How long do scuba regulators last

There are some pretty good and thorough reviews out there so it is a good source. Also, ask around. When you're out diving, ask people what scuba dive regulators they use and how they perform. Ask at your local dive shop though keep in mind they may not be unbiased as they would like to make a sale. When you are renting equipment, look at the brand of scuba equipment you are using and take note of how it performs.

It's not easy, but it worth trying to get as much information you can about a scuba regulator before you make that purchase. Some of these things can be corrected. For instance, you can change the mouthpiece on a regulator or you can buy a longer hose. Do you want a diaphragm or piston construction? From my research, the consensus appears to be that there is not a noticeable difference in performance between a diaphragm or piston first stage.

Piston first stages more often than not, are more expensive than a diaphragm first stage. Also, a piston first stage has less moving parts which tends to make them more reliable. For this reason, deep divers tend to favor a piston first stage. A balanced scuba regulator will have consistent airflow no matter how much air is in the tank or what depth you are. Of course, you will still be able to breathe, it just may take some more effort.

Entry level regulators are usually unbalanced. However, with some newer models, you may not even notice a difference. One advantage is that unbalanced regulators usually cost less to service.

If you have the budget, this is probably one area where you would want to pay more. Balanced regulators are easier to breathe and are worth the investment to make your dive more enjoyable IMHO. Most scuba dive regulators will have one possibly 2 high pressure ports and 4 low pressure ports. The more you have, the easier it will be to configure the gear in a position that is comfortable for you. Some first stage regulators have a swivel which can make it easier to place the hoses in a comfortable position.

The port themselves may be all over the first stage or in groups. One is not necessarily better than the other. What is right for you is the one that works best with our gear.

An unsealed scuba regulator means that water can enter the first stage. If you are just diving the clear, warm waters of the Caribbean an unsealed dive regulator should work fine. However, what you should get depends, once again, on what type of diving you do. For instance, it you do cold water diving, you should get a sealed first stage since the water could freeze in the reg. If all you can afford is an entry level reg, that should be more than fine if all you do is warm water tropical diving.

Log in Register. Search titles only. Search Advanced search…. New posts. Search forums. Log in. Install the app. Home Forums Diving Gear Regulators. JavaScript is disabled.

For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. How long should a reg last? Thread starter scubapro50 Start date May 22, Please register or login Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community.

Benefits of registering include Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. You can make this box go away Joining is quick and easy. How long should a scuba regulator last? Good Question Other divers feel they should trade in and get a new one every few years. I feel that it you purchase a "great" regulator from a reliable source then why change if it not giving you any trouble.

I hate to admit that I now really love to use the Abyss over the classic Scubapro and hope I'll get as good of service out of it as with the Mk Big Toes Contributor. Messages Reaction score 0 Location San Diego. I have it rebuilt every couple of years, take very good care of it, and wouldn't trade it away for anything it's super easy to rebuild and parts are available everywhere.

I did, however, buy a mares proton for my gf a couple of years ago and have put about 50 dives on it and while i will tell you that i'm not crazy about the asthetics it sure delivers a lot more air than my us divers rig does and subsequently my sac rate is way down because of it. This is regardless of depth or air pressure in your tank.

For either the piston or diaphragm regulator, the balanced first stage is built so that the tank pressure does not affect the valve. To do this the regulator does this in two stages. The first stage is the part of the regulator that is connected to the tank valve. It also provides tank pressure or lowers the pressure from a couple of thousand psi to several hundred psi.

And the second stage of a scuba diving regulator is the part that the diver puts into his mouth. This stage lowers the pressure to an appropriate level for the depth you are at the moment you try to breathe.

The two stages work together to provide you air at an appropriate pressure for the depth you are at. The regulator is a simple mechanical device that should last indefinitely. This would require proper care such as servicing once a year or after every 80 dives. As well as cleaning and maintaining it properly. Finally, we all know the importance of scuba regulators.