Nitrox - O2

CE cert for cold water

Regsets with a CE cold water certificate have been tested in waters below 10 degrees. When diving in NL/BE this comes in handy. In summer, the water on the surface may be warmer than 10 degrees, however, when decending to greater depths, you’ll hit various thermoclines in which the water temperature may be less than 10 degrees.

1st stage connection

The INT ( yoke) connection uses a clamp type to mount the regulator over the cylinder valve and is tightened into place by screwing the cap. This pushes the first stage into the sealing o-ring of the cylinder valve. With the DIN fitting the male part is screwed into the valve to securely capture the o-ring. We recommend the DIN connection, since this is a safer connection. This connection is mostly used for 300bar cylinders. However, the DIN300 bar connection also works with a 200bar tank valve

Pressure

Working pressure of the valve. Note that the cylinder needs to have the same working pressure!

1st stage HP port

A second high pressure port on a 1st stage is necesarry if you are contemplating to dive with a computer that is air integrated. The transmitter will be attached to the second high pressure port so that you will always have backup analogue SPG.

O-rings

Standard O-rings are suitable when using air. Viton O-rings are used when diving with Nitrox- Enriched air. However, they can also be used with air. Viton O-rings are generally recommended.

Hose type

Flex hoses are, as the word already describes it, more flexible than rubber hoses. By using these types of hoses the chance of your 2nd stage fitting more comfortable in your mouth, is doubled. The flex hoses are also easier to roll up for transportation and a little lighter than rubber hoses.

Connection outlet

This is the screw thread of the valve where the 1st stage is connected. G5/8 is the standard screw thread. M26 is the screw thread which is wider, and is specifically used for Nitrox regsets with the same screw thread- NOTE: M26 is the EU standard for NX

1st stage air supply

When you dive with an unbalanced 1st stage, breathing may become a little harder as your cylinder is being depleted of air. A balanced 1st stage will give you an even resistance during your dive, as long as your cylinder contains more than 20 Bar. An overbalanced 1st stage will give you a little more pressure when at depth, which will make breathing at greater depth easier. You will be able to feel the difference from a depth of 20 to 25 meters.

1st stage type

A piston 1st stage is easier to service, since there are less parts. However, a piston 1st stage needs to be serviced earlier than other 1st stages, since the water does get inside the 1st stage. A membrane 1st stage may be less maintanace- sensitive, however, you’ll have to be more precise in adjusting it. If you would like to dive in cold(er) waters, we would recommend a 1st stage with a membrane.

2nd stage breathing resistance

With an adjustable breathing resistance switch on the 2nd stage you will be able to adjust the flow of air when inhaling. You may experience a free flow with your 2nd stage when doing a drift dive or if there is a strong current. If you would adjust the switch to a higher resistance, then your 2nd stage will not free flow.