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Dive regulators can range from $160 to $1600. What can you expect from such a broad range? In a sport like scuba diving, where we are so dependent on equipment, it is very easy for the consumer to be overwhelmed with all the latest features that are available on the market. Plus, the increase in technology, while certainly beneficial, can also cause confusion when it comes to comparing between so many different vendors. Therefore, in this article, we would like to give you a quick overview of some of the features in scuba regulators so that you can be better informed before purchasing a regulator.
In regulators, like many other gadgets, the first and most important feature is that the product in question actually performs the basic task that it is claiming to do. For example, when a watch is not able to change minutes in 60 seconds with a brand new battery, it is failing to perform its basic function and will not be in the market for very long. In industries where safety is a concern and people's lives are in the balance, consistent performance is expected. Plus, in a society where lawsuits are rampant, manufacturers are sure to call back cars or motorcycles if even minor safe concerns are being reported.
Fortunately for us, just about every regulator on the market today, regardless of price or design, will perform its essential function of safely delivering air all the way down to 130 feet, sometimes even more. In fact, we hear reports that even the most budget models deliver the same amount of air in extreme conditions as the most expensive ones.
Comfort:
You will start seeing the separation between different models of scuba regulators once you start comparing them for comfort. Different regulators can have their own pros and cons. There have been reports of dive regulators that have scored extremely well in machine tests, but they can either make an annoying buzzing sound while you are sucking on them.
Some regulators can be difficult to grip with your mouth. In such cases, a small amount of water can get into your mouth very easily. People that are just learning to dive can panic the first time they experience this. The simple solution is to either swallow the water, or blow it out through the regulator.
Some of the more expensive regulators can sometimes be too generous with giving air and that can get some getting used to. The term for this is called "positive pressure breathing." If you are a diver that likes to turn upside down underwater on a regular basis, there are some regulators that are better at providing air in this situation better than others.
Having said all that, it is safe to say that you do have to pay for comfort. For the most part, if you have chosen from the most expensive models, you will typically have fewer issues of gripping the regulator properly in your mouth, buzzing sounds, or noticing any changes when diving upside down.
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