Cyclon regs ?

[GaryRE]

I,m looking at cyclon regs on ebay but I,ve been told that the new 5000 is not up to the job of UK cave diving, try to find the older 300 model, anyone tell me why?

Gary

[Bottle Maker]

The 300 first stage is more compact so less likely to get damaged, however the do not breath as well as 5000 this could be a reason. I am sure Martyn Farr uses 5000s as well as 300s.

Graham.

[GaryRE]

If they,re good enough for Mr Farr................

[Robbo]

More to it than just the compactness of the stages... for further info goto:

CDG - Message Board

Personally, I have transported and used 5000's for a while now in UK conditions with no problems but many other more experienced sump divers would not agree.

Cheers, Steve

[devilgas]

not sure on the difference between the 5000 and 300's, however pretty much the only bugbear with cyklons is if you get gravel into the 2nd stage. the exhaust does a good job of trapping the gravel leading to a wet breathe. various remedies, from having the exhaust strippable underwater (circlip removed) to using net inside the mouthpiece to stop the ingress of crud, but easiest to just not drag them through the mud in the first place.

[Sheff diver]

Originally Posted by devilgas

not sure on the difference between the 5000 and 300's,

5000's are balanced first stages, 300's are unbalanced first stages. There are benefits to both, depending on where you are going.

Originally Posted by devilgas

however pretty much the only bugbear with cyklons is if you get gravel into the 2nd stage. the exhaust does a good job of trapping the gravel leading to a wet breathe. various remedies, from having the exhaust strippable underwater (circlip removed)

Be careful you know what you are doing.....

Originally Posted by devilgas

to using net inside the mouthpiece to stop the ingress of crud,

Upsides and downsides to this as well.

Originally Posted by devilgas

but easiest to just not drag them through the mud in the first place.

Easier said than done sometimes.

I use both 5000's and 300's without problem, though the 5000's have had a much easier life both in where they are taken in caves, and the underwater conditions. I have found the 300's to be pretty much bomb-proof, and if things are going to be a little hairy, they are what I take. They are also 'screwed down' a little more to reduce the risk of a free flow.

Beware of what you are buying on ebay, or anywhere else. I have had a few first stages with cross / mangled threads.

Marcus