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Regulators:
A good qualityregulator is essential for diving. There are a number of exceptionally good
regulators on the market. A diver should buy the best one his budget allows.
Other features that come into consideration are the temperatures you dive in, gas mixes, if it is
used for greater depth and strenuous activities and the ability to have it
serviced all over the world.
Because the scuba regulator is such a vital
piece of gear many scuba divers choose to buy their own scuba regulator instead
of renting one from the dive shop. When a scuba diver has used a few different
scuba regulators, on numerous dives, he will notice that they all have slightly
different "action" - some feel looser or tighter, some will deliver
air more forcefully; others will have a slight "suck" to them. The
goal of all regulators is the same: to deliver air on demand at ambient
pressure. Though a helpful clerk at the dive gear shop can recommend "the
best" regulators, from the most respected manufacturers. Click here for our
recommendations.
When shopping for a scuba regulator here are some things to consider:
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Ergonomic
design and easy to hold
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A purge
button which is easily pressed even when wearing 6mm neoprene gloves
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External
controls which let you make fine adjustments to air flow
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Non-corroding
metals like titanium or chromed brass
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Diaphragm
vs. piston mechanics. Many divers prefer diaphragm regulators for its
smooth movement and its moving parts are less
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Balanced
vs. unbalanced regulators. Balanced regulators will increase the amount of
air delivered at depth to the second stage ensuring you have ease of
breathing at all depths. Most unbalanced regulators are now called sport
regulators and are used in most rental schools around the world. They perform
well in shallow waters in fact in some cases if you only dive in shallow
water depths above 10 meters you would find it difficult to notice the difference
between a balanced and unbalanced regulator (sport regulator). All manufactures
sell both balanced and unbalanced regulators if you are diving in depths
greater than 15 meters regularly it is recommended that you should buy a
balanced regulator.
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Always buy
new. Do not pick up a cheap second-hand regulator; it may be faulty or
reconditioned
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Look for a
warranty
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Swivel
joints on the second stage offer improved ease of movement
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Hoses
should be soft and flexible
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When purchasing
a first stage consider how many high pressure ports you need along with
low pressure ports. Some first stages only have 3 low pressure and 1 high
pressure port. This can create a problem if you would like a high pressure
gauge and a high pressure transmitter for you computer, or you need to use
a dry suit with a low pressure inflator.
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