Scuba Regulator

The Regulator

First-Stage regulator – reduces the pressure of the air from high to intermediate
Second-Stage regulator – reduces the pressure of the intermediate pressure air, to the pressure that is breathable. This regulator is held in the diver’s mouth and makes air available only when the diver inhales.
The most important thing about buying a regulator is choosing one that breathes smoothly underwater, as some do so more then others
Breathing more easily underwater slows down fatigue giving you more energy, efficiency from your effort and time for a dive
Other factors to take into account in selecting a regulator are the design, build, materials and warranties on the regulator
As with all other equipment, you should be fitted correctly and advised in choosing a regulator to suit your needs

How much does a regulator cost/ to buy?

Starting: $200 Top Range: $1300

Scuba Diving Equipment / Diving Gear

In common scuba diving jargon, a diving regulator is like a gas pressure regulator, which usually has one or more valves in series that allows the gas out from a cylinder in a controlled way.

This equipment is basically included in all scuba supplies and sets that professional divers use today. It generally reduces the pressure of the air from the tank and delivers it to the mouth to make breathing possible.

Indeed, the invention of the scuba diving regulator is the fundamental breakthrough that made recreational diving possible.

The diving regulator equipment has two parts: the first and the second stage, which are connected through a diver's hose. These parts serve important functions in regulating air flow through a diver's scuba gear system.

The valve is considered the first stage of a diving regulator. It primarily lowers the air pressure that is coming from the scuba tank. Likened to a water tap, the valve reduces the flow of air to about 140psi from a gushing pressure of 2000psi.

Tools inside the first stage part of a diving regulator are pressure chambers that are separated with pistons. These pistons are the ones responsible for changing the rate of the regulator's airflow, depending on the current pressure.

As they open up at higher pressures and close at lower pressures, the pistons also ensure that all other devices that require the use of air are functioning accordingly at any water depth.

If the first stage part of a diving regulator handles the flow of air into the hose, the second stage has more complex machinery that comprises both the exhaling and inhaling processes through the mouthpiece. The second stage part of a regulator takes the pressure coming from the first stage through the hose. This will then deliver the air to the mouthpiece for breathing.

Just like the first stage, the second stage part of a scuba regulator uses a piston or a diaphragm to open the valve. It contains a purge or emergency button that further forces the intake valve to open, thus allowing divers to exhale air out of the chamber. Also, the second stage balances the pressure and closes the valve in the chamber when a professional diver stops inhaling. With such functions of the first and second stage parts of a scuba regulator, divers should keep this gear well-maintained and well-balanced so as to maintain an effortless and natural breathing during diving despite the tediousness of the mechanics involved.