This video proves to me that you're not out here trying to lead anybody to buy certain manufactures products, especially the high end products that are not affordable to many of us divers including myself. When it comes to honesty we can count on you. I for one appreciate that! Thank you.
So start diving! Anything I say about scuba diving is twice as good in real life. Thanks for watching though and for your kind comment. If you can't be a scuba diver at least I can make you smile. Alec
Alec, you are an amazing salesman! It is obvious you know your theory good, but boy do you have that energy and desire to just simply share your knowledge. They dont make them like that anymore my friend. you are awesome
5 year old video and still great information for novice divers or those looking to get into the sport/hobby. thank you for having the most informative videos on YT.
You’re funny and very entertaining. This is why I watch, lol. But seriously, you’re such a wonderful educator. Thank you for breaking this information down for us.
Hi Alec, I love watching your videos. I've been a serious diver for 50 years but you have taught me so many tips. I also love your sense of humour. A few years ago I bought a pair of split fins because they were a clearance item and they looked strong, But every time I was about to go diving they were left behind with all the "what if" problems. Finally before a week's holiday on the Great Barrier Reef I finally tried them out in a swimming pool. Gotta tell you I flew up and down so fast, so took them to the reef. I soon found I had a lot more power driving me with a lot less effort. I could even twist the fins sideways and manoeuvre myself so easily in another direction. I'm all for relaxed diving where I can see all my favourite critters, but if I'm suddenly in a rushing current, I want my split fins on. Thank you for all your knowledge and wonderful tips. cheers Dianne.
Your welcome Dianne. I want to share ideas, not sell or dictate 'best' equipment for those who don't need it or afford it. Split fins, jet/rocket fins and Sea Nova fins are options to pick which works best for you. Some say split are no good but your experience says they work great for you and that's why we have so many choices. Keep on diving 'kid' and thanks for sharing. Alec
Hi again Alec, Just been watching your tips on buying a new regulator, which is what I'm about to do today! Very exciting to have a brand new reg. We're off to look at the Beauchat which is a balanced reg but not crazy expensive, no power windows, but light weight and "super" plastic. Took all your advice on board. My husband, who's a very clever man, but a dummy with mobile phones said there was a message from you which he promptly lost before we could read it. So at first I was excited, then disappointed. Apparently this site links messages to his phone. My e-mail address is di.austin@bigpond.com Would it be possible for you to resend your message here to me. Thank you so much for being my helpful tipster. Cheers Dianne.
So lovely to find your message. Yep I give my split fins 10/10 , so much more power than my previously much loved Mares quattro's. I honestly didn't think anything could match them, until now. Cheers Dianne. @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
I like this guy, he knows what he is talking about, straight to the point, and no 5 minute adds for some sponsor everyone already knows about (Ahem "Raid Shadow Legends") thank you for the quality content Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter you are doing great with the education and entertainment, once I get my scuba cert, it would be fun to dive with you if that is ever possible
You're a very gifted teacher, Mr. Pierce. I was a novice diver 20 years ago and had to stop due to circumstances. As I return to the sport, with so many technological advances to catch up to, you're there making it fun and easy! I really appreciate you!
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I'm sincere when I say that you have heavily influenced my gear decisions. I first discovered you when I was trying to learn more about a vintage diving knife I acquired 25 years ago. Found your video and there was my knife! It's an Aqua Lung made in Japan with a scuba diver on the blade. Been learning from you ever since! 👍👍
Alec that was educational & entertaining. I used us divers back in 1971 & 72 made famous by Jacques Cousteau and his wonderful tv series. Was my cousin not mine but always loved scuba. Had 1st GI Joe sailor and got the scuba outfit was 5, then Thunderball & 007 Sub Rolex. The gear is so cool. A fun hobby and not that expensive to have fun with. The dives are sometimes spectacular. Truly is inner space the experience of diving. I enjoyed watching you talk about regulators and features & benefit. Get what you pay for & cheap is dear God Bless Henry Limpet says hi
I laughed so hard, but learned so much too! As a recreational diver that decided to buy my own equipment after 58dives on my last trip, this video answered EXACTLY my questions! Thanks for the info in a fun video!
Your videos are what brought me to get into diving, I wish I could dive with you one day, you're truly an inspiration for me to be as a diver whether it be your straightforward opinion or just your funny personality. Please keep up these videos so I can learn more.
Thanks very much Greg. That's the greatest compliment to me - that I "got you into diving". I'm glad you're enjoying my videos and hopefully learning something. Alec
OK! Now I'm hooked! While I'm dry I'll be watching your videos. I started diving with a basic US Divers Aquarius reg & a J valve on my tanks & IT WENT EVERYWHERE down to 130 feet which is where it got pretty cold in a second thermocline. That little $49 purchase was awesome back in the early '70's, so no you don't need a fancy reg. I don't recall ever doing any service on it for the 5 years it was my only regulator as a starving high school student diver in SoCal. I spent MUCH more money on boat trips to Catalina & Santa Barbara islands, not to mention multiple weekly beach dives from Corona del Mar to Dana Point. When I did get a new reg it was about 3.5 to 4 times as expensive to attach to a Scuba Pro vest bc. Great foolproof system! Still no octopus & finally a tank pressure gauge with K valve. You don't need all that lovely fancy expensive gear to dive. The more complicated your gear system, the greater the possibility for failure back then. 🦈
Alec, that was the best explanation I've seem for the Venturi (sic) assist. I finally understand its function even if I don't understand all of the science, thanks.
Alec Peirce your a national treasure!!! Thanks for the explanation on all your videos. Great personality, very likeable, and your breadth of knowledge and experience is refreshing. Also your saving us newbies from the local high pressure (no pun intended), sales guy trying to sell me on the $6,000 dive setup for this beginner
I’m just educating myself about this as I will be getting certified this year. You Sir are of great service to folks like me before I purchase my kit. Thanks for taking time to educate us , it’s appreciated and very real world.
Got two Apeks DS4, they are balanced, compensated and dry sealed (no water get´s inside the mechanism). They don´t have a swivel but i don´t need one as i use a 2,10m ~7 feet hose. Pretty happy with that setup. Revision kits are pretty cheap and they are extremly reliable.
Thanks for the videos you do!! I've learned to work with my reg and adjust it for easier breathing by taking it apart and seeing how it works. I never knew about those special features!! Maybe some day I'll treat my self but when your diving in fast water sand gets in and causes problems!! River diving!! Thanks
Hello Alec. I think it would be good to mention that metal parts in II stage are also less likely to freeze due to the thermal conductivity, so if You plan to dive in cold waters (let's say 6-7°C and less) it's better to choose the one that has at least some metal parts like a radiator.
Sir, my compliments to you, you know the subject matter (I'm an engineer, and one who understands the physics of all you talk about), well done sir. I think you are an excellent instructor, I learned allot (even though I already knew most of the subject matter). Well done sir .... you are obviously a master of your craft . Thank you so very kindly for your unbiased knowledge. You could be my dad!
I have been married more than once so???? Thanks for watching and there is lots more technical videos on 1st stage internals and how piston regs work to keep you interested. Thanks Pat. Alec
Hi. Alec. I just bought my first regulator today. It is the Scubapro mk11 C370 and it cost about $500. The next thing I am going to get my octo and low pressure hose. Other than my Bcd, I will be all set. There are many reasons why I went ahead and bought my own regulator is nobody else will be using it but me, I know it will be serviced , it is adjustable, and it is safer.
The Scubapro MK11/C370 is a fine rig. I'm sure you will be happy with it for many years. And it's comforting to know it's yours - no one else has touched it. Alec
Thanks for the videos! I'm new to diving and going to Bonaire with my fiance for our honeymoon! She's an experienced diver and I've just completed the open water class so, I have no idea what I'm doing. Your videos are great for me and have answered so many questions that I've had!
Hey Alec, you are awesome. I love watching your videos. I've learned so much. I just got my PADI OW in June and my PADI AOW in October. I bought my first piece of gear. I watched your Dive Computer video and got the Suunto Vyper Novo. It was suggested that I should get my Regulator next because the Vyper has Air Integration. I like it cuz I can wear it on my wrist and see all the data I need during my dive right there. I was thinking of Scubapro MK25 /S600 it is nice but you're right. its expensive and I don't think I will dove that much maybe 6 times a year. so I was checking the aqua lung legend supreme. which is maybe a $100 cheaper, but still $650-$750 is a big difference then $300. now I have to rethink my whole search. but I see a lot of this equipment can last for years if I take care of it. so I wonder if the investment is worth it. I'm 43 years old,. I hope I'm diving in my 70's like you. with that being said, I debating if I should get this now cuz I know ill use it for the rest of my scuba diving days
Well Charles, you pretty much answered you own question. Yes. Get the 25/600 and the Vyper Air transmitter. You won't be unhappy; it will last for many, many years; service is easy and affordable and there's no better performance. Even if you're only making a few dives each year, you may as well have great gear. It feels good and gives you confidence so your dives are more comfortable. Confidence in your gear does that. Good luck. Alec
As always great explanations and analogies. You do a great job! You are a natural at explaining this type of technology for a large audience. Like i said in the past, you are a walking book sir!
Thank's much for sharing your knowledge in such a fun way. I just became very interested in scuba diving and this videos have become very use full for me. God bless you!!
Hi Alec. Very good video as usual. I own a US Divers Aquarius that has not use for 30-something years (I stop diving as many years) up until last year. Even right out of the bag it worked after attaching it to a tank. Got it serviced and now not only looks like new but works really good, at least the way I remember it. Very simple regulator and as you say, it fits my diving needs, a couple of days a year in fresh water. But although it is working the way it is supposed to I am looking for a more modern (21th century) system in the near future. Will use the Aquarius as a backup I guess.
The Aquarius was not a really big seller when t came out. Although it's one of the very few adjustable piston regs ever made, it simply wasn't a good breather and many divers thought it looked odd too. The later Calypso on the other hand was one of the most popular ever made. Millions were sold. However, the Aquarius is a good back-up or even main reg depending on your diving. have fun. Alec
THAT WELL, MR. Alec, Thank you very much for your instructions today I learned a lot in your two videos about the first stage and the second stage. ... I still do not buy my first dive unit that will be exclusively for use in the exploration with my metal detector in shallow waters ... the truth is that I am quoting and I thought as many that making a super investment in equipment and accessories is synonymous with greater security and performance but I know that an expensive and a low-cost supplement do not make a big difference ... thank you Master .... Rodolfo Diaz (Dominican Republic Rudolph Diaz).
I'm still using a USD Calypso J regular I bought new in 1972 for $50.00 at Tinker Air Force Base. Had to replace a few hoses, mouth pieces and have it tuned up a couple of times but it still works fine. I'm still making 3 or 4 dives per year.
Great old reg. I might suggest that some time your beg, borrow, steal a top line modern reg just for fun. Maybe a Scubapro MK25/S600 or similar. It will take a few minutes to get used to the easy breathing ad high flow but after you relax and let the reg do the work, you may find it amazing. I'm not suggesting that vintage gear shouldn't be used. I do so myself often. But in 50 years there have been some tremendous changes and improvements in reg design and performance. Take care. Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter do you think this is also true with poseidon gear? I've been using a cyklon from 1958 lately and was surprised how easy it is to breathe from it
Alec, big fan of your Scuba Tech Tips! Just wondering if you'd consider doing a video with tips on air consumption if possible. I've got over 60 dives but I'm still a bit of an "air hog." Do you have any tips on reducing air consumption while diving? Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure you and Kevin can come up with something though! I'm sure I'm not the only one that would definitely appreciate seeing a video on the subject.Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your videos. They've been very enlightening. I've been diving in my south american cold waters for a while and my $300 reg done the job faultlessly.
I'm from Chile. Average temp are 10°C in winter and 12°C in summer, in the central region, were the main scubadiving centers operates. Now there is a couple of centers starting to operate in the southern lakes, I'm looking forward to go there Kind Regards, Oscar
well you can get an Apeks DST first stage with swivel and a XTX 50 second stage for ~350-400$ there you got all the features of the 800$ scubapro but without all the bells and whistles.
Alec, Could you please do a full face mask video? I’m curious to hear your thoughts and opinions. I started using the ots guardian and absolutely love it. Biggest pros are your face stays warm, no jaw fatigue, leak free, you can breathe through your nose and no fogging! Thank you.
Your videos are awesome. I'm planning on getting certified this summer and my biggest questions are always is it smarter to buy the more expensive gear. You know, buy once. This video was really helpful in finding out its not necessary to buy the most expensive gear.
This is the first video of yours that I watched and I love it! I just bought new gear for a heck of deal so I'm pretty stoked. You said mention topics to discuss, so I will (sorry if you've been down this road before). I would love to watch a video about the AquaLung MTXR and the new Navy Cold Weather parameters that are going to release. On even more broad terms, maybe discuss the direction of the industry with 'innovation' vs 'old school' like seawing novas compared to jetfins/RK3s or the ScubaPro Hydros Pro and the new Aqualung "Recreation BPW" BCD they are starting to market. Thanks for the video!
I can do something like that. As I've said many times, there's very little that's really new. Most "NEW" ideas are re-hashed ideas from the 60's. Back then we didn't have the materials to make some products well. Now, with new materials and technology, anything goes so many ideas are finally coming out in a workable form. The Scubapro Seawing Nova fin for example, which I use and love, is not a new idea. It's new material and technology to make it work better. We even had stretch straps back then. Take care. Alec
I bought a Mares Abyss in 1997. Still works great. It was an expensive piece of mechanics at the time, but when I compare cost of maintenance, it's a lot cheaper than piston regulator. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Thanks very much for the overview, I chose the $800, but didn’t know why. Now I do, the store did not explain it as simply and as straightforward as you did. I’ll look to see if you’ve created a video on it, but what about adding the octopus vs other solutions? (I’m as new at this as you get, have not done certification dives yet, but have completed the on-line lessons and written test.)
Id never dive in arctic/ antarctic or just cold water without my Poseidon Jetstream or Xtream. The first stage is magical in Poseidon's upstage regs. And I've never seen one freeze no matter how poorly treated in a frozen Minnesota lake. No need for a cold water kit. But MANY great and cheap regs that Id be happy to use in warm water diving.
Poseidon has always been a tried an tested regulator for extreme condition's. Im always interested in what the extreme tech. Boys are diving, I'm talking say 300 to 500 feet, I'd say the majority of them are using Poseidon
I got a good deal on a new still-in-the-box Sherwood SR2 for $525 1st & 2nd stage. 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports. I dive year-round in Puget Sound out of Seattle, WA and the water is cold.
With the breathing adjustment, I always set mine to the easiest to breath. Why would you ever want to turn it back? Never really got that. Great video as usual thanks very much Alex.
a current can push the diaphragm in your first stage back a little bit (same sort of effect as breathing in or pushing your purge button) and all the adjustment does is make it a little harder for that to happen and keeps air in your tank when you aren't breathing it
Patch is quite right. Personally I find the newest regs are so easy to breath that they will almost make me choke. Maybe I need to stop sucking on them so hard but it's easier to just turn it down a little bit. The best reason for the adjustment is to stop a slight free flow. Alec
Hello Alec, great video as always! I've been watching your videos to help me choose between a Scubapro Mk21 and a mk25 first stages. Do you have any comments on comparing those? I can't find videos or comparisons lists about it (just a big difference in price!). Any comments on the Scubapro r195 second stage?
All Scubapro gear is excellent. I have used and sold it all for years.I can think of no reason to buy a MK21. It offers nothing that the MK25 doesn't. And the MK25 has some nice features - swivel, anti-freeze, easier service, more ways to mount it, etc. The r195 is a solid, simply 2nd for your safe second. You'd probably enjoy an s600/620 or G260 more for your primary. Good luck. Alec
Thanks Alec. Great, informative video. I am shopping for a reg (never owned one), mostly for cold water diving here in the Bay Area, California. Is the key take-home message that the 1st stage unbalanced vs balanced doesn't really matter for a normal dive (like not too cold and not too deep)? Go for something that is easy to service? So if the budget is tight, $300 reg should give me everything I need, right? Steven
Absolutely. If you're not diving deep on a regular basis and if you're in OK physical condition (not really overweight), a standard 1st is fine. Today's regs deliver more air that 5 divers could consume and on dives less than 100', the standard gives the same performance as balanced. In your case, I'd suggest you save some money to put towards a good wetsuit or dry suit!! I've dived there and It's cold - and I'm from Canada! Thanks for watching. Alec
Or you can buy a $500 regulator for $150 like I did just because it is a few years old (new old stock) doesn't mean it doesn't work great. balance diaphragm, super compact light travel, flow and venturi adjustment. Speaking of which, isn't Venturi also used to stop free flow at the surface when you open the flow all the way ? I found that really helps.
Generally the Venturi when open will exacerbate a Free Flow. The Venturia does nothing until air starts to flow. That's why the statement that a Venturi makes breathing easier is incorrect. You still have to exert the same effort to pull the diaphragm in, open the valve and start the air flow. Then, and only then, the Venturi is activated by the air flowing past the diaphragm and it pulls the diaphragm in much more than without the Venturi. It may seem like an easier breath but it's really only a greater volume of air. So, when the Venturi is activated (on) and a Free Flow begins, the Venturi increases the flow. With the Venturi off, it ought not Free Flow at all. Wow! That was a good deal Alain, but rare. Any regulator less than 10 years old will share the same features. So long as it's not obsolete or from a company that closed, it'll be great. Actually lots of people (like me) can service any regulator regardless of age. Take care. Alec
company didn't close per say, but when Aeris merged (back) with Oceanic they stopped production and consolidated many of their top of line regulator that can be had for a fraction. I checked and the service kit of both stages are still used in current products so it should be ok. That said I tried getting a DIN adapter and that part wasn't available anymore (then they found a box full, but at the price it's not worth it and will stick to 3442psi yoke/din tanks instead of the cheaper/easier to find older 3500psi).
Both are good regs and I don't give my view as that is something the buyer must decide. Review the specs and online reviews for both (lots of dive mags and sites review gear an in UA-cam also). Don't look at the regs but write down what you needs are: price budget, type and frequency of diving, is a LDS nearby to service it, venturi option, etc. A.
I think the primary thing people should look for in a reg set is a sealed and balanced first stage. A balanced second stage matched to the first is a nice bonus. If you plan to travel then more $$$ can mean lighter, smaller regs. If you plan on diving in more extreme conditions, then more $$$ gets you specialty equipment. I spent about $800 on a Glacia reg set because I mostly dive cold water, winter, and occasionally ice. It functions perfectly no matter the conditions. Would a less expensive unit do the same? Probably. I use my kid's $400 Micron in all the same conditions and it has yet to ever fail. And the Micron also sees duty as a travel reg set for warm waters. So unpaid pitch for the Micron I guess, but I've had nothing but success with it.
Hi, thanks for the tips, but im current stuck on Atomic T3 or St1 or Scubapro S600. im in Australia btw, and most dive in 10-30°c water. also for the dive computer, can you really trust the transmitter?
Riki Li Any of those regs would work for what you want. Although if I'm honest for diving in those conditions you don't need such a high end regulator, you're better off spending your money on a good camera. The atomic T3, ST2, B2 and Z3 are all identical in mechanical design and all perform exactly the same. The only difference is the materials used. I use B2 regs but I do deep cold water diving where performance is essential. The second stage on the B2, ST2 and T3 are totally identical, only difference is the face plate. The only people I've ever seen with the T3 and ST2 are people with money to burn, since they are nothing more than a waste of money. Can't comment on the scuba pro since I haven't used them. On the subject of the transmitter, I personally always have a back up SPG. Mainly because I've had transmitters fail for various reasons. With an SPG as a backup is meant I've never had to abort a dive for that reason.
TheMole is quite right. Atomic has perfected the sales method of offering 1 item with different prices based on the paint job! They really only have 1 regulator. It's good but no more than many others. The Scubapro S600 is excellent. Been around a long time; top performance; easy to service anywhere in the world; and, (I shouldn't tell you this) built simple and solid. The Hummer of regulators! Alec
Oh yeah. Forgot about the transmitter question. I use an Oceanic which is the same as several other big brands and have found it very good. Never let me down with maybe 100 dives in different environments. The problems with them are pretty much gone so long as you choose a new one and, here's where I irritate a lot of divers, a Western brand. The European brands (Uwatec or Suunto) are still struggling and are tough to deal with. If it goes wrong you could wait months to get it fixed or replaced. If you want to wait a couple of years for them to be perfect (mind you, SPGs break down too!), get a hose mount style - Wisdom is great or Data Plus or even Cobra. The hose isn't really a problem (you say you're carrying an SPG anyway) and they are 100% reliable. Alec
"Consistant Hi volume air" as Alec said... Buy a balanced first stage... you won't regret it. I always told my students you don't want to feel like you're trying to suck air from a cocktail straw, especially if you're new, maybe a little nervous or over excited, or going deeper, say over 60'. Just my opinion (y)
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter will be using here in UAE, just finish my rescue diving. Thanks a lot Alec, your information here in youtube really help a lot in deciding which equipment I will go. God bless always
I’m a first time diver. You remind me of my dad who is a bit scepetical about me diving. I know after he sees your videos he will know he can rest assured.
I am constantly amazed that I'm still alive. I did so much crazy sh** when in my teens - not illegal or even bad, just stupid. However, scuba diving really makes you 'grow up and smell the roses', as they say. It gives you a sense of responsibility and vulnerability - not common among teenagers - and here I am - old and having had some incredible experiences. In today's worId, I worry about my 4 kids and 6 grandkids but they're almost all scuba divers and I know that's both safe and fun. Keep your head on straight, no drugs, follow the simple rules and you'll have an amazing future in scuba. Good luck and thanks for watching. Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Im the same way. Looking back i wonder how i made it to 32. Never broke the law or did drugs just went for it. Now as a scuba diver i really consider the dangers in all i do
Been diving just long enough to stop logging my dives...but not in the last few years. I'm looking into getting my own gear because I miss diving after the local dive shop closed :( Just like my other hobbies, cost is always a factor...but I have no problems with dropping the coins where it's warranted. Right now I'm looking at Amazon and similar as compared to packages from dive shops (from your recommendation, Dan's is on my list). I've taken away some helpful information from of every single one of your vids I've seen so far, so thanks for helping me filter out the marketing from the useful.
Glad these make you search and selection easier. Sometimes big gear purchases scare divers afraid of making a 'wrong' choice. Almost anything available today will meet you needs, maybe not your preference like in features, colour or style. If you pick Dan's, tell them Alec helped in the decision and say Hi for me. Thanks for watching. Alec
I think that you left out a very important detail in this video. Piston vs. Diaphragm, and off that, sealed vs. unsealed. These differences can be very important to many people, and will cost more, especially near where you dive!
More videos coming to cover some of those points. My vids are way too long Neal so I'm trying to cover smaller points. It means some ideas are left out of individual ones, but the good news is I'll have a lot more videos (I assume that good news!!). Alec
There are two things that he could be talking about. That regulator will have a higher gas flow through it with less resistance than the 300$ example, meaning easier breathing, and more gas in an emergency situation, such as hyperventilating and buddy breathing. Secondly, and he didn't mention this in the video, it is a diaphragm design. Inherent in the diaphragm design, which piston designs do not give you unless specially made that way, is environmental sealing. This does two things. First, it keeps water and contaminants out of the first stage. Secondly, it increases the regulators resistance to freezing. If you dive in colder waters (think somewhere less than 50f, 10C) then there is a chance for your regulator to freeze. This is obviously bad, and the sealing reduces the chance of that happening by keeping water out of the internal components. Hope that helped.
High performance in a scuba regulator really comes down to 2 measureable factors - ease of breathing and flow. So a high performance regulator would have fast response with minimum effort (ease of breathing) and would deliver high volumes of air. That means a balanced regulator for sure. I notice that Neal has already responded with some good ideas. I would only take him to task about choosing a diaphragm over a piston. The diaphragm regulator uses a flexible rubber disc to respond to the diver's inhalation and then delivers that movement to the actual valve via a steel pin. This design has been around a long time. It is the original design of regulators (think Cousteau!). That process involves the movement of at least 4 parts or as many as 7! The piston regulator uses pressure differential to move a steel piston up or down which directly opens or closes the valve. 1 part! It's simpler, less parts, more rugged (reliable?), has faster response and can give greater volumes of air. While Neal is quite right on some points, here he needs correction. The piston regulator separates the air and water by the O-Ring on the piston. In fact, the vast majority of scuba regulators made today are piston style and most cold water rated regs are piston style - Sherwood Blizzard, Scubapro MK25, etc. Pretty much only Aqua Lung stills uses diaphragm regs for their entire line although some of their best-known regs from the past were piston. I will do a video on the difference between piston and diaphragm with actual take-apart regs. Now let me add that both work really well and it's a personal choice. However, if buying a new regulator, I'd always suggest a piston style. They simply won't let you down. I can go into more technical detail if you like. Alec
You know Neal I just re-read your comment and I should point out something that's been a bug-a-boo of mine for many years. I recall when regulators started to get better that a lot of old divers (funny to say that 'Old divers' - I'm 70 and been diving almost 60 years!!) would say that they didn't like them because they were too easy to breath and wasted air. They actually said " I want to use my good ol' 2 hose 'cause I need to suck hard on it and that saves air!". In fact, simply physiology, your body will use exactly the amount of air it needs to survive or at least accomplish the task at hand - no more and no less. If you have an easy breathing reg, it's just easier (less effort) to take a breath. If you have to suck hard to get the air out, your muscles need more air and so you use more. Unless air is being wasted around your mouth or bubbling out, you cannot take in more air than what is needed. Try to take 2 breaths instead of just one while sitting around. Doesn't work. In fact, if you breath too hard and deep, after a short while you will pass out. It's your body saying "Stop breathing idiot. I don't need that much!". (My old body talks to me that way - particularly in the mornings!). So, while easy breathing (low effort) is good, it's not because it keeps air in the tank - other than the air you are saving by not having to work hard to breath! Thanks for your input Neal. Alec
Alec, I do believe that you misread my comment. I never EVER claimed that diaphragm regs were better, or that high flow was better.I simply stated 1.) That when people refer to regs as "higher performance", they often mean higher flow. and 2.) That what you had in your hand is a diaphragm reg, and that inherent in their design is the fact that they are sealed. This also helps with freezing. I never mentioned that only sealed regs are good for cold water, or that one is better than another. To your comment of "the vast majority of scuba regulators made today are piston style and most cold water rated regs are piston style - Sherwood Blizzard, Scubapro MK25, etc. Pretty much only Aqua Lung stills uses diaphragm regs for their entire line although some of their best-known regs from the past were piston." I do have to disagree. While there may be many regs that are piston, I would hardly say the vast majority are, and certainly not the vast majority of cold water regs. Ex. Scubapro: Mk. 11, Mk. 17 first stages are both diaphragm, which are half of the regs currently stocked (on the market) from what I've seen. Oceanic: FDX-i, FDX-10, CDX5 are all diaphragm regulators currently on shelves, also at least half of the oceanic line All deep 6 regs are diaphragm. I think all apeks regs? Sherwood: Whereas all their regs ARE piston, I believe all their cold water rated ones ARE ALSO sealed. Correct me if I'm wrong there. Mares: 52x, 22x, 15x are all diaphragm I believe. All Hollis regs are diaphragm except their pure O2 and rebreather first stages. Aqualung, as you pointed out. And many, many more. You can go on and on. I am NOT saying that diaphragm regs are any better than piston by any means, but saying they are in the vast minority is not correct. Lastly, your comment on how piston regs won't let you down for first time regs may be true, but I know very few, if any, that have given people problems because of the diaphragm design. Thank you very much for your videos, I do appreciate them, but I believe you heavily misinterpreted my comment, and I felt the need to straighten some things out. Please keep these ideas in mind when making your cold water reg/piston or diaphragm reg video. Thanks.
Hello Alec, I have an Oceanic 2nd stage octopus with a ball and socket swivel attached to a yellow rubber hose. I want to swap the rubber hose for a yellow miflex hose. Problem is the spanners just turn the swivel round and round. I want to move the rubber hose end covers onto the miflex hose as well. That is IF I can ever get the damn rubber hose off the second stage.
That swivel is a special piece and it may prove difficult to accomplish what you want. I'm not a big fan of the "double your fun swivels" that, in my opinion, only make it hard to find and insert your mouthpiece underwater. A properly set up hose will be perfectly comfortable. You don't need the darn swivel. It was and still is a marketing ploy - "Buy Our Reg 'cause It Has A Swivel". Unfortunately, some regulators have a different fitting on the 2nd stage inlet to accommodate the swivel. It may be hard to change it back. And some swivels are an integral part of the hose. Your LDS can easily remove the swivel fitting and advise you on how to fit a normal hose, a flex hose. If you like, send me a close-up of the swivel with the rubber cover removed and I'll see if I can explain how to remove it. Send to seahunter@vintagescuba.com. Take care. Alec
My dive buddy is telling me to get the Hog D3 Sidemount Regulator Package but my dive shop owner is saying the Apek XTX50 sidemount kit. The Apek being double the price, this video may have helped with my decision. Thanks a lot!
Dear Mr. Alec Pierce, i have question on regulator hose by nylon. some of nylon hose inside is urethan layor which was crystalized and powder crushed. If you have any more infomation, please update with buddies. Thanks ! My mento !
The problem with disintegrating flex hoses is long gone. There are still articles about that problem on the internet but check the dates - they are old!! Flex hoses are excellent. Alec
Hello Alec Love your videos! I still dive and love my Poseidon regulator I tried a aqua lung legend reg with the Venturi but only dove it a couple times before I sold it and went back to my Poseidon’s.Seems to me that the Poseidon’s consistently breath (no shortage of air)like the legend when using the Venturi. I use Jetstream second stage and Jetstream safe second but use a Cyklon on my pony if I think I have a need to take it. In my opinion I just love the way these things breath as well as love the side exhaust. Don’t see many recreation divers diving with them though.??? Thanks again for all the effort you and Kevin put into these videos! Gary
Poseidon has marketed their regulators as a technical or professional choice for the last many years and they have achieved some success in that. I don't believe it has translated into financial success however. The recreational market is vastly larger. Their regulators are well-made and there is no shame in liking and using a Poseidon. They're one of my favorites too. Alec
I have only got to dive once in my life an I’m patiently waiting for snow to melt so I can go play in the water with out freezing, good informational videos keep it up 😁
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your videos! Best in the WWW... and the matter of fact that your channel is add free shows me there are still people out there who are really giving valuable information because they LOVE what they do! I wish you were MY dive store!!! But I will check if your store is online to find somehow... many of my dive buddies watch your videos lol and we say "safe second" with a blink of an eye lol (because we don't use that term in the US lol only Alex Peirce fans do!! you are the Jacques Cousteau for scuba gear!! BTW since I was on an budget when I wanted my own gear I went with the Scubapro MK11 with a C370 and a R195 as a "safe second" and I love it.. besides a galileo luna I got used for an awesome price and backed up with a good old fashioned gauges system ( because i am German and we love safety lol) I rather carry the extra hose lol
Backup is a great idea along with training and practice. Sounds like you value all three Claudia. Appreciate your watching and comments. Keep them coming, I love it. Take care Alec
This video proves to me that you're not out here trying to lead anybody to buy certain manufactures products, especially the high end products that are not affordable to many of us divers including myself. When it comes to honesty we can count on you. I for one appreciate that! Thank you.
Thanks William. Alec
Stumbled across one video of yours and now I have spent all afternoon clicking through! Keep them coming, Alec!!
Wow! You have a lot of work to do. I think there's a couple of hundred by now.
Thanks for watching.
I hope you get some good ideas.
Take care.
Alec
I've never dived in my life, but I like listening to this dude explain stuff. :)
So start diving!
Anything I say about scuba diving is twice as good in real life.
Thanks for watching though and for your kind comment.
If you can't be a scuba diver at least I can make you smile.
Alec
Alec, you are an amazing salesman! It is obvious you know your theory good, but boy do you have that energy and desire to just simply share your knowledge. They dont make them like that anymore my friend. you are awesome
5 year old video and still great information for novice divers or those looking to get into the sport/hobby. thank you for having the most informative videos on YT.
Glad it was helpful!
You’re funny and very entertaining. This is why I watch, lol. But seriously, you’re such a wonderful educator. Thank you for breaking this information down for us.
I'm glad you are enjoying them.
I aim to educate or entertain. Sometimes I do both.
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Hi Alec, I love watching your videos. I've been a serious diver for 50 years but you have taught me so many tips. I also love your sense of humour. A few years ago I bought a pair of split fins because they were a clearance item and they looked strong, But every time I was about to go diving they were left behind with all the "what if" problems. Finally before a week's holiday on the Great Barrier Reef I finally tried them out in a swimming pool. Gotta tell you I flew up and down so fast, so took them to the reef. I soon found I had a lot more power driving me with a lot less effort. I could even twist the fins sideways and manoeuvre myself so easily in another direction. I'm all for relaxed diving where I can see all my favourite critters, but if I'm suddenly in a rushing current, I want my split fins on. Thank you for all your knowledge and wonderful tips. cheers Dianne.
Your welcome Dianne. I want to share ideas, not sell or dictate 'best' equipment for those who don't need it or afford it. Split fins, jet/rocket fins and Sea Nova fins are options to pick which works best for you. Some say split are no good but your experience says they work great for you and that's why we have so many choices. Keep on diving 'kid' and thanks for sharing.
Alec
Hi again Alec, Just been watching your tips on buying a new regulator, which is what I'm about to do today! Very exciting to have a brand new reg. We're off to look at the Beauchat which is a balanced reg but not crazy expensive, no power windows, but light weight and "super" plastic. Took all your advice on board. My husband, who's a very clever man, but a dummy with mobile phones said there was a message from you which he promptly lost before we could read it. So at first I was excited, then disappointed. Apparently this site links messages to his phone. My e-mail address is di.austin@bigpond.com Would it be possible for you to resend your message here to me. Thank you so much for being my helpful tipster. Cheers Dianne.
So lovely to find your message. Yep I give my split fins 10/10 , so much more power than my previously much loved Mares quattro's. I honestly didn't think anything could match them, until now. Cheers Dianne. @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
I like this guy, he knows what he is talking about, straight to the point, and no 5 minute adds for some sponsor everyone already knows about (Ahem "Raid Shadow Legends")
thank you for the quality content Alec
Thanks Zinan for the kind words. I'm not here to sell viewer anything, just educate and entertain. Glad you like these.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter you are doing great with the education and entertainment, once I get my scuba cert, it would be fun to dive with you if that is ever possible
You're a very gifted teacher, Mr. Pierce. I was a novice diver 20 years ago and had to stop due to circumstances. As I return to the sport, with so many technological advances to catch up to, you're there making it fun and easy! I really appreciate you!
Welcome back and you will love todays gear and training methods. Glad you can pickup tips to make your diving safe and fun.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I'm sincere when I say that you have heavily influenced my gear decisions. I first discovered you when I was trying to learn more about a vintage diving knife I acquired 25 years ago. Found your video and there was my knife! It's an Aqua Lung made in Japan with a scuba diver on the blade. Been learning from you ever since! 👍👍
Excellent information Alec. Easy to understand, enthusiastic and passionate knowledgeable delivery. Thank you
Thanks for watching Steve.
Alec
This guy makes so much sense ... after a few dives and experienced with rental regulators I am totally understanding his theory
Thanks for the feedback.
Alec that was educational & entertaining. I used us divers back in 1971 & 72 made famous by Jacques Cousteau and his wonderful tv series. Was my cousin not mine but always loved scuba. Had 1st GI Joe sailor and got the scuba outfit was 5, then Thunderball & 007 Sub Rolex. The gear is so cool. A fun hobby and not that expensive to have fun with. The dives are sometimes spectacular. Truly is inner space the experience of diving. I enjoyed watching you talk about regulators and features & benefit. Get what you pay for & cheap is dear God Bless Henry Limpet says hi
And I've had over 60 years of this fun!!
Thanks for watching Mark.
Alec
That was one of the greatest difference explonations I've ever heard! Great job!
Thanks! 😃
A
I laughed so hard, but learned so much too! As a recreational diver that decided to buy my own equipment after 58dives on my last trip, this video answered EXACTLY my questions! Thanks for the info in a fun video!
58 dives! That's some dive trip.
I'm glad I helped and really glad that you appreciate my humor.
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Your videos are what brought me to get into diving, I wish I could dive with you one day, you're truly an inspiration for me to be as a diver whether it be your straightforward opinion or just your funny personality. Please keep up these videos so I can learn more.
Thanks very much Greg.
That's the greatest compliment to me - that I "got you into diving".
I'm glad you're enjoying my videos and hopefully learning something.
Alec
Very good! This should be required listening for new divers.
Thanks for watching Tom.
Tell your buddies about my videos.
Alec
OK! Now I'm hooked! While I'm dry I'll be watching your videos.
I started diving with a basic US Divers Aquarius reg & a J valve on my tanks & IT WENT EVERYWHERE down to 130 feet which is where it got pretty cold in a second thermocline. That little $49 purchase was awesome back in the early '70's, so no you don't need a fancy reg. I don't recall ever doing any service on it for the 5 years it was my only regulator as a starving high school student diver in SoCal. I spent MUCH more money on boat trips to Catalina & Santa Barbara islands, not to mention multiple weekly beach dives from Corona del Mar to Dana Point.
When I did get a new reg it was about 3.5 to 4 times as expensive to attach to a Scuba Pro vest bc. Great foolproof system! Still no octopus & finally a tank pressure gauge with K valve. You don't need all that lovely fancy expensive gear to dive. The more complicated your gear system, the greater the possibility for failure back then. 🦈
Thanks for sharing Lupus. Nice to meet another stone age diver that survived those fun times.
A.
Alec, that was the best explanation I've seem for the Venturi (sic) assist. I finally understand its function even if I don't understand all of the science, thanks.
Thanks. I think I'll do a vid just on the venturi with some pictures to help explain it. Alec
Your channel is absolute gold for me as a new diver! Thank you!
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Say it once and its listen to a million times. Great easy listening and informative.
Glad you enjoy my smooth voice and crazy humour.
A
Alec Peirce your a national treasure!!! Thanks for the explanation on all your videos. Great personality, very likeable, and your breadth of knowledge and experience is refreshing. Also your saving us newbies from the local high pressure (no pun intended), sales guy trying to sell me on the $6,000 dive setup for this beginner
A National Treasure!! I'll show this to my wife & kids. Maybe I'll get a little more respect. Thanks. I'm just glad to have you a bit. Alec
I’m just educating myself about this as I will be getting certified this year. You Sir are of great service to folks like me before I purchase my kit. Thanks for taking time to educate us , it’s appreciated and very real world.
Glad to help Mark. Remember the first rule of scuba gear: if it's shinny, must get it.
Super helpful, I'm in the process of getting my regulators and now I know what to look for. Thanks so much!
I'm glad it helped.
Alec
You’re the best Alec. You give straight forward information, no BS! Thanks again!
That's my goal. Thanks for watching.
Got two Apeks DS4, they are balanced, compensated and dry sealed (no water get´s inside the mechanism). They don´t have a swivel but i don´t need one as i use a 2,10m ~7 feet hose. Pretty happy with that setup. Revision kits are pretty cheap and they are extremly reliable.
Thanks for the videos you do!! I've learned to work with my reg and adjust it for easier breathing by taking it apart and seeing how it works. I never knew about those special features!! Maybe some day I'll treat my self but when your diving in fast water sand gets in and causes problems!! River diving!! Thanks
Glad you picked up points and understand of how gear works. Take care and enjoy the fast water.
Hello Alec. I think it would be good to mention that metal parts in II stage are also less likely to freeze due to the thermal conductivity, so if You plan to dive in cold waters (let's say 6-7°C and less) it's better to choose the one that has at least some metal parts like a radiator.
Good points Piotr. Look back for my video S07E02 Prepping for cold water diving for more tips.
A lot of great info in a little over 15 minutes. I've learned a lot from you, thank you very much.
Thanks for watching Richard.
Alec
I have the Scubapro R195 with the Mk11 and works great, just over $300.00 . Great video Alex!
Sir, my compliments to you, you know the subject matter (I'm an engineer, and one who understands the physics of all you talk about), well done sir. I think you are an excellent instructor, I learned allot (even though I already knew most of the subject matter). Well done sir .... you are obviously a master of your craft . Thank you so very kindly for your unbiased knowledge. You could be my dad!
I have been married more than once so???? Thanks for watching and there is lots more technical videos on 1st stage internals and how piston regs work to keep you interested.
Thanks Pat.
Alec
Hi. Alec. I just bought my first regulator today. It is the Scubapro mk11 C370 and it cost about $500. The next thing I am going to get my octo and low pressure hose. Other than my Bcd, I will be all set. There are many reasons why I went ahead and bought my own regulator is nobody else will be using it but me, I know it will be serviced , it is adjustable, and it is safer.
The Scubapro MK11/C370 is a fine rig. I'm sure you will be happy with it for many years.
And it's comforting to know it's yours - no one else has touched it.
Alec
Thanks for the videos! I'm new to diving and going to Bonaire with my fiance for our honeymoon! She's an experienced diver and I've just completed the open water class so, I have no idea what I'm doing. Your videos are great for me and have answered so many questions that I've had!
Thanks for watching William.
Bonaire is great diving. You'll love it.
Alec
If you have no idea, your instructor didn't succeed in doing his job.
Hey Alec, you are awesome. I love watching your videos. I've learned so much. I just got my PADI OW in June and my PADI AOW in October. I bought my first piece of gear. I watched your Dive Computer video and got the Suunto Vyper Novo. It was suggested that I should get my Regulator next because the Vyper has Air Integration. I like it cuz I can wear it on my wrist and see all the data I need during my dive right there. I was thinking of Scubapro MK25 /S600 it is nice but you're right. its expensive and I don't think I will dove that much maybe 6 times a year. so I was checking the aqua lung legend supreme. which is maybe a $100 cheaper, but still $650-$750 is a big difference then $300. now I have to rethink my whole search. but I see a lot of this equipment can last for years if I take care of it. so I wonder if the investment is worth it. I'm 43 years old,. I hope I'm diving in my 70's like you. with that being said, I debating if I should get this now cuz I know ill use it for the rest of my scuba diving days
Well Charles, you pretty much answered you own question.
Yes. Get the 25/600 and the Vyper Air transmitter.
You won't be unhappy; it will last for many, many years; service is easy and affordable and there's no better performance. Even if you're only making a few dives each year, you may as well have great gear. It feels good and gives you confidence so your dives are more comfortable. Confidence in your gear does that.
Good luck.
Alec
Alec, excellent presentation as always.
Man that was good timing :) I bought one hour ago my Scubapro s600 :D Thanks for your great Videos, i love them ;)
Most informative. It solved the “mystery” for me ! Thanks
You're welcome!
As always great explanations and analogies. You do a great job! You are a natural at explaining this type of technology for a large audience. Like i said in the past, you are a walking book sir!
Wow, thank you!
Thank's much for sharing your knowledge in such a fun way. I just became very interested in scuba diving and this videos have become very use full for me. God bless you!!
God has already blessed me far more than I deserve but I sure appreciate your good wishes..
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Hi Alec. Very good video as usual. I own a US Divers Aquarius that has not use for 30-something years (I stop diving as many years) up until last year. Even right out of the bag it worked after attaching it to a tank. Got it serviced and now not only looks like new but works really good, at least the way I remember it. Very simple regulator and as you say, it fits my diving needs, a couple of days a year in fresh water. But although it is working the way it is supposed to I am looking for a more modern (21th century) system in the near future. Will use the Aquarius as a backup I guess.
The Aquarius was not a really big seller when t came out. Although it's one of the very few adjustable piston regs ever made, it simply wasn't a good breather and many divers thought it looked odd too. The later Calypso on the other hand was one of the most popular ever made. Millions were sold.
However, the Aquarius is a good back-up or even main reg depending on your diving.
have fun.
Alec
This was so very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to put this out.
Thank you for watching dirty guy.
Take care.
Alec
THAT WELL, MR. Alec, Thank you very much for your instructions today I learned a lot in your two videos about the first stage and the second stage. ... I still do not buy my first dive unit that will be exclusively for use in the exploration with my metal detector in shallow waters ... the truth is that I am quoting and I thought as many that making a super investment in equipment and accessories is synonymous with greater security and performance but I know that an expensive and a low-cost supplement do not make a big difference ... thank you Master .... Rodolfo Diaz (Dominican Republic Rudolph Diaz).
This video made me decide on what to get. Thanks Mr. Pierce! Aqualung Core with Octo. I love it. Thank you!
Glad to help.
Alec
I'm still using a USD Calypso J regular I bought new in 1972 for $50.00 at Tinker Air Force Base. Had to replace a few hoses, mouth pieces and have it tuned up a couple of times but it still works fine. I'm still making 3 or 4 dives per year.
You are my hero. $50 in 72 , not exactly inexpensive, but over time ; Priceless. edit $ 312.00 today
Great old reg.
I might suggest that some time your beg, borrow, steal a top line modern reg just for fun.
Maybe a Scubapro MK25/S600 or similar.
It will take a few minutes to get used to the easy breathing ad high flow but after you relax and let the reg do the work, you may find it amazing.
I'm not suggesting that vintage gear shouldn't be used. I do so myself often. But in 50 years there have been some tremendous changes and improvements in reg design and performance.
Take care.
Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter do you think this is also true with poseidon gear? I've been using a cyklon from 1958 lately and was surprised how easy it is to breathe from it
Alec, big fan of your Scuba Tech Tips! Just wondering if you'd consider doing a video with tips on air consumption if possible. I've got over 60 dives but I'm still a bit of an "air hog." Do you have any tips on reducing air consumption while diving? Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Thanks Michael.
I think about air consumption. I have lots if ideas but how to put it into an interesting video ...?
Alec
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure you and Kevin can come up with something though! I'm sure I'm not the only one that would definitely appreciate seeing a video on the subject.Keep up the great work!
Wow how knowledgeable. Such a great teacher. Love how passionate you are about scuba!
This is amazing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your videos. They've been very enlightening. I've been diving in my south american cold waters for a while and my $300 reg done the job faultlessly.
How far 'south' in South America are you? I thought the water there was warm.
Alec
I'm from Chile. Average temp are 10°C in winter and 12°C in summer, in the central region, were the main scubadiving centers operates. Now there is a couple of centers starting to operate in the southern lakes, I'm looking forward to go there
Kind Regards,
Oscar
Great tips and especially liked the vid you did on things your instructor taught you that were wrong. Keep up the great work
Paul R.
Thanks for watching Paul.
Alec
well you can get an Apeks DST first stage with swivel and a XTX 50 second stage for ~350-400$ there you got all the features of the 800$ scubapro but without all the bells and whistles.
And Apex is well-known. That's a good deal.
Alec
Thanks for the info Alec, I need to buy a reg and this was very useful, keep up the good work.
Alec, great tech tip. Keep them coming.
Alec,
Could you please do a full face mask video? I’m curious to hear your thoughts and opinions. I started using the ots guardian and absolutely love it. Biggest pros are your face stays warm, no jaw fatigue, leak free, you can breathe through your nose and no fogging! Thank you.
On my list to do. Problem is booking time at the dive shop that specializes in FFM training and has their own pool. This is one i want to do.
A
Your videos are awesome. I'm planning on getting certified this summer and my biggest questions are always is it smarter to buy the more expensive gear. You know, buy once. This video was really helpful in finding out its not necessary to buy the most expensive gear.
Thanks for watching.
I'm glad you found it helpful.
Alec
This is the first video of yours that I watched and I love it! I just bought new gear for a heck of deal so I'm pretty stoked. You said mention topics to discuss, so I will (sorry if you've been down this road before). I would love to watch a video about the AquaLung MTXR and the new Navy Cold Weather parameters that are going to release. On even more broad terms, maybe discuss the direction of the industry with 'innovation' vs 'old school' like seawing novas compared to jetfins/RK3s or the ScubaPro Hydros Pro and the new Aqualung "Recreation BPW" BCD they are starting to market. Thanks for the video!
I can do something like that. As I've said many times, there's very little that's really new. Most "NEW" ideas are re-hashed ideas from the 60's. Back then we didn't have the materials to make some products well. Now, with new materials and technology, anything goes so many ideas are finally coming out in a workable form. The Scubapro Seawing Nova fin for example, which I use and love, is not a new idea. It's new material and technology to make it work better. We even had stretch straps back then.
Take care. Alec
As always Alec, great honest explanations that cleared up a few things for me
Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
A.
Another great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge👍😄
Thanks Goldenboy.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Alec
Dude, I love your videos....informative and USEFUL!!!
Glad you like them!
Love it Alec! Thanks for all the very useful info!
Thanks for watching.
Alec
This was a very great explanation a bit funny and you can tell he has a passion for diving
After 60+ years of diving, I'm almost good at it. Thanks for watching John.
A.
I bought a Mares Abyss in 1997. Still works great. It was an expensive piece of mechanics at the time, but when I compare cost of maintenance, it's a lot cheaper than piston regulator. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.
A good reg, taken care of, will last a lifetime. I still have my first reg from 1960!
A
Thanks very much for the overview, I chose the $800, but didn’t know why. Now I do, the store did not explain it as simply and as straightforward as you did. I’ll look to see if you’ve created a video on it, but what about adding the octopus vs other solutions? (I’m as new at this as you get, have not done certification dives yet, but have completed the on-line lessons and written test.)
Thanks Don.
Search my Tech Tips for 'octopus' or for 'safe second'. I've done quite a few.
Alec
Id never dive in arctic/ antarctic or just cold water without my Poseidon Jetstream or Xtream.
The first stage is magical in Poseidon's upstage regs.
And I've never seen one freeze no matter how poorly treated in a frozen Minnesota lake.
No need for a cold water kit.
But MANY great and cheap regs that Id be happy to use in warm water diving.
Poseidon has always been a tried an tested regulator for extreme condition's.
Im always interested in what the extreme tech. Boys are diving, I'm talking say 300 to 500 feet, I'd say the majority of them are using Poseidon
great stuff Alec, simply explained, keep up the great work
Thanks, will do!
You're so helpful! I just started diving and all your videos are so useful and interesting!
Awesome! Thank you!
I got a good deal on a new still-in-the-box Sherwood SR2 for $525 1st & 2nd stage. 2 HP ports and 5 LP ports. I dive year-round in Puget Sound out of Seattle, WA and the water is cold.
That is a good deal. Watch out for water temp below 50F as you're entering free flow temperatures.
A
With the breathing adjustment, I always set mine to the easiest to breath. Why would you ever want to turn it back? Never really got that. Great video as usual thanks very much Alex.
a current can push the diaphragm in your first stage back a little bit (same sort of effect as breathing in or pushing your purge button) and all the adjustment does is make it a little harder for that to happen and keeps air in your tank when you aren't breathing it
Patch is quite right. Personally I find the newest regs are so easy to breath that they will almost make me choke. Maybe I need to stop sucking on them so hard but it's easier to just turn it down a little bit. The best reason for the adjustment is to stop a slight free flow. Alec
Excellent video. I would compare those features to AWD vs front-wheel drive on an SUV.
That's a good comparison.
A
Hello Alec, great video as always!
I've been watching your videos to help me choose between a Scubapro Mk21 and a mk25 first stages. Do you have any comments on comparing those?
I can't find videos or comparisons lists about it (just a big difference in price!).
Any comments on the Scubapro r195 second stage?
All Scubapro gear is excellent. I have used and sold it all for years.I can think of no reason to buy a MK21. It offers nothing that the MK25 doesn't.
And the MK25 has some nice features - swivel, anti-freeze, easier service, more ways to mount it, etc.
The r195 is a solid, simply 2nd for your safe second.
You'd probably enjoy an s600/620 or G260 more for your primary.
Good luck.
Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you!
As always, helped me a lot!
Good Advice from someone who knows what he's talking about!
Thank you Sir.
I own an oceanic Zeo. Love it. Breaths so easy etc etc
Me too.
Nice reg - light, easy breathing, compact, pretty - what's not to love.
Take care.
Alec
I loved this video so much. Really helped to clarify what I needed to invest in as well. Thank you :D
Thanks for watching Erwin. Glad it helped.
Alec
Thanks Alec. Great, informative video.
I am shopping for a reg (never owned one), mostly for cold water diving here in the Bay Area, California. Is the key take-home message that the 1st stage unbalanced vs balanced doesn't really matter for a normal dive (like not too cold and not too deep)? Go for something that is easy to service? So if the budget is tight, $300 reg should give me everything I need, right? Steven
Absolutely. If you're not diving deep on a regular basis and if you're in OK physical condition (not really overweight), a standard 1st is fine. Today's regs deliver more air that 5 divers could consume and on dives less than 100', the standard gives the same performance as balanced.
In your case, I'd suggest you save some money to put towards a good wetsuit or dry suit!!
I've dived there and It's cold - and I'm from Canada!
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Thanks!! Energetic and informative. First video i came across of yours. About to watch a lot more from you.
Thanks Anthony.
Hope you pick up some good ideas.
Alec
Or you can buy a $500 regulator for $150 like I did just because it is a few years old (new old stock) doesn't mean it doesn't work great. balance diaphragm, super compact light travel, flow and venturi adjustment.
Speaking of which, isn't Venturi also used to stop free flow at the surface when you open the flow all the way ? I found that really helps.
Generally the Venturi when open will exacerbate a Free Flow. The Venturia does nothing until air starts to flow. That's why the statement that a Venturi makes breathing easier is incorrect. You still have to exert the same effort to pull the diaphragm in, open the valve and start the air flow. Then, and only then, the Venturi is activated by the air flowing past the diaphragm and it pulls the diaphragm in much more than without the Venturi. It may seem like an easier breath but it's really only a greater volume of air.
So, when the Venturi is activated (on) and a Free Flow begins, the Venturi increases the flow. With the Venturi off, it ought not Free Flow at all.
Wow! That was a good deal Alain, but rare. Any regulator less than 10 years old will share the same features. So long as it's not obsolete or from a company that closed, it'll be great. Actually lots of people (like me) can service any regulator regardless of age.
Take care. Alec
company didn't close per say, but when Aeris merged (back) with Oceanic they stopped production and consolidated many of their top of line regulator that can be had for a fraction. I checked and the service kit of both stages are still used in current products so it should be ok. That said I tried getting a DIN adapter and that part wasn't available anymore (then they found a box full, but at the price it's not worth it and will stick to 3442psi yoke/din tanks instead of the cheaper/easier to find older 3500psi).
All Aeris regs are the same as current Oceanic regs. It always was that way so parts will be available for a long time Alain.
Yes I know which is great. Thanks. The ion second is really tiny and makes a compact design with at600 first which has 5 ports for my drysuit.
Mr. Alec, great explanation ! Question, which basic first stage piston regulator should I get: Scubapro MK2 or Aqualung Calypso?
Thank you
Both are good regs and I don't give my view as that is something the buyer must decide. Review the specs and online reviews for both (lots of dive mags and sites review gear an in UA-cam also). Don't look at the regs but write down what you needs are: price budget, type and frequency of diving, is a LDS nearby to service it, venturi option, etc.
A.
I think the primary thing people should look for in a reg set is a sealed and balanced first stage. A balanced second stage matched to the first is a nice bonus. If you plan to travel then more $$$ can mean lighter, smaller regs. If you plan on diving in more extreme conditions, then more $$$ gets you specialty equipment.
I spent about $800 on a Glacia reg set because I mostly dive cold water, winter, and occasionally ice. It functions perfectly no matter the conditions. Would a less expensive unit do the same? Probably. I use my kid's $400 Micron in all the same conditions and it has yet to ever fail. And the Micron also sees duty as a travel reg set for warm waters. So unpaid pitch for the Micron I guess, but I've had nothing but success with it.
Hi, thanks for the tips, but im current stuck on Atomic T3 or St1 or Scubapro S600. im in Australia btw, and most dive in 10-30°c water. also for the dive computer, can you really trust the transmitter?
Riki Li Any of those regs would work for what you want. Although if I'm honest for diving in those conditions you don't need such a high end regulator, you're better off spending your money on a good camera. The atomic T3, ST2, B2 and Z3 are all identical in mechanical design and all perform exactly the same. The only difference is the materials used. I use B2 regs but I do deep cold water diving where performance is essential. The second stage on the B2, ST2 and T3 are totally identical, only difference is the face plate. The only people I've ever seen with the T3 and ST2 are people with money to burn, since they are nothing more than a waste of money. Can't comment on the scuba pro since I haven't used them.
On the subject of the transmitter, I personally always have a back up SPG. Mainly because I've had transmitters fail for various reasons. With an SPG as a backup is meant I've never had to abort a dive for that reason.
TheMole is quite right. Atomic has perfected the sales method of offering 1 item with different prices based on the paint job! They really only have 1 regulator. It's good but no more than many others.
The Scubapro S600 is excellent. Been around a long time; top performance; easy to service anywhere in the world; and, (I shouldn't tell you this) built simple and solid. The Hummer of regulators! Alec
Oh yeah. Forgot about the transmitter question. I use an Oceanic which is the same as several other big brands and have found it very good. Never let me down with maybe 100 dives in different environments. The problems with them are pretty much gone so long as you choose a new one and, here's where I irritate a lot of divers, a Western brand. The European brands (Uwatec or Suunto) are still struggling and are tough to deal with. If it goes wrong you could wait months to get it fixed or replaced. If you want to wait a couple of years for them to be perfect (mind you, SPGs break down too!), get a hose mount style - Wisdom is great or Data Plus or even Cobra. The hose isn't really a problem (you say you're carrying an SPG anyway) and they are 100% reliable. Alec
"Consistant Hi volume air" as Alec said... Buy a balanced first stage... you won't regret it. I always told my students you don't want to feel like you're trying to suck air from a cocktail straw, especially if you're new, maybe a little nervous or over excited, or going deeper, say over 60'. Just my opinion (y)
Just got my mk25 black tech. Love it and super smooth in breathing on it.
Glad you like it and hope there is a place you can dive it.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter will be using here in UAE, just finish my rescue diving. Thanks a lot Alec, your information here in youtube really help a lot in deciding which equipment I will go. God bless always
you are the best. please share more your big experiance
Thanks for watching Anton.
Alec
I really appreciate your videos! Really helpful in building my own gear. 😄
I'm happy to help Genevieve.
Thanks for watching.
Alec
I’m a first time diver. You remind me of my dad who is a bit scepetical about me diving. I know after he sees your videos he will know he can rest assured.
I am constantly amazed that I'm still alive. I did so much crazy sh** when in my teens - not illegal or even bad, just stupid.
However, scuba diving really makes you 'grow up and smell the roses', as they say. It gives you a sense of responsibility and vulnerability - not common among teenagers - and here I am - old and having had some incredible experiences.
In today's worId, I worry about my 4 kids and 6 grandkids but they're almost all scuba divers and I know that's both safe and fun.
Keep your head on straight, no drugs, follow the simple rules and you'll have an amazing future in scuba.
Good luck and thanks for watching.
Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Im the same way. Looking back i wonder how i made it to 32. Never broke the law or did drugs just went for it. Now as a scuba diver i really consider the dangers in all i do
Thanks ,we enjoy your sharing of knowledge , keep it up
Thank you for watching guys.
Alec
Been diving just long enough to stop logging my dives...but not in the last few years. I'm looking into getting my own gear because I miss diving after the local dive shop closed :(
Just like my other hobbies, cost is always a factor...but I have no problems with dropping the coins where it's warranted.
Right now I'm looking at Amazon and similar as compared to packages from dive shops (from your recommendation, Dan's is on my list). I've taken away some helpful information from of every single one of your vids I've seen so far, so thanks for helping me filter out the marketing from the useful.
Glad these make you search and selection easier. Sometimes big gear purchases scare divers afraid of making a 'wrong' choice. Almost anything available today will meet you needs, maybe not your preference like in features, colour or style. If you pick Dan's, tell them Alec helped in the decision and say Hi for me.
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Great Video, very informative! Thank you for doing these types of videos.
Thanks for watching.
Alec
I think that you left out a very important detail in this video. Piston vs. Diaphragm, and off that, sealed vs. unsealed. These differences can be very important to many people, and will cost more, especially near where you dive!
More videos coming to cover some of those points.
My vids are way too long Neal so I'm trying to cover smaller points. It means some ideas are left out of individual ones, but the good news is I'll have a lot more videos (I assume that good news!!). Alec
Excellent point, I'd love to see that discussed as a price-range issue.
Thanks for the great tips! When you say high performance first stage what makes them high performance on the white one?
There are two things that he could be talking about.
That regulator will have a higher gas flow through it with less resistance than the 300$ example, meaning easier breathing, and more gas in an emergency situation, such as hyperventilating and buddy breathing.
Secondly, and he didn't mention this in the video, it is a diaphragm design. Inherent in the diaphragm design, which piston designs do not give you unless specially made that way, is environmental sealing. This does two things. First, it keeps water and contaminants out of the first stage. Secondly, it increases the regulators resistance to freezing. If you dive in colder waters (think somewhere less than 50f, 10C) then there is a chance for your regulator to freeze. This is obviously bad, and the sealing reduces the chance of that happening by keeping water out of the internal components.
Hope that helped.
High performance in a scuba regulator really comes down to 2 measureable factors - ease of breathing and flow. So a high performance regulator would have fast response with minimum effort (ease of breathing) and would deliver high volumes of air. That means a balanced regulator for sure.
I notice that Neal has already responded with some good ideas. I would only take him to task about choosing a diaphragm over a piston. The diaphragm regulator uses a flexible rubber disc to respond to the diver's inhalation and then delivers that movement to the actual valve via a steel pin. This design has been around a long time. It is the original design of regulators (think Cousteau!). That process involves the movement of at least 4 parts or as many as 7! The piston regulator uses pressure differential to move a steel piston up or down which directly opens or closes the valve. 1 part! It's simpler, less parts, more rugged (reliable?), has faster response and can give greater volumes of air.
While Neal is quite right on some points, here he needs correction. The piston regulator separates the air and water by the O-Ring on the piston. In fact, the vast majority of scuba regulators made today are piston style and most cold water rated regs are piston style - Sherwood Blizzard, Scubapro MK25, etc. Pretty much only Aqua Lung stills uses diaphragm regs for their entire line although some of their best-known regs from the past were piston.
I will do a video on the difference between piston and diaphragm with actual take-apart regs.
Now let me add that both work really well and it's a personal choice. However, if buying a new regulator, I'd always suggest a piston style. They simply won't let you down.
I can go into more technical detail if you like.
Alec
You know Neal I just re-read your comment and I should point out something that's been a bug-a-boo of mine for many years. I recall when regulators started to get better that a lot of old divers (funny to say that 'Old divers' - I'm 70 and been diving almost 60 years!!) would say that they didn't like them because they were too easy to breath and wasted air. They actually said " I want to use my good ol' 2 hose 'cause I need to suck hard on it and that saves air!".
In fact, simply physiology, your body will use exactly the amount of air it needs to survive or at least accomplish the task at hand - no more and no less. If you have an easy breathing reg, it's just easier (less effort) to take a breath. If you have to suck hard to get the air out, your muscles need more air and so you use more. Unless air is being wasted around your mouth or bubbling out, you cannot take in more air than what is needed. Try to take 2 breaths instead of just one while sitting around. Doesn't work. In fact, if you breath too hard and deep, after a short while you will pass out. It's your body saying "Stop breathing idiot. I don't need that much!". (My old body talks to me that way - particularly in the mornings!).
So, while easy breathing (low effort) is good, it's not because it keeps air in the tank - other than the air you are saving by not having to work hard to breath!
Thanks for your input Neal. Alec
Alec, I do believe that you misread my comment. I never EVER claimed that diaphragm regs were better, or that high flow was better.I simply stated
1.) That when people refer to regs as "higher performance", they often mean higher flow.
and
2.) That what you had in your hand is a diaphragm reg, and that inherent in their design is the fact that they are sealed. This also helps with freezing.
I never mentioned that only sealed regs are good for cold water, or that one is better than another.
To your comment of
"the vast majority of scuba regulators made today are piston style and most cold water rated regs are piston style - Sherwood Blizzard, Scubapro MK25, etc. Pretty much only Aqua Lung stills uses diaphragm regs for their entire line although some of their best-known regs from the past were piston."
I do have to disagree. While there may be many regs that are piston, I would hardly say the vast majority are, and certainly not the vast majority of cold water regs.
Ex. Scubapro: Mk. 11, Mk. 17 first stages are both diaphragm, which are half of the regs currently stocked (on the market) from what I've seen.
Oceanic: FDX-i, FDX-10, CDX5 are all diaphragm regulators currently on shelves, also at least half of the oceanic line
All deep 6 regs are diaphragm.
I think all apeks regs?
Sherwood: Whereas all their regs ARE piston, I believe all their cold water rated ones ARE ALSO sealed. Correct me if I'm wrong there.
Mares: 52x, 22x, 15x are all diaphragm I believe.
All Hollis regs are diaphragm except their pure O2 and rebreather first stages.
Aqualung, as you pointed out.
And many, many more. You can go on and on.
I am NOT saying that diaphragm regs are any better than piston by any means, but saying they are in the vast minority is not correct.
Lastly, your comment on how piston regs won't let you down for first time regs may be true, but I know very few, if any, that have given people problems because of the diaphragm design.
Thank you very much for your videos, I do appreciate them, but I believe you heavily misinterpreted my comment, and I felt the need to straighten some things out. Please keep these ideas in mind when making your cold water reg/piston or diaphragm reg video. Thanks.
I did NOT claim that higher flow was better, simply that when most people say high performance, that is what they mean. See my above comment.
I've got the 800$ option. Very happy. The scubapro mk25 x2 and the A700. Excellent.
I can't think of a better use for $800!
take care.
Alec
excellent explaination!!! subscribed immediately~
thanks, Alec
Thanks Sas.
Alec
Love you man, keep rockin' Alec! 🐟🤿👌
Thanks! Will do Alex from Alec.
Thank you for the video! You answered a lot of my questions!
it's true he always have of good advice that avoids the problems
Can u make a video about cheap reliable regulator
I can. There are lots of good, affordable regulators available.
Alec
And here's me using conshelfs feom the 60s and 70s. Dead simple, reliable, easy to service. Perfect for rec diving.
Good, old solid regs.
Maybe not as easy and efficient as new ones, but OK.
Take care.
Alec
Hello Alec, I have an Oceanic 2nd stage octopus with a ball and socket swivel attached to a yellow rubber hose. I want to swap the rubber hose for a yellow miflex hose. Problem is the spanners just turn the swivel round and round. I want to move the rubber hose end covers onto the miflex hose as well. That is IF I can ever get the damn rubber hose off the second stage.
That swivel is a special piece and it may prove difficult to accomplish what you want.
I'm not a big fan of the "double your fun swivels" that, in my opinion, only make it hard to find and insert your mouthpiece underwater. A properly set up hose will be perfectly comfortable. You don't need the darn swivel. It was and still is a marketing ploy - "Buy Our Reg 'cause It Has A Swivel".
Unfortunately, some regulators have a different fitting on the 2nd stage inlet to accommodate the swivel. It may be hard to change it back. And some swivels are an integral part of the hose.
Your LDS can easily remove the swivel fitting and advise you on how to fit a normal hose, a flex hose.
If you like, send me a close-up of the swivel with the rubber cover removed and I'll see if I can explain how to remove it.
Send to seahunter@vintagescuba.com.
Take care.
Alec
My dive buddy is telling me to get the Hog D3 Sidemount Regulator Package but my dive shop owner is saying the Apek XTX50 sidemount kit. The Apek being double the price, this video may have helped with my decision. Thanks a lot!
Glad you learned something to help with the purchase. Everyone has opinions, but it's your money so enjoy it.
Dear Mr. Alec Pierce, i have question on regulator hose by nylon. some of nylon hose inside is urethan layor which was crystalized and powder crushed. If you have any more infomation, please update with buddies. Thanks ! My mento !
The problem with disintegrating flex hoses is long gone. There are still articles about that problem on the internet but check the dates - they are old!!
Flex hoses are excellent.
Alec
Good points thank you.
I learned something today.
Thank you sir for that excellent informative presentation
Hello Alec
Love your videos!
I still dive and love my Poseidon regulator I tried a aqua lung legend reg with the Venturi but only dove it a couple times before I sold it and went back to my Poseidon’s.Seems to me that the Poseidon’s consistently breath (no shortage of air)like the legend when using the Venturi. I use Jetstream second stage and Jetstream safe second but use a Cyklon on my pony if I think I have a need to take it. In my opinion I just love the way these things breath as well as love the side exhaust. Don’t see many recreation divers diving with them though.???
Thanks again for all the effort you and Kevin put into these videos!
Gary
Poseidon has marketed their regulators as a technical or professional choice for the last many years and they have achieved some success in that. I don't believe it has translated into financial success however. The recreational market is vastly larger.
Their regulators are well-made and there is no shame in liking and using a Poseidon. They're one of my favorites too.
Alec
I have only got to dive once in my life an I’m patiently waiting for snow to melt so I can go play in the water with out freezing, good informational videos keep it up 😁
Thanks Remington, I'm waiting for the same here. Until then, keep watching, lots of cool and educational scuba stuff coming.
Alec
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your videos! Best in the WWW... and the matter of fact that your channel is add free shows me there are still people out there who are really giving valuable information because they LOVE what they do! I wish you were MY dive store!!! But I will check if your store is online to find somehow... many of my dive buddies watch your videos lol and we say "safe second" with a blink of an eye lol (because we don't use that term in the US lol only Alex Peirce fans do!! you are the Jacques Cousteau for scuba gear!! BTW since I was on an budget when I wanted my own gear I went with the Scubapro MK11 with a C370 and a R195 as a "safe second" and I love it.. besides a galileo luna I got used for an awesome price and backed up with a good old fashioned gauges system ( because i am German and we love safety lol) I rather carry the extra hose lol
Backup is a great idea along with training and practice. Sounds like you value all three Claudia. Appreciate your watching and comments. Keep them coming, I love it.
Take care
Alec