performance reg. High FO2 can't be breathed at great depths, therefore a simple, down-stream, un-balanced first stage is more than adequate. You also have the advantage of being able to 'feel' when the tank is about to be empty, before the last breath!

I really like the Scubapro Mk2+ first stages (with a nitrox kit) for deco regs. They are simple, reliable and cheap! Save your money for high performance back gas regs.

Cheers

TD.

not sure that's an advantage. that's what the spg is for.
the fact that you're using a pony bottle aside (which I don't agree with) you don't want to skimp on a reg that will be a stage or deco reg. you'll be spending a LOT of time on this reg in the future.
I have a mk2 and it's a fine reg. but I normally only use it for my 20' bottle or argon.

[cummings66]

It would all depend on the usage of the cylinder as to whether or not an AL40 is useful. If all you're doing is a short deco dive they're fine, in fact it's what my instructor suggested. AL40 and a simple O2 cleaned regulator, nothing fancy at all, in fact he discouraged a nice expensive regulator for that usage.

[jupitertreasures]

OMS Workhorse.......

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by babs13

I'm looking to purchase a reg for my pony in the near future. I want a high quality reg that breathes well, as I may use this reg on deco's and etc after more dives and future training. Also, I'm thinking of doubles after another year or so, and am taking the tech route [hoping to take tech 1 in a few months].

I currently have the Atomic M1 for 1st stage, primary and octo.

I'm looking at the Atomic M1 as an option, but don't want to be that spendy. However, it is a reg that I know and like. Alot of folks around here use Apeks.

The Apeks XTX 100 or 200 look awesome. Not sure about the 50. Or the status models.

Since I'm thinking forward for the future, I hope I can use and keep the reg on the pony, or have the option to move it to a doubles set up [then I'll have to buy another to match]. Thoughts?

One big question you have to ask yourself now, and it may be worth doing some research prior... How deep do you plan on getting into technical and decompression diving? (not how deep do you wanna go, but how much into it) Could you ever see yourself needing a cylinder with pure o2, or a concentration higher than a 40% Nitrox mix??? If so, then it might be worthwhile to purchase a reg designed for this from the get go... For instance, your M1 is factory good to 50%, but can be prepped for 80%. Will that suit you for deco gas? If not, maybe something along the lines of Hollis 210 Oxygen Clean Tech Regulator reviews and discounts, Hollis or another reg that can be used with high % of O2...

Or, you may never need it... again, just one more thing to consider now...