Visit your PADI Dive Center or Resort to get advice about regulators. Tuesday - Thursday:11:30am to 7:30pm ESTFriday - Sunday:11:30am to 5pm EST. A good fit, one that feels equally snug everywhere, is critical, so the space the ocean wants to use to flow along your skin is as small as possible. Our Advice - Choosing the right pair is important to prevent muscle fatigue and cramping. However, you must do your homework before buying this vital piece of gear. But scuba gear is also built to last. Gently rinse your scuba regulator in fresh water as soon as possible after diving. Water Temp Your regulator with all attachments should be assembled and checked by a dive professional at your. Place a regulator or snorkel mouthpiece in your mouth. Dive computers are an even better tool for the same reason a laptop is better than a slide rule. Test as many different models as you can in real diving situations before buying. The key is to choose a regulator that offers the performance you need for the environments where youll dive, and can be easily serviced at your local dive operation. Scuba equipment can be purchased in dive stores, at other retail outlets, by mail order or as used equipment from private parties. Bright colors and graphics aren't necessary but do make you more visible to other divers. Your regulator is one of the most important pieces of your dive equipment. BC Buoyancy compensator. Does the mask still feel comfortable? Some models have both numeric and graphic displays for at-a-glance information. Put simply, regs are your life support system, delivering breathing gas at ambient pressure. Second stage The part of the regulator at the end of the hose that includes the mouthpiece. Read our latest ScubaLab scuba fin review. 70-85F - 1/8" (3mm) neoprene Here's a look at some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a pair. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. A little science here: Solids and liquids conduct heat well; gases do not. Scubapro MK11 S270 & R095 Octopus Regulator Set, Aqualung Leg3nd Elite Stage 4 Regulator Set, Aqualung Leg3nd MBS Stage 3 Regulator Set, Scubapro MK25 EVO D420 Stage 4 Regulator Set, Apeks MTX-RC Single Cylinder Regulator Set, Apeks XTX200 & XTX40 Stage 3 Regulator Set, Scubapro MK25 EVO S620Ti & R195 Regulator Set, How To Improve Your Underwater Navigation Skills, The New Apeks XL4 Ocea - Eco Conscious Regulator, Guide to Underwater Photography and Recommended Editing Software. Scuba gear is designed to be rugged and durable. Some also have purge valves for venting any water that leaks in, and others have quick strap adjustments. The second stage reduces the pressure in the hose to a breathable pressure. Don't skimp; go for quality. Little service or support is available by mail order, and gear that is not purchased locally may not be able to be serviced locally and may have no warranty. Once youve selected your regulator, dont forget to head over and find the right Scuba Diving Octopus too. These are recommended for shallow dives. Just remember that your experience with equipment is limited. From protecting your regulator, to maintaining and customizing it, weve got you covered. In short, a dive store is in a better position than a mail-order dealer to provide the service and support you need and should expect. Comfort. Console A unit attached to a hose from the regulator first stage for holding and displaying instruments, including dive computer, depth gauge and compass. Regulators have been perfected to the point that even budget regulators can offer high performance. Some regulators also have diver-controlled knobs and switches to aid this process, so it's important to understand the controls and how they work. What It Does - As a diver, you primarily use a snorkel to conserve air in your tank when on the water's surface. Also important: how the snorkel attaches to your mask. Ask to have your top regulator choices hooked up to a tank to test how they breathe. 4. All Rights Reserved. The thickness and type of exposure protection you need depends on dive conditions. You'll find a whole range of options on masks, including side, top and bottom panes for a wider field of vision. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. Retail dive stores have been the focal point of local dive support since recreational diving became popular. If you need a little more help take a look at our guide to Choosing A Regulator for some helpful tips and information as well as our guide to choosing DIN or A-Clamp. After trying a few regulators, pick the best one, or best complete package, based on what works for you. Sign up for Scuba Divings weekly email and never miss another story. Second stage Mouthpiece you breathe from. Some features can help the suit do its job. Free flow An unwanted loss of air from a regulator. Port An opening in the regulator first stage for hose attachment. First stage Attaches to the scuba tank valve, reduces tank air pressure to an intermediate pressure and routes it to several hoses. Most of the regulators we carry are suitable for recreational diving. Cutting edge design and technical capabilities are trademarks of Hollis. The BCD also called a BC or buoyancy compensator is the most complex piece of dive equipment you'll own and one of the most important. Is it easy to reach and extend over your head? If you think about it, breathing underwater is pretty remarkable, and it all happens because of the regulator. Make sure there's a clear distinction between the inflate and deflate buttons and that you can operate them easily with one hand. If you can't wiggle your toes, the fins are too small. What to Look For - Comfort and efficiency. Reject any suit that's too loose, however. Access to tools and resources at your fingertips, curated to enhance your diving experience. Some top tips from old pros: Immerse your gear in fresh, clean water after use. The first stage of your scuba regulator, which is the part that attaches to your dive tank, takes the air from the dive tank and reduces the pressure to an intermediate or working pressure. Also used on underwater cameras and other equipment to provide a waterproof seal. Alternate Air Source - Also referred to as Extra Air Sources, Pony Bottles, and Backup Air Supplies. However, most are simply retail outlets and cannot provide the service, support and expertise that a dive store can. Make sure you put the first stage dust cover firmly in place. We recommend not buying used life-support equipment from private parties. Make sure the nose pocket doesn't touch your nose and that the skirt feels comfortable on your upper lip. 50-70F - 1/4" (6.5mm) neoprene This device helps to prevent free-flows and allows you to conserve air if desired. Computers can also monitor your ascent rate and tank pressure, tell you when it's safe to fly, log your dives and much more. Regulators connect to cylinder valves with either a DIN (screw in) or yoke (bracket) system. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. The second stage further reduces the pressure to a breathable pressure, allowing you to breathe comfortably underwater. The mask should seal easily on your face. DPV Diver propulsion vehicle, an underwater scooter. Mounting options are an important feature to consider and let you position computers on your wrist, gauge console, hoses or attach them to BCs. We can help: Scuba Lab has tested hundreds of regulators in thousands of breathing machine tests. A pressure test for scuba tanks, performed in water. What They Do - By constantly monitoring depth and bottom time, dive computers automatically recalculate your no-decompression status, giving you longer dive times while still keeping you within a safe envelope of no-decompression time. Do not dive if your equipment is less than 100 percent reliable. Technical Diving (or diving under other demanding conditions) - 40 to 80 pounds. Buying used gear from a private party may be the cheapest possible way to go, but provides absolutely no guarantees. A DIN style first stage screws into the opening on the scuba tank, while a Yoke style one slips over the opening and screws onto it, abutting the attachment point. Our Advice - You've got to do your homework to find the best regulator available for your budget. It should rest evenly with no gaps. Here's a guide to choosing the right weight for the conditions you dive in. We dont mind if you are a newly qualified open water diver or a cave instructor; if you want swivels, venturi levers or high spec composite materials in your breathing apparatus; long hoses or pink hoses please just ask! Yet, as you look at the giant wall of snorkels at your local dive store, you'll see an array of options and features to choose from. Need to buy a new mask? Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat and chlorinated water. The new regulator from Apeks is an exceptionally is not only well made and uber reliable. This means that the inner workings of the first stage are protected from the elements (salt, sand, and other sediment). In particular, our concerns are these: Diver life-support products should not be sold to unqualified buyers. Just keep in mind that breathing on a regulator should always be comfortable. The dive booties required with open-heel fins also provide foot protection and comfort while diving and walking. Having your own gear is essential to enjoy this sport fully and to maximize your comfort and safety. 6. Gaps at the arm, leg, crotch and neck allow water to circulate and defeat the suit's ability to prevent heat loss. So the first thing a wetsuit has to do is keep the cold ocean from flushing through it. Dive Stores. If you're going the budget route, your choices will usually be limited to basic models. Also, a similar checkup for regulators. Register the warranty with the manufacturer immediately. When properly cared for and regularly maintained, your first set of gear can last a long time. Different mouthpieces, exhaust tees and hoses are also options. Copyright 2022 Scuba Diving. Ask your. Look for a durable, yet simple and easy-to-operate attachment. In its place is a variety of styles for a world of faces. Inspect each item of gear well before a planned dive trip so there is time for repairs. O-ring A pliable ring that forms a high-pressure seal on tank valves. What to Look For - A good watertight fit. 75-85F - 1/16" (1.6mm) neoprene, Lycra, Polartec At least once per year (more if you dive frequently) have your BC, reg and computer serviced by your dive store. In actuality, it usually holds about 77.4 cubic feet. So choose carefully based on the style of diving you'll be doing most. We'll show you how to pick the perfect wetsuit for cold and warm weather diving conditions. Put the regulator mouthpiece in one more time to make sure you can easily reach the nose pocket to equalize your ears. Tropical Diving (with little or no wetsuit protection) - 12 to 24 pounds Dive snorkels come in a large variety of sizes and styles. Our Advice - If you don't plan on doing a lot of snorkeling, this is the one piece of gear you can skimp on. 2. Keeping Water Out. The most feature-packed dive computer does you no good if you can't easily and quickly access the basic information you need during a dive: depth, time, decompression status and tank pressure. What type is right for you? As a practical matter, good insulation above or below water is all about trapping air. Most regulators come ready to be used with Nitrox, but a few manufacturers require their regulators to meet additional safety standards if theyre going to be used with gas above 22% Oxygen. The scuba regulator is a great invention that delivers the air from your scuba tank to you just the way you need it to breathe. These come with everything you need and are an emergency air supply only. 35-65F - 3/8" (9.5mm) neoprene, dry suit. Regulator Accessories - Includes regulator bags, replacement hoses, mouthpieces, and color kits. Divers with strong leg and hip muscles can efficiently use a bigger, stiffer fin. FREE SHIPPING* ON ORDERS OF $49 OR MORE | FREE PICK UP IN STORE | GET DIRECT REWARDS POINTS ON EVERY PURCHASE. What They Do - Exposure suits insulate you against the cooling effect of water, which can rob your body of heat 25 times faster than air. The second stage uses a demand valve to deliver air only when you need it with each inhale. You can also visit our blog for the latest ranking of Top 10 Best Scuba Diving Regulators. The BCD should not restrict your breathing. Fish don't have legs for the simple reason that fins are the best way to move through water. Sporting goods and discount stores may have scuba gear for sale. Repeat the sniff test with a mouthpiece in place. When trying on fins, look for a snug fit that doesn't pinch your toes or bind the arches of your feet. Hopefully, youll never have to use it, but if a situation arises, youll be thankful you have it. Our Scuba Lab experts have come up with this six-step plan for foolproof mask fitting: 1. Live a life others only dream about. Primary The main regulator second stage, as opposed to the backup or octopus second stage. The one-pane oval mask of Sea Hunt and those old Bond films is practically a relic. You want a mouthpiece that feels good in your mouth and breathes dry and easy. Dont press the purge button while rinsing. What They Do - Fins translate power from the large leg muscles into efficient movement through water, which is 800 times denser than air. Hydro Short for "hydrostatic test." An overbalanced regulator makes it easier to breathe the deeper you dive. Before you buy, ask to see the owner's manual and check it out. Read the latest ScubaLab dive computer review. As a diver, with a PADI account you can access your eLearning along with many more tools to help you on your adventures! Other than price, there is no reason to buy at these nondive store outlets. Good fins will enhance your enjoyment of diving; bad ones can ruin it. Study the features of different computers and choose the one that offers the mix of features you need at the best price. These setups provide you with a small tank, regulator, and bag to attach the setup to your BC. Before you try on BCDs, slip into the exposure suit you'll wear most often. For a new diver, buying scuba gear is the final step, the act that says "I'm committed to really enjoying diving." Shorty A one-piece wetsuit with short legs and short sleeves. A dive/predive switch makes your second stage temporarily less sensitive so it doesnt free-flow. Some computers are conservative in their calculations, automatically building in safety margins; others take you to the edge of decompression and trust you to build in your own safety margins. Do not spray. Replace or update your card, buy a Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card, or go digital with the purchase of a PADI eCard. Their regs are the tools for choice for many UK technical and cave divers, while sister company Aqua Lung have a nice range of recreational breathing apparatus. Breathing on a regulator in a dive store tells you nothing about how it will perform under water. Since you cant do a visual inspection of these parts, youd have no way of knowing when your first stage would fail. Have your PADI Dive Center staff show you top-of-the-line regulators that meet your needs. Remarkably, this piece of dive gear links together key components of your scuba gear (scuba tank, BCD, submersible pressure gauge, safe second air source) and delivers the air from your tank to you, allowing you to breathe underwater. Get a simple, basic model and be done with it. Let your regulator dry completely, out of direct sunlight. The acid test: inflate the BCD until the overflow valve vents. What to Look For - Correct size and fit. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. You are our Number 1 priority, so we will do our absolute best to respond to your email within 1 business day. Environmentally sealed is another term youll see a lot. 3. They include: wrist, collar and ankle seals; sealing flaps behind zippers; pre-bent arms and legs; and smooth inner coatings to minimize water flow inside the suit. Relax. Partially fill your BC with fresh water, slosh it around, then drain. Also known as a BCD, or buoyancy control device. Exposure suits should fit snugly without restricting movement or breathing. Boot Protective covering on the bottom of a tank. Form-fitting exposure suits are usually made of foam neoprene rubber (wetsuits) or spandex-like materials (skins), sometimes with a fleece lining. Sorry, there are no products in this collection.(VAR-SPLIT). Talk to dive store personnel, experienced divers and read ScubaLab's objective tests and reviews. Environmental seals keeps salt, sediment and other contaminants from entering the first stage, and helps prevent the internal components from freezing in cold temperatures. A regulator allows you to breath underwater. Underwater photography is about Keep up to date with our social media and newsletter! Required for every scuba cylinder in the U.S. every five years. Alternate air source Spare mouthpiece that provides an easy way to share air in case you need to help another diver. Your job: Choose the one right for yours. Read our latest ScubaLab scuba diving mask review. Mail order. With an unbalanced regulator, the deeper you dive, the more effort you exert to breathe. Let us help you find the best scuba regulator to suit your needs. Open-heel fins require less effort to put on, especially if a pull tab is added to the strap. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable or an equipment technician, you will not know if a regulator, for example, can even be serviced. Nobody enjoys working the dive tables, but they're an invaluable tool for safe diving. You've got to study the field and understand what you want and need out of each piece of gear. No doubt about it: scuba is a gear-intensive activity. Caution: A strong inhale will close minor leak areas and invalidate this test. Need to buy new scuba fins? Place the mask on your face without using the strap and gently inhale through your nose. Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. Know whether DIN or yoke connections are typical for tanks in your area, and look for the same connection on your regulator. Whether you are looking for a warm water set to bimble around with in the waters of the Red Sea or an extreme cold water system for an arctic expedition - the knowledgeable team at Mikes are here to answer your questions. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Enjoy 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, FREE ReActivate online refresher, subscription to Scuba Diving magazine + so much more when you join PADI Club. Our Advice - Clear or light-colored mask skirts let more light in and are generally more comfortable for new divers. And even price may not be an advantage since name-brand gear can often be purchased at dive stores at discount prices. Personal contact is also an important part of a dive store's value. What It Does - The mask creates an air space in front of your eyes that allows them to focus under water. However, if youre going to get into technical or cold water diving, make certain youre looking at regulators that are tested and designed to work in those specific environments. Our Advice - This is an important piece of equipment that you can expect to use for many years. Your local dive store can provide instruction, dive travel, local dives, inspection and repair services, compressed air, rental equipment, equipment advice and the opportunity to look at, feel, compare and test equipment before purchase. Octopus A backup or secondary regulator second stage. You will occasionally be asked if you have a DIN or Yoke regulator. Rebreather An underwater breathing unit that recycles a breathing gas, removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen. You want these parts protected because corrosion inside your first stage would cause a problem with getting the air you need when you need it. The leading cause of equipment failure is lack of maintenance. The straps of open-heel fins can be adjusted for the different booties you may wear or for different family members and children as they grow. It is an important piece to diving safely underwater. The efficiency of fins is largely determined by their size, stiffness, and design. That's why dive computers are almost as common as depth gauges these days. 65-75F - 3/16" (5mm) neoprene The best regulators can deliver a high volume of air at depth, under heavy exertion even at low tank pressures. Stay focused on the basics. UK based Apeks are Technically Inspired. scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. Drysuits can cost from $850 to more than $2,500. Gas bubbles are permanently trapped inside the "closed cells" of the wetsuit material. Look for a BCD that fits snugly but doesn't squeeze you when inflated. Most regulators can be used with enriched air (EANx), but some manufacturers require their regulators to meet oxygen service standards for use with gas above 22 percent oxygen. The engineers at Atomic Aquatics describe their products as designed by passion, driven by precision and build for performance. Invest in clips to prevent hoses from dangling and hose protectors for all hoses to increase the hose life. Aqua Lung traditions have been setting standards for the past 60 years since Jacques Cousteau and French engineer Gagnan invented the Aqua-lung. Rent them if you have to. The snorkel for you is one with a good compromise between ease of breathing and dry comfort. What It Does - What doesn't it do? What to Look For - Fit and comfort. Private party. What It Does - Converts the high-pressure air in your tank to ambient pressure so you can breathe it. Providing Insulation Against Heat Loss. Adjustable second stages allow you to fine-tune breathing so its always as easy as possible. A regulator must also deliver air to other places, such as your BC inflator and alternate second stage. 5. What to Look For - User-friendliness. Mares regulators are renowned for their style and technology. Don't worry. Learn how to pick the right scuba regulator. Mil Short for millimeter, usually used in reference to wetsuit thickness (i.e., a three-mil suit). Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. "Take breathing to a whole new level" is their motto. It's helpful to think of buying scuba gear in two phases: first, the basic stuff you need for class; second, the major pieces of life support regulator, BCD and dive computer that you're allowed to purchase once you've got a C-card. An under-the-arm hose option for the second stage is available for a few models. Our Advice - As long as a wetsuit fits correctly, it will do the job. Simple Lycra suits provide little thermal insulation, but do help protect against scrapes and stings. Used for both snorkeling and scuba diving with options including: comfortable mouthpiece, purge valve and flexible bottom portion. Our Advice - Begin with an honest evaluation of your diving needs do you plan to use mixed gases someday to do decompression diving? All the information you need to plan your next dive. Glow stick A chemical light stick usually attached to the tank valve during a night dive so a diver can be seen in the dark by his buddy and other divers. Keep flat if possible. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. Catalog buying is a popular and useful way to shop, particularly when some products are not available locally or may be purchased through a catalog for significantly less money (including shipping and handling charges). Originally started by mechanical engineer and long time diver Bob Hollis, their regs excel as reliable and dependable, loved by both recreational and technical divers alike. Pay particular attention to the inflator hose. But if you're newly certified, how are you supposed to know what scuba gear to buy? But buying scuba gear through the mail is not like buying a sweater from a clothing catalog. First stage The part of the regulator that attaches to the tank and reduces the pressure of the air in the tank to an intermediate pressure. Getting your head around the jargon used when discussing scuba diving regulators is like learning Greek or trying to understand the workings of a combustion engine! Mikes Dive Store 2022. So to keep you safe, and make things easy, most first stages are environmentally sealed. Designed for efficiency and control, the right fin helps both scuba divers and freedivers move through the water efficiently. Doubles Two tanks linked together for use on a single dive. There are adapters to make DIN regulators work with a yoke valve. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. If the mask is still in the running, adjust the strap and put it on your face. Once you're a newly minted diver, the anxiety you had about buying gear will likely be replaced with a rush of excitement a desire to max out the plastic or convert the Roth IRA into a heap of the latest and greatest in scuba gear. Only RSD publishes a chart ranking the relative conservatism of dive computers on the market today. Farmer john Wetsuit pants that extend over the upper body and shoulders (similar to overalls). All rights reserved. That's why neoprene foam works so well. Smaller divers or less conditioned divers will be more comfortable with smaller, more flexible fins. Please fill in the form below and we will usually contact you within 1 business day. Gear should not be sold to a diver without regard to proper fit and function. Choose from a selection of more than 250 vessels and 18,000 trips worldwide. It seems simple enough: a curved tube that lets you breathe while floating face-down on the surface. Here's a glossary to commonly used dive terms. Made for a variety of uses, choose from: nylon belts, fabric belts with zippered pouches, or neoprene belts with Velcro pockets. After diving their trademark titanium, lightweight designs, most of us here at Mikes No.1 Dive Store tend to agree. Have your regulator professionally serviced according to the manufacturers specifications, or sooner if you see signs of damage, it begins to breathe hard or leak air. Put simply, regs are your life support system, delivering breathing gas at ambient pressure. This refers to the attachment point. The seller's statement that the regulator "breathes fine" and your breathing on it out of the water are both meaningless. Regulators - How does a regulator work? Low-pressure BCD inflator Connected to the first stage by a low-pressure hose. This is important because it reduces wear and tear on these parts. Finally, make sure buckles and straps are easy to use. If you wear a dry suit, youll have another inflator hose connected to it. A PADI Worldwide Company. Try as many regulators as you can in real-world diving situations. Recreational Diving (with a full wetsuit or dry suit) - 20 to 40 pounds Between our advice and your instructor's help, we'll have you outfitted in no time. Most items will last you many years--if you take care of them properly. Typically, youll see Unbalanced, Balanced, or Overbalanced in a regulator description.