DIN or yoke style first stage?

[cbope]

I'm doing some research into buying my first regulator. At the moment I am trying to consider the benefits and drawbacks of selecting a DIN or yoke type first stage, as many regulators are available in both types. I know the technical differences between the two, such as DIN being rated for higher pressures, etc. That doesn't really matter to me for the type of dives I do. I know yokes are much more common in the US. DIN's are more common here in Europe, though yokes are also commonly available. I will dive in the US, Europe and Asia. Which one should I get?

As an aside, I noticed on my recent dives in Thailand, that the dive boat's tanks were mostly yoke valves. There were a couple of DIN valve'd tanks. In any case, there was no more than 1 out of 10 tanks equipped with DIN valves. I'm a bit worried if I get a DIN stage that I will have more limited number of tanks available since I won't be using my own tank. And I don't feel good about using an adapter, just another piece of gear that can fail.

FYI, I'm currently considering the Mares Abyss 12 or 22, since I will do some cold water diving here in Finland.

[CODMAN]

Cbope,
if the main type of valve you will be encountering is Yoke, I would highly recommend you go wit this type... Unless you plan going TECH in which case you will probably need a DIN valve eventually. But if you are on diving recreational limits and you more frequently encounter Yoke valves, the is very little to gain in choosing DIN.

Just my 0.02$

[SarahBella]

I went yoke with my new reg, but my brother in law went din with the adapter-His rational was that he could use any tank...No matter where we are or what is left on/at the boat/shop he would still be able to dive. Another reason he went din is to keep his reg different from just about all the others in the places we dive. I had not seen a din reg up close until he showed me his. Keep in mind when he uses the yoke adapter it moves the 1st stage forward a little bit-On his Zeagle DSV it looks to be less than 1/2 inch.

[fireflock]

For my back tank, I bought a Yoke and then bought a DIN adapter too (not a DIN to Yoke convertor). I use DIN almost all the time locally, and then if I travel somewhere for vacation I take a few minutes to switch over to Yoke. It's the best of both worlds, except for needing the tools to make the switch. If I had more space around the valve/1st stage/wing area then I would probably just go DIN and use a DIN to Yoke adapter.

Rich

[willardj]

I have both. Din for my double set up and a Yoke for my single set up. as for all my single tanks are yoke valves. But if you are just getting one the Din with the Din to Yoke adaptor would be the way to go.

[mwhities]

I would recommend that you stay with yoke as long as you are not getting into tech diving. Otherwise, I'd highly recommend going DIN. Of course, with yoke, you can dive pretty much anywhere without having to carry extra adapters or anything. With DIN, you'd be better off buying your own tanks if diving locally. I have a friend that has both yoke (for vacation diving) and DIN for all of his local (US wide) diving.

[kancho]

I prefer DIN, personal preference.. But have a DIN to Yoke convertor. It came it my Zeagle 50D Reg. Zeagle rocks the adapter is included. The 1st stage is slightly longer but i don't notice the difference when diving using the adapter.. I think most zeagle DIN regs have the adapter. Though you don't have to dive using DIN, it gives you the chance to try it later on without buying a new reg..

[ianr33]

Why not get a yoke reg with the DIN conversion kit (NOT an adapter) It only takes a couple of minutes to switch between the 2.That way you can use any tank.

Alternatively if the DIN tanks you will be using are 200 bar you could get a Yoke reg and a Donut insert for the Din valves.

[Grin]

Virtually everyone starts with Yoke because virtuallly everyone starts with Aluminum 80s and 3000psi. If you have your own tanks, and rarly travel, I would get DIN. If you travel alot, and rent tanks alot, you have to have Yoke capabilities at least. If you decide to buy some HP steel tanks DIN is prefferred for the higher pressures. I now have a DIN first stage with a Yoke adapter. I started with all Yoke and AL 80s. Then I bought some Steel tanks and had to convert to DIN. I still have my old AL 80s for backup tanks and multiple diving days. I can screw that Yoke converter on to use them. I never travel so I always use my own tanks.

[cbope]

All great advice, thanks! I think I'm going to get a yoke first stage and look into the DIN conversion kit mentioned by ianr33, sounds much better than using an adapter. I'm not yet at the point where DIN would make a difference to me, but who knows in the future...

Almost all of my diving is travel and I don't plan to buy my own tanks anytime soon. I still have a lot of gear to buy and tanks are at the very bottom of my list.