How to Select an Air Regulator

The wrong air regulator can hamper a scuba diver's experience by limiting the diving distance, but it can also create dangerous situations by not compressing the air properly. The right air regulator ensures you can dive to the desired distance, while protecting you against leaks or improperly compressed air. Knowing how to select the right air regulator can mean the difference between a pleasant diving experience and an unpleasant or even deadly dive.

Instructions

    • 1

      Match the regulator to your type of diving: recreational or advanced. Recreational diving allows for pressurization of less than 130 feet. Advanced diving requires a regulator capable of providing pressure for depths greater than 130 feet and should also withstand cold water and rough currents.

    • 2

      Examine the connecting tube, and look for a secure connection between the first and second stages. The "stages" consist of components that transfer compressed air from the tank to your mouthpiece, so the connecting tube should have swivel connections that keep it from binding.

    • 3

      Match the connecting tube length to your size by fitting the mouthpiece in your mouth and testing whether the connecting tube pushes or pulls on the mouth piece as you move. A properly sized connecting tube should hang freely without tugging or pushing on the mouthpiece. When you move your head, the mouthpiece shove move with you, and you should fee no pressure or resistance from the connecting tube.

    • 4

      Compare the valves and look for balanced first-stage valves. These allow for steady air pressurization that offers uninterrupted breathing at all depths. Avoid un-balanced first-stage valves because they require you to force your breathing at lower depths. Additionally, if you select a "piston" first stage that consists of a valve with an inner piston, obtain one with a guarantee seal that will keep contaminants from entering the air system.

    • 5

      Compare the second stage valves, and look for a balanced second-stage valve. This allows consistent breathing at all depths. Avoid unbalanced second-stage valves because they force you to strain your breath at lower depths.

    • 6

      Compare the second-stage mouthpieces, and look for comfort, easy-to-reach controls, and swivel joints. The second-stage should fit comfortably in your mouth. Look for easily visible air-valve controls that you can access without having to twist the mouthpiece. Swivel joints work better than fixed second-stages because you can rotate the stage and access your controls.

    • 7

      Compare prices. Recreational air regulators cost $175 to $300. Advanced air regulators cost $198 to $400.