DIR regs - again

[grigor]

Hello

I'm about to buy a new set of regs and would appreciate some DIR advice. Though not currently DIR, I intend to take this path in the future and wish to avoid redundant kit. I've not been diving for long and want to log some more dives (and money) before taking DIRF next year.

I've found this forum very good for information - to date most of my time has been spent reading old posts. However, I have a question that I haven't seen discussed. I have read that diaphragm 1st stages are more susceptible to flood damage when swapping 2nd stages underwater than piston 1st stages. I should add that I read this on http://www.bitz.fsnet.co.uk/bitzdeco.htm - a site a have found to offer a very balanced and considered viewpoint (but what do I know).

I'd be very interested to hear the DIR stance on this. In truth I'd be happy to hear any stance on this. I'm learning as I go - have I read too much in to this, is it significant, should I just shut up?

I have been thinking about a DS4 - does it make more sense to go for a SP Mk20? I must confess to liking the simple clean design of the DS4 - all being equal I'd choose to build my future twinset around DS4's and TX50/40 (possibly ATX50/40).

Thank you - Grigor

[Fathoms Down]

There is a (slightly dated) document on DIR regs available here.

[Bob Cooper]

Grigor

Go for the DS4, you won't go far wrong with that. It's a bullet proof diaphragm 1st stage, configures well, easy to service, you can tune the IP easily and it's about a third of the price of a MK25!

Most of us are using either Spro MK20/25 or Apeks DS4 1st stages, 2nd stages are interchangeable between Apeks & Spro (another good thing about using them). I went down the DS4 route myself for backgas and use my old Mk20's on stage bottles.

Don't get too hung up on the flood damage thing when swapping stages underwater. There are more practical concerns to worry about than that.

Hope that helps

Bob

[Dominic]

Surely swapping second stages is something you'd only be doing when you're into staged deco dives?

In which case, don't worry about it until you go to buy your stage reg

Incidentally, speaking of DS4s - does anyone have any advice on how to unscrew the end when the muppets at the dive shop have fastened it so tight that even standing on the spanner won't undo the bloody thing? I've tried gentle warming without success already..

[johnkendall]

I find that the Scubapro Mk20/25 Routes much nicer on the twinset. However I will probably be going with DS4s for my Stage regs, as they are less than 1/2 the price of the scubapro.

As Bob said, The apeks 2nd stages and Spro 2nds are interchangeable. B aware that you want to be able to dismantle the 2nd stage underwater without tools, so avoid those with Air balance chambers and the like. Apkes TX40, TX 50, Spro G250, R380, R290 are all quite good.

HTH
John

[turbanator]

I did exactly as Bob said.

There was some discussion about whether hose routing was neater on the DS4 or the new Apeks 1st (can't remember the name off hand) on a list a couple of weeks ago.

Personally I've used mine with and without the suit inflation running off of back gas and don't seem to have a problem routing with DS4's.

Reasons that I went for DS4's as opposed to yet more Mk20's was that I needed stage regs so put my Mk20's on the stages, as you do not need swivels on back gas.

Dont get too hung up about having to have swivels though, the current DIR DVD seems ambivalent about whether swivels are needed on stages, as long as the hose length is long enough to reach around behind your head and not pull when you move your head fully to the left then it's fine.

hth
Paul

[wreckweasel]

Originally Posted by Dominic

Surely swapping second stages is something you'd only be doing when you're into staged deco dives?

In which case, don't worry about it until you go to buy your stage reg

Incidentally, speaking of DS4s - does anyone have any advice on how to unscrew the end when the muppets at the dive shop have fastened it so tight that even standing on the spanner won't undo the bloody thing? I've tried gentle warming without success already..

Tighten it a bit first. Bizarre, but sometimes that frees it.

[grigor]

Thank you people.

Exactly the kind of clear informed answers I've come to expect. DS4's it is until I look towards stages.

Happy diving - Grigor

[Rick Huggins]

Pri - DS4/ATX200
Backup - DS4/ATX40
Stage - DS4/ATX40 Nitrox

Because their cheap, easy to work on, good hose routing and their Apeks

HTH