Why is DIN better?

[Tom]

Since I've never seen it used, I was just wondering why you would want to switch to DIN. Any trips I've been on so far don't have it available. BTW, I always rent my tanks. Makes it easier to travel.

Tom

 

[Bubbles-old]

For me it was because I wanted a high pressure steel tank which are only available in DIN. Now that I've used it some I appreciate the fact that the o-ring doesn't leak or need replacing very often, it's fast and easy to put on and remove and doesn't seem as clumsy. But, I still like YOKE too and am saving my other first stage for when I travel. Definitely keep your yoke if you like to travel to US dive sites and rent tanks.

 

[Warhammer]

I wouldn't say it's better, as in better for one better for all. If there is one thing I've learned pretaining to Scuba gear, it's that what's best for one isn't necessarily best for everyone. But DIN is stronger than Yoke and it encloses the O-ring so that it's less likely to blow. But Yoke has worked fine for me thus far. Another big thing with DIN, and the only reason I see to make the switch to it, is that high pressure tanks require it. I here that Yoke fittings will soon be rated at 3500PSI, if that happens I think DIN will soon be a thing of the past. I've never run into an dive op yet that had DIN fitted "rental" tanks, but I here there are a few scattered about.

So basically, unless you plan on using high pressure steal tanks, and they do have their benefits, stick to Yoke.

 

[Aegir]

Tom.

DIN (deutch industry norm)is way way more popular in Europe than is the A-clamp (yoke). In the UK you will be lucky to find someone who uses yoke. This is for good reason, DIN is safer by definition. However which is "better" is another arguement since many people find yoke fitting easier to handle when filling cylinders. As a consequence diving centres can fill yoke equipped cylinders quicker than DIN cylinders. Yoke works why change it. The answer is simple, DIN is safer for the diver, no contest.

Take a look at this site that i stumbled across while reading this post.
http://www.ukrecscuba.org.uk/ukdiver/dinyoke.htm

___________
I think therefore I am, I think?

 

[bradymsu]

Tom,

After some initial hesitation, I've become a DIN convert. Over time, I believe DIN valves will save you money for previously stated reasons. They are also safer.

DIN valves are to yoke valves like the metric system is to the imperial system. DIN valves are in greater use around the world except in North America. Their popularity is increasing in the US and I expect they will eventually replace yoke valves. In the meantime, if you have a DIN regulator, you can very inexpensively purchase an adapter for yoke rental tanks. However, I've found most of the serious dive shops (at least in the Great Lakes area) rent both types of tanks.

Another reason to switch to DIN is if you are considering technical diving instruction. I've noticed there are many technical instructors who request that students use DIN. With the equipment costs for technical diving already high, it just makes sense to buy to right stuff early.

In defense of yoke regulators though, they are faster to connect to the tank.

 

[WetDane]

I think you are right on on some of the things - but you are all missing the benefit of the DIN connector.

By placing the O-ring deep down and connecting it in a way that does not allow the first stage to move on the connection, you effectively minimize wear on the o-ring. If you look closer at a yoke valve with the first stag on it, you will notice that even when pressurized it is possibe to turn the first stage a little, this maenas that in the event of snagging etc, you could potentially do things to that o-ring, I'm sure the potential of an o-ring failure at depth is obvious to all.

The fact that DIN is a far more secure donnection is the reason the is the preferred valve for tech and NW divers that I know of - just like steel tanks and cannister lights.

Terkel
- there are some things I don't want to mess with - one is my life!

 

[astravitz]

I'm a new diver, but dove 3 times this week in Florida from a charter boat. I felt something wasn't quite right on my first tank (yoke system) which had only 2,400 lbs, so I tried another tank. The next tank leaked, it has a slight hiss. So, the guide used an ice pick to dig out the "o" ring and replace it. This took about 5 minutes to change, and I had no problems durring the dive.

The Second dive, the tank had the same "hissing" problem. So, they took the "o" ring and reversed it. This stopped the leak and I had no problems during the dive. However, it did prompt me to go and purchase my own gear (as a future safety measure). It seems that many of the dive boats in Florda buy old and used gear. Needless to say, I'll stick with PADI Resorts or 5 star facilities in the future. But, it does seem that with the DIN system the leak and replacement of the "O" ring would have not been necessary.

This brings up an important point about dive safety, that if you don't feel something is right, speak up and don't go unless they address the issue.

 

[Positron]

were can i buy a yoke screw adapter for my din fitting?

 

[scubakat]

Hi Positron,
I would start by checking with the shop where you have your reg serviced. I'm sure they can help you find what you need!

-kate

 

[devjr]

The DIN fitting is the answer to the question no one asked: "How to make a safe hookup at 4500 psi"; or, "what is the safest hookup when impacting a cave stalagtite at 10 knots?"

That's about it. The yoke setup is safe up to 4000 psi. This has been true since valves and yokes were upgraded in the mid 1970's. The valve manufacturers reduced the size of the annulus to allow fitment of a thin O ring. As a result, the regulator to valve hookup is metal to metal, quite different from the old compressed washer design. The O ring is "trapped" on the outer perimeter similar to DIN. While the inner perimeter is not trapped, it does not matter because valve orifice pressure radiates outward. Modern yokes are strong enough to tow a truck. If you're worried about O ring wear consider this, I just changed some white silicone O rings after 10 years of trouble free use on my 3300 psi steel tanks(DiveQuip,PST). Still looked good after all that time.

I don't like the exposed fine threads on the DIN fittings. Sand and salt can get in the valleys and grooves. A slight ding could prevent mating of the regulator.

I have a pair of HP3500's. Machined a couple of the older, small OMS's valves to fit the 7/8 inch neck. I fill my own tanks and have a lot of other gear. Didn't want two types of fittings. Sticking with yokes for now.