Without regulators, there simply would not be scuba diving. Regulators are central to your dive experience and are sophisticated pieces of technology that allow us air-breathing mammals to explore environments that were just decades ago completely untouchable to us. Like many other pieces of gear, making the right choice for a regulator may seem like a lot to sort through, so here is a short walk through of the different types of regulators that are offered on the scuba market today.
Balanced Vs. Unbalanced Balance generally refers to how your regulator will perform at depth and at low pressures. Balanced regulators are popular with divers who spend a lot of time at depths of 60 feet and deeper, because these regs will perform regardless of depth. Balanced regs also will smoothly even if your tank pressure is low, extending dives and dive comfort. Unbalanced regs are less expensive and perform well for newer divers.
Sealed Vs. Unsealed Regulators offering "environmental seals" are designed with cold water diving in mind. The environmental seals prevent freezing water from entering the regulator and seizing up the mechanisms inside. For tropical diving, however, an unsealed regulator will perform just as well, though it may need to be serviced more often.
Traditional Vs. Integrated Octo Traditional octopus sets are the most common type of octo available and is what most divers are taught with. Integrated systems install a regulator into the inflator hose, reducing the need for an extra hose. Divers looking to streamline their gear often opt for this set up.
Choosing an octo for you means understanding your needs as a diver. Recreational divers in warm water may not need the high performance regs that a technical or ice diver may need. We can answer your questions at 888-728-2252!
