Most BCD’s are unisex, which means that both men and women can wear them. BCD’s for women are especially designed for women. These BCD’s are more narrow at the shoulders and shorter in length, to ensure that it is snug around the waist. Children’s BCD’s are available in smaller sizes.
BCD’s which have an integrated weight system are already equipped with weight pockets. The weights themselves are never included. BCD’s which have an optional integrated weight system are not equipped with weight pockets. These can be purchased separately. BCD’s which have no pockets for the weight can only be used with a weight belt.
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.
In Europe, it is mandatory to have a special M26 regset and cylinder when diving with Nitrox. The regsets that are shown here, do not have this special M26 thread. However, these are all technically fit to dive with Nitrox up to 40%. Outside of Europe, you can use these regs to dive with Nitrox up to 40%.
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.
The INT (or 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 val
Several regset manufactured by Aqualung have the ACD system. This system makes sure that water will not get in to the 1st stage after diving or even if you have forgotten to put on your dust cap when you rinse your materials.
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.
A venturi switch is a + and – switch on the 2nd stages that regulates airflow. When the switch is switched to the -, the 2nd stage will not free flow when entering the water. When it is switched to the +, breathing is easiest.
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.
