Metal or Poly 2nd stage?

[adown]

Hi All, I am set on a new MR52 and was planning on getting the Abyss 52. Then I saw Mares came out with the instinct 52. That 2nd stage is smaller and 120g lighter the Abyss, but is Polymer. I use a Proton right now that is also Polymer. I was looking forward to going to metal because everyone says it will cure dry mouth. To those of you who have used both, is there a noticable difference between the metal and poly regs. Is it worth the extra size and weight. Thanks

 

[Paladin]

I don't like plastic second stages. All of my regs have metal seconds. Not only from the standpoint of durability but because I have serious issues with dry mouth with plastic regs but not with metal.

 

[rhwestfall]

All my "plastic" regs have metal air barrels, so I'm not able to comment on that part of your question, but durability is a true benefit. In regard to the weight, I really don't believe there is any advantage. I think it is just a means to "justify" the change from metal.

 

[Couv]

Q: Why aren't hammers and anvils made out of plastic?
A: For the same reason a regulator shouldn't be.

 

[KD8NPB]

Other hidden advantages : A solid lump of chromed brass for a 2nd stage will heat up with your warm breath, acting like a heatsink, preventing regulator icing.

 

[elan]

Go Metal. I notice the difference even with plastic seconds that have a metal barrel. All plastic seconds like older S600 feel superdry.

 

[adown]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the Abyss even though its bulkier and heavier just to see if it does cure the dry mouth. That was my main concern.

On a side note, I don't buy into the whole "plastic regs break". They're not made of plastic, they're made of hybrid Polymer. Just like the stuff Glock and many others make their top selling hand guns out of. Top fuel and funny cars also use products made of Polymer because of it's strength to weight ratio and it's thermal properties. -40c to 120c for prolonged periods. I think a lot of people just like old school and there's nothing wrong with that, but don't sell todays technology short.

Thanks again for all the replies, adown

PS, I'm not trying to start a plastic vs metal strength war, I just know a little about it.

 

[Nemrod]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the Abyss even though its bulkier and heavier just to see if it does cure the dry mouth. That was my main concern.

On a side note, I don't buy into the whole "plastic regs break". They're not made of plastic, they're made of hybrid Polymer. Just like the stuff Glock and many others make their top selling hand guns out of. Top fuel and funny cars also use products made of Polymer because of it's strength to weight ratio and it's thermal properties. -40c to 120c for prolonged periods. I think a lot of people just like old school and there's nothing wrong with that, but don't sell todays technology short.

Thanks again for all the replies, adown

PS, I'm not trying to start a plastic vs metal strength war, I just know a little about it.

I have a whole box full of plastic second stages that are cracked. Usually they crack at the hose fitting area. Even the Glock pistol, of which I own two, uses metal parts in the major operating pieces such as the slide and barrel etc. A plastic regulator with a metal barrel and other major components is OK but why not at that point just use metal for everything. Oh, I know why, cost cutting.

N

 

[rhwestfall]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the Abyss even though its bulkier and heavier just to see if it does cure the dry mouth. That was my main concern.

On a side note, I don't buy into the whole "plastic regs break". They're not made of plastic, they're made of hybrid Polymer. Just like the stuff Glock and many others make their top selling hand guns out of. Top fuel and funny cars also use products made of Polymer because of it's strength to weight ratio and it's thermal properties. -40c to 120c for prolonged periods. I think a lot of people just like old school and there's nothing wrong with that, but don't sell todays technology short.

Thanks again for all the replies, adown

PS, I'm not trying to start a plastic vs metal strength war, I just know a little about it.

See Nemrod's post above.... Also, I have seen/experienced the accidental rough handling handling (dropped reg and also a tank rolling) take out a few.... Thread fittings are not the "best" when in this material... cracking also seems to show up in manufactured seams.. plastic plugs are also "poo-poo" in that either the threads or the heads seem to not reliably hold up... I'd say the idea is that the "plastic" are planned to be "disposable".

This can open a whole additional discussion, but not for here...

when I refer to "dropped", I simply mean an accidental 1'-2' fall, during either a rigging or storing that impacted a boat deck. Stuff can and will get banged..... and the plastic stuff doesn't like it...

 

[Fishpie]

I've had a fair amount of success with plastic with a few well known exceptions.....yellow plastic 1st gen USD cases, the plugs on their 2nd gen cases (although they mainly break because of over tightening and from not seating the allen key all the way down into the hole), internal tabs on older Mares 2nd stages.
For me, it's the crumbling and cracking soft purge covers that annoy the most.