Buying Your First Set of regulators

Types of first stages

Regulators no mater the brand function basically the same with the exception of a select few models. Most are balanced or unbalance, piston or diaphragm.

Unbalanced
I could get all techie but basically as your tank gets lower on gas, your breathing effort increases. You will also notice this on deeper dives and the extra effort can cause greater gas consumption. These tend to be shop rental or causal diver regulators because they are cheaper

Balanced
Balanced regulators compensate for the amount of gas in your tank and pressures at depth giving you the same breathing effort at any gas level and at any depth. This tends to be the choice of advanced divers.

Yoke or din?

Yoke and din are the type of connectors that attach to the tank. Yoke (image A) has a large knob on top can be readily found at any dive shop. It is a standard first stage to tank connector in most countries, it connects to a valve (image D) with a small hole and a tank oring visible. This kind of connector can be used with LP (Low pressure tanks) and HP (high pressure tanks) as long as the yoke has a sufficient pressure rating. That rating can be found in your first stage manual. but most avoid yoke with HP tanks for this reason. A draw back of yoke is the o ring in the valve is prone to leaks and failue if not manintained. Most carry several spare yoke valve o rings, they are inexpensive and found in any dive shop. See Save A Dive Kit.

Din, (image B) is becoming more popular and is common in Europe and with technical diving. It commects to a valve (image C) with a large threaded hole, the o ring is on the first stage itself and very rarely fails. It can be as is used with HP tanks or with LP tanks using an adapter (image E).

Types of second stages

Like first stages there are balanced and unbalanced second stages . A balanced first stage can be used with an unbalanced second stage and vise versa. Some people mix them for several reasons but there is no right or wrong combination. Second stages also come in adjustable versions where you can manually adjust the breathing effort with a knob. Many confuse this know with the Venturi  lever, a small handle that moves a short distance It can assist breathing effort somewhat but tends to cause free flows when assist is in effect.

In the images above, you see the octo is different than the primary regulator not just in color but in features. This is mainly to save costs. Since the octo is used just for emergencies and for a short duration, its feature do not need to be as robust as the primary second stage. Many kits only include the first stage and primary second stage for this reason. You can chose any regulator for your octo, your budget is the limit.

Scuba Brands, which to buy?

There are many different brands of regulators in different sizes, shapes and colors. Features vary from brand to brand with models geared for beginners to experts. Some brands like Apeks and Dive Rite market themselves to technical divers while brands like Cressi and Aqualung target beginner to intermediate. Then you have brands like Hollis and Scuba pro that target all markets. I learned when I became a certified open circuit technician, under the hood these regs are virtually the same.

Many regulator designs are licensed out to companies and they make small modifications while keeping functionality. For example to adjust the cracking pressure on a Hollis second stage you need a flat tip screwdriver, but to do the same for a Hog reg you need a hex key. Unless a regulator is made of titanium, there really is no reason to top of the line prices. Some have loyalty to brands and swear by them, I was a Hollis guy for years then tried Dive Rite and eventually settled on the cheaper Hog regs.

The size and weight of regulators is also a factor. Brands like Cressi, Mares and Hollis make very light weight regs great for travel. Hog and Dive Rite make tanks that can survive just about any underwater environment. Pick what regulator suits your diving needs.

Support is another big thing to think about when buying regulators, does your local shop service your brand? Is your brand so obscure like WMD regs, service parts may be hard to come by? Are service kits for your regs sold at a premium or is the cost included in manufacturers recommended service? All things to consider.

So now that you know the basics about regulators, shop around and find whats right for you. Rent and try if you can, look for package deals but don't be afraid to custom tailor your kit. If you are really interested in how regulator work, take the PADI equipment specialty course. This course won't make you a service technician but it will go more into detail about the things I discussed here. Another great resource is "Scuba Regulator Savvy" by Pete Wolfinger, its a must have if you want to know how regs work. Happy shopping!