Title: Regulator Features - The Scuba Doctor
Headings: Regulator Features
Regulator Features
Advice on choosing the right scuba regulator for you.
General Scuba Regulator Guidelines
Free Assembly
Scuba Regulator Choices
DIN vs Yoke (A-Clamp) Regulators
Balanced/Unbalanced Regulators
Cold Water Kit
Piston vs Diaphragm Regulators
Overbalanced Regulators
Scuba Regulator Ports
Nitrox Compatible Regulators
Compact Second Stage Regulators
Side Vented Second Stage Regulators

Content: When purchasing your regulator you will need to buy the three major parts – the 1st and 2nd stage (regulator set), the alternate air source (octopus) and the instruments. As with most purchases, going for major brand names assures a certain level of quality and even though many of us like a bargain, with scuba equipment, the more you spend the better the equipment you get. So, if you thought your regulator would include an octopus and gauges, take your regulator budget and deduct between 30% to 40% to allow for the basic instruments you will need. Whatever is left is what you can afford for your regulator. You should always use the same brand of 1st and 2nd stages, plus the octopus you choose should also be from the same manufacturer as your first stage regulator to ensure the intermediate pressures are compatible. Gauges need not be made by the same manufacturer, but you should always go for major instrument brands because their accuracy and reliability are much higher than imitations. Free Assembly
When you have made your choice and ordered your equipment from The Scuba Doctor, we will assemble and test the regulator, octopus, gauges and any hoses, prior to dispatch or collection to ensure they are functioning correctly (unless you request us to do otherwise). Scuba Regulator Choices
There are several types of regulator, piston or diaphragm and balanced and unbalanced systems. DIN vs Yoke (A-Clamp) Regulators
The most common coupling in use in Australia is still the International Yoke or A-Clamp fitting (same thing, different names!). Yoke fittings were the recreational diving worldwide standard, but technical divers switched to DIN a long time ago because it's a safer system.