What Types of Regulators Are There?
In a previous episode of 【What's This Gear #10】, we introduced regulator brands from various manufacturers.
A viewer requested a deeper look at the differences between types of first stage regulators —
specifically the piston, balanced piston, and diaphragm first stage regulators.
So this time on What's This Gear, we've once again invited regulator maintenance expert and dive instructor Lin Yu-ping from Divemate Club
to share with us the fundamental structural differences between these three types of regulators,
and to recommend which type you should choose
when picking out your own regulator.
00
Introduction to piston regulators01 Introduction to balanced piston regulators
02 Introduction to diaphragm regulators
Regulator Summary
To briefly summarize for everyone:
A piston regulator will gradually deliver lower intermediate pressure as the scuba tank / cylinder is consumed during a dive.
At that point, you'll noticeably feel it becoming harder to breathe.
This discomfort can cause beginners to panic or lead to a poor diving experience.
Balanced piston regulators and diaphragm regulators, however,
are able to maintain relatively stable intermediate pressure due to differences in their structural design.
For this reason, instructor Yu-ping recommends that if you're choosing a regulator for long-term personal use,
you should consider going straight for a balanced piston regulator or a diaphragm regulator.
Of course, every brand's regulator will have slight differences —
whether in construction, materials, or design philosophy.
Before purchasing, it's worth consulting a professional dive shop or instructor so you don't end up wasting your time and money!
Below are introductions to some common regulator brands.
For future content you'd like to see, feel free to make requests in the comments section!
The importance of a regulator among scuba diving equipment
Special thanks to instructor Lin Yu-ping of Divemate Club for sharing his expertise.
https://www.facebook.com/divemateclub/
SCUBAPRO full regulator lineup —
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/PD8hzOMQ-uc
ATOMIC full regulator lineup —
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/GMxpiQedDms
APEKS full regulator lineup — a well-known brand in the technical diving world —
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/2T1DjYFkQJU
Jacket BCD buying guide and material overview —
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/pL3ko0Levb0
High-pressure hose vs. low-pressure hose — which blowout is more dangerous?
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/4ZFPrpF45OQ
BLACKTIP DPV Unboxing — the ultimate deep dive into the Blacktip underwater scooter
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/kxies8zYsIA
Back-mount BCD buying guide — Back Float BCD Unboxing
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/XBKHPsRNy4k
Scuba Diving Wetsuit buying guide — Scuba Diving Wetsuits Unboxing
Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/FawlIX5ddkk
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