Piston vs Diaphragm

[frogman159]

I'm looking to buy a regulator, I want to leave myself the option to take this on more technical dives if choose to go that path in training, Does anyone have any specific recomendations?

[fireflock]

There isn't a lot of practical difference from the perspective of an average diver (who doesn't service regs themselves). You will find both Piston (balanced) and diaphragm regs used by tech divers.

If you are planning to dive very cold water, or very dirty water, you might have reason to prefer a diaphragm reg. Otherwise, I think the 2nd stage you choose will have a bigger impact on your experience with the reg than the first stage.

Rich

[frogman159]

BTW I was looking at:
DR RG2500
Oceanic FDX10 Demo
or
Aeris ATMOS Pro
Sherwood Maximus
Would any of these fit the bill?

[fireflock]

Out of those, the DiveRite is probably the most popular among tech divers.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by fireflock

Out of those, the DiveRite is probably the most popular among tech divers.

Partly due to the ease of getting parts.

The Oceanic FDX-10 and Delta 4 reg is a great reg, has been proven reliable, and is now what the NOAA is using, or they are in the process of transitioning to it. Ocean's CS is also superb.

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by terrillja

Partly due to the ease of getting parts.

The Oceanic FDX-10 and Delta 4 reg is a great reg, has been proven reliable, and is now what the NOAA is using, or they are in the process of transitioning to it. Ocean's CS is also superb.

the Drive rite is populare becasue DR will sell parts to end users so they can work on their own regs. This matter becasue many tech divers will own as many as five or even more regs. Anual service gets expensive when you have to bring five rags and a half dozen tanks in for service. The DRs are also so simple that field repair is possable. Service and repair are bigger isures the more regs you own.

The Delta four is a great reg. I've got one. Built like a tank but complex for diver self service. I prefer my Apex reg but the Delta breaths well and is solid.

The dive rights don't breath as well as Apex or AL Legend but any brand that has both stages balanced breaths "good enough".

My advice: Buy whatever you need NOW. Almo0st all tech divers keep two sets of gear, one for rec. style diving and then their tech gear. Also it will be years and hundreds of dives later before you are dong doubles, mixed gas and 250 feet. By then, or well before then you will have changed your mind about gear twice. You CAN"T kow what you will want then so buy what you want now.

[MSilvia]

My specific advice is based solely on my limited experience, but I've found my Apeks regs to be rock solid breathers with a wide range of gas mixes, beyond recreational depths, and in near-freezing water. Never a freeflow, never a hiccup, never a problem. I know a lot of more experienced tech divers like them too, and the Sherwoods are also very popular.

Of course, the availability of parts and service is a consideration too.

[frogman159]

[quote=ChrisA;149785][quote=terrillja;149775]

Originally Posted by fireflock

My advice: Buy whatever you need NOW. Almo0st all tech divers keep two sets of gear, one for rec. style diving and then their tech gear. Also it will be years and hundreds of dives later before you are dong doubles, mixed gas and 250 feet. By then, or well before then you will have changed your mind about gear twice. You CAN"T kow what you will want then so buy what you want now.

This is probably good advice, My #1 priority right now is get a full rig..I'm 3/4 through my OW now and the diving season will be here in less than 2 months. Some may think I'm nuts for buying equipment so soon, without "trying everything first" but I know if I don't own gear, I won't dive....plan and simple...I live in an area with pretty active dive clubs/shops, with with my own stuff, I can probaly dive every week if I want....But I can't help think in the back of my head...what if I later on I want to penetrate wrecks, go deep etc etc.....

But your right, I guess this is kinda like taking golf lessons and trying to figure out what kind of clubs I'd like if I decide to go pro

Chris you probably just saved me a couple bucks, I owe you a beer

[mm_dm]

If you have a set of doubles and ONE stage bottle, plus a reg for recreational (most tech divers have dedicated regs for those dives)..well that's up to four regs already. My advice is to get a solid reg you like and use it for your recreational diving for now and in the future. Take a class soon on equipment repair and learn how some different regs work. After 50 to 100 dives, depending on your Instructor's requirements and your own comfort level, take an Intro to Tech course and see if it's what you want to do at that point. Tech is a highly demanding style of diving and is a pricey mistress as well. I have seen some 'shooting stars'...divers who jump in head first and burn out within a relatively short time frame. My 2 psi...get out and get some dives in and worry about the rest later.

Hey, if money is burning a hole...there's always photography.

[scubasamurai]

Originally Posted by mm_dm

If you have a set of doubles and ONE stage bottle, plus a reg for recreational (most tech divers have dedicated regs for those dives)..well that's up to four regs already. My advice is to get a solid reg you like and use it for your recreational diving for now and in the future. Take a class soon on equipment repair and learn how some different regs work. After 50 to 100 dives, depending on your Instructor's requirements and your own comfort level, take an Intro to Tech course and see if it's what you want to do at that point. Tech is a highly demanding style of diving and is a pricey mistress as well. I have seen some 'shooting stars'...divers who jump in head first and burn out within a relatively short time frame. My 2 psi...get out and get some dives in and worry about the rest later.

Hey, if money is burning a hole...there's always photography.

you summed it up very well, the tech realm can get very very pricey. right now enjoy diving and get some exp. heck if money is burning a hole try marriage to a blonde hahaah