Diving Regulators
Bahamas Diving is some of the best diving in the world. Good diving equipment means everything to a diver. Lack of or faulty diving equipment can ruin a diving trip or even cause serious injury or death. A diver needs to know their equipment.
This article will shed some light on regulators. The regulator is the thing on your air tank that drops the pressure coming from the tank to a pressure that you can use. This is also known as the first stage of the regulator.
The second stage of the regulator is at the mouthpiece. It’s at the end of a hose that comes from the first stage. It further reduces the air pressure to the exact pressure you’ll need for breathing comfortably.
The alternate second stage is another mouthpiece with a regulator. It’s exactly the same as the one you breathe through. It’s there for emergencies or just in case you need it for your diving buddy.
Low pressure hoses are there to supply your BCD or dry suit with air. The SPG hose sends air to your Supply Pressure Gauge. The SPG tells you how much air you have in your tank.
The most important think to look for in a regulator is how easy it is to breathe through. The easier it is to breathe through, the more enjoyable your Bahamas Diving will be. The best regulators cost more, but this is the most important part of your diving apparatus. This is where you splurge if you can.
One important feature you’ll want on your regulator is an adjustable second stage. As the breathing characteristics change on the second stage due to use and age of the equipment, the adjustment makes it possible to keep the second stage working properly as you fine tune it.
Another option you may want is a dive-predive switch. Some regulators are sensitive and prone to free flow when they’re out of your mouth. The dive-predive switch makes them temporarily insensitive.
One very important thing to remember when buying a regulator is to remember that it will need servicing every one or two years. Be sure that the regulator is compatible with your tank and BCD and be sure you get a brand that your local PADI shop or resort will service. Be Safe and Happy Bahamas Diving!