Choosing a regulator

2019-03-15 - Home

The regulator is the system that enables the diver to breathe the mixture contained in his bottle under the water. The regulator is comprised of a first stage connected to the bottle by a DIN system or a yoke, which reduces the pressure (from high pressure to medium pressure) and a second stage which is placed in the mouth. The choice of your diving regulator depends on several criteria: the type of gas mixture used, the diving conditions - in temperate water or in cold water - and the number of high pressure and medium-pressure dives carried out.

There are two types of pressure regulators, piston or membrane: piston regulators are simpler to use and are recommended for Dive Centres and beginners. Membrane regulators are more efficient and more comfortable, and are more suitable for regular or experienced divers.

To avoid problems of freezing during cold water dives, it is essential to opt for a cold-certified regulator, compliant with the EN250 standard, identified by a mark on the first stage. The special Beuchat VX10 Iceberg Black and the VR200 Soft Touch, are suitable for cold water diving. In addition, the VR200 Soft Touch has a metal casing with fins to procure increased resistance to freezing in extreme conditions.

The means of compensation of the regulator also varies from model to model, so you should have no problem finding the system that suits you best. A compensating, or even “over-balanced”, diving regulator, whether at the first or second stage, is used to maintain a constant intermediate pressure throughout the dive, which guarantees improved comfort for the diver, especially at great depths. All Beuchat rgulators offer an adjustable Venturi at the second stage to reduce the effort of breathing in.

Most divers use air, but there are also other mixtures, such as oxygen-enriched Nitrox: in such cases the Nitrox-Oxy piston VRT30 is recommended.

In addition to specific models for oxygen-enriched mixtures, all Beuchat pressure regulators come in two versions: with a classic 230 bar yoke connection, or a 230/300 bar DIN connection, which guarantees the best seal. DIN valves are used by most divers in Europe, while yokes are very widespread in Asia-Pacific. Note that quick-change adaptors Yoke/DIN and DIN/Yoke are available. So choose your connection according to the geographical areas where you are intending to dive!

To ensure your safety as well as that of your partner, the addition of a hi-viz yellow backup second stage (Octopus)is indispensable. It should be chosen in association with the main regulator and attached to the first stage.

Finally, you should think about having a pressure gauge fastened to your first stage, so you can keep an eye on your air or Nitrox reserves. If you don’t have a diving computer, a depth gauge is indispensable to indicate your depth. For easier handling, the depth gauge can be combined with the pressure gauge in a single analog console.