Reg mixing

[OneDragons]

This is more out of general interest as opposed to getting info for buying kit, as I have no intention of changing mine for the next few years.

If you have a twin set should you use the same or different regs?

[PeteM]

This is more out of general interest as opposed to getting info for buying kit, as I have no intention of changing mine for the next few years.

If you have a twin set should you use the same or different regs?

Does not matter. They are completely independent.

[Gordon]

Its a nice idea to have the same regs - gives you a bit more flexibility with spares etc.

G

[OneDragons]

Is there any mileage in getting two separate? The reason an instructor gave me for this was that if one free flows under a given set of circumstances, the other is likely to do the same if it is the same reg.

Just wondering on others opinions...

[PeteM]

Is there any mileage in getting two separate? The reason an instructor gave me for this was that if one free flows under a given set of circumstances, the other is likely to do the same if it is the same reg.

Just wondering on others opinions...

A regulator propensity to freeflow in most circumstances is more to do with how it is setup and used than what it is*. I have my backup tuned for a higher cracking pressure than my primary


* = assuming you are comparing like with like, i.e. not comparing a cold water reg and a warm water reg in Stoney in February

[bootneck]

I don,t think there is anything wrong at all with mixing regs. I always use a different make of reg on my pony than on my main cylinder, for the same reason given above, no scientific reason or research just that is one type free flows under these condition another one might not. I tend to have poseidon as my secondary regs

[northern_diver]

Mixing Regs isnt such as terrible thing, as long as the IP (Interstage pressure) between the 1st stage and the 2nd stage is known and matched some. This is generally only an issue if you wanted to mix say a Posidon Cylone with another reg (so im told) though a couple of other regs are also of 'unusal' IP's, one reviewed fairly recently in one of the dive mags.

Most are of a similar IP 9ish Bar while the Posidon stuff is more like 11 Bar (so im told).

My set up is mixed, i was told, by an instuctor mate of mine, that its a good idea to have different mix, as if a free flow is caused, then it would likely to that to another of the same time, so its a good idea to have another, with a slightly different setting.

My set up-if interested.

Singles-
-AquaLung Legend ACD 2nd stage with same 1st stage main
-AquaLung Titan LX 2nd stage with same 1st stage Octo

Pony-
-Aqualung Titan LX 2nd stage with same 1st stage
or
-AquaLung Calypso 2nd stage ON Titan 1st stage

Twins-
-AquaLung Legend ACD 2nd stage with same 1st stage right post
-Posidon Cylone 2nd stage with same 1st stage left post

John

[Michael Purcell]

I don't buy the argument against matching regs (risk of free flow in cold water) but in fairness I suppose I really don't care as the water temp is 29C rarely dipping below 17C.

Also other than a few regs I don't think IP is really an argument for matching.

If you are cobbling kit together from the used market (or sale market), then mixing likely provides a better shot at lower prices.

I dive all APEX 50s with APEX first stages (Except for one higher end APEX 200 I bought when starting out). This gives me the ability to swap regs on the fly as well as cannibalize and rebuild using parts on hand. This to me is worth a few extra dollars, but if you have a dive store down the road it might not be as important to you.