Regulator Performance when Vertical

[tdallen]

I noticed in this thread help with my brand new Atomic B2 that the performance of a regulator while vertical in the water can be a concern. I like to pull up into a vertical position once in a while - better field of view, better situational awareness, and it gives my neck a break. Is this a first stage or second stage issue? And, are there certain designs or brands that are better when vertical than others or is it just tuning?

Thanks.

 

[tbone1004]

second stage isn't being assisted when vertical.

All regulators are impacted by diaphragm orientation. I.e. why they freeflow when you put them in the water mouthpiece up, and stop when you rotate them mouthpiece down.

Poseidon regulators are not impacted by orientation up or down, but are impacted by orientation side to side. You can be upside-down and they will breathe exactly like they do right-side up or anywhere in between. They will freeflow when the diaphragm is face down, and be a bit stiff when the diaphragm is up *roll side to side*

 

[tdallen]

Thanks. Any notable differences in performance among the regulators used by recreational divers, i.e. Atomic, Aqualung, Scubapro, Deep6, etc.?

 

[tbone1004]

Thanks. Any notable differences in performance among the regulators used by recreational divers, i.e. Atomic, Aqualung, Scubapro, Deep6, etc.?

yes and no. the high end models from the brands in question will all be similar

 

[tdallen]

Perfect, thanks.

 

[halocline]

It has nothing to do with diaphragm orientation relative to the surface, it has to do with relative depth of diaphragm, mouthpiece, and diver's air canal. If the mouthpiece (and diver) are deeper than the diaphragm, it's harder to breathe.

The reason regs freeflow with the mouthpiece up is because the air in the 2nd stage is buoyant (all air in water is) and escapes out the mouthpiece opening. This lowers the pressure in the 2nd stage and allows the lever to push the valve open. Once it starts, venturi assist keeps it going.

If the reg is filled with water, it doesn't freeflow with the mouthpiece pointing up.

 

[buddhasummer]

It has nothing to do with diaphragm orientation relative to the surface, it has to do with relative depth of diaphragm, mouthpiece, and diver's air canal. If the mouthpiece (and diver) are deeper than the diaphragm, it's harder to breathe.

The reason regs freeflow with the mouthpiece up is because the air in the 2nd stage is buoyant (all air in water is) and escapes out the mouthpiece opening. This lowers the pressure in the 2nd stage and allows the lever to push the valve open. Once it starts, venturi assist keeps it going.

If the reg is filled with water, it doesn't freeflow with the mouthpiece pointing up.

Ever thought about writing a book?

 

[scrane]

I find the Atomic regulators to be really easy breathing in all orientations except facing directly up. Vertical is no problem.

 

[Dan]

I noticed my Scubapro octopus was free flowing when I jumped into the water. I then put a mouthpiece plug retainer & hooked it to my BCD chest D ring. That took care of the free flowing situation. Also I have the octopus hooked on my chest & easily accessible for deployment at anytime when my dive buddy rips my 2nd Stage out of my mouth.

 

[halocline]

Ever thought about writing a book?

Yes, I want to write a crime novel set on the U.S./Mexico border. Sort of a tribute to Elmore Leonard, one of my heroes. This idea might have to wait until retirement, though.