Should You Buy Your Own Scuba Regulator for Traveling?
Posted on Apr 30, 2009 under Scuba Diving | No CommentA malfunction or failure of any of your equipment can ruin a dive which can even cause death. With diving equipments, one of the most important piece of enjoying a diving with comfort and safely is a scuba regulator.
Plan to bring your own diving regulator when deciding to go on a diving vacation– you will be glad you did. There is usually no need to haul along your own heavy tank or even bulky buoyancy control device. Not wasting time worrying about equipment, it is reassuring to have your own equipment. You can enjoy the dive if you bring your own mask and snorkel which you know and trust. You can easily bring your own regulator and do not trust your life too heavily on used rental equipment.
Basics of Scuba Regulators
Diving regulators are divided into two stages which are connected by hoses. Because of the high pressure, a hose is connected to the tank to reduce the pressure from the tank. Long enough to reach from the tank on your back around to your mouth, the hose of the second stage, is not too long that will get tangled. Further reducing the pressure of the air to a level that is comfortable to breath, the second stage contains the mouthpiece and the valve that controls the flow of air which only comes out when needed.
In case of emergency and should either of your primary regulators fail, a complete scuba regulator will also have an auxiliary second stage. A slightly longer hose, that reaches around and attaches to your chest, where it can be conveniently reached by you or your partner.
To inflate it at the push of a button, the regulator will have an additional air hose with a coupling that is attached to your buoyancy control device (BCD).
Knowing how to Pick the Right Scuba Regulator
Coming in two different types, piston or diaphragm it is important you know the water condition you planning to dive in. Get a diaphragm type because its freeze proofed and if it’s cold weather you will be diving in.
You need to look at options, once you have chosen the type because some regulators will have an adjustment on the second stage. This allows you to increase or decrease the effort to open the valve when you breathe in and controls how much effort inhaling through the regulator. As a matter of personal preference, go for the adjustable ones, if not, non adjustable models are locked into an average setting which may feel right to you.
On some scuba regulators, another option available is couplings in the line that allow the mouthpiece to swivel. One of the things of a nice feature is your hose does not get tangled.
