When regulators are tested for performance specifications, it is done by a machine that "breathes" the regulator and takes various measurements via electronic means and and provides empirical results via a computer. This is done through thousands of cycles (breaths) at various depths (some very deep). Despite what some might think, it is possible to empirically prove a regulator performs better than another regulator. Now here is the tricky bit, and it might seem like false advertising, or a lie, but it is not. The manufacturer has the option configuring their regulator (hose placement is a good example) which can give just the very slightest edge to their regulator. For instance, Atomic ships their regulators with the second stage hose on the bottom of the reg, eliminating a right angle turn of the air flow, which increases the coefficient of friction just the tiniest smidgen, giving it a just a tiny bit of a performance boost in the test. They can also tune the reg very precisely before a test, to a tenth of a percent of absolute optimum.
Now, let's be clear, in regulators, no one actually dives them this way; however, all these high end regs perform excellently, and are a very high quality. It is very common, even, normal for a high end reg to freeflow when it is out of your mouth and floating in the water right out of the box. This is why a store assembly and bench test by a competent technician at the time of purchase can be so useful. You might also find that your new reg may begin to freeflow after after a few dives. It is not necessarily, or even probably defective. The most likely cause is the seat is starting to take a "set" and needs adjusting, nothing more. Bring it to a tech and have it adjusted.
The performance variances are very, very small, and a computer CAN tell the difference, but no human being can. What a human being can perceive are subjective factors, which vary considerably, and can affect a divers perception of "performance." These factors are very real. I don't like Scubapro regulators, I don't like their mouthpieces and port plug configurations. So what? It's just my opinion. It does not make it an inferior reg. I prefer diaphragm regulators for no better reason than I learned on them, and I prefer Aqualung regs out of nothing more rational than brand loyalty.
The reasons to choose one high end reg over another are pretty much subjective. Scubapro, Aqualung, Atomic, Hollis, on the high end, you can't tell the difference in how they breathe, but a machine can, and that's pretty much what they sell on. You made an excellent choice, and I hope you have many years of service and thousands of dives on your new reg. I hope this information helps with your question.
Now, let's be clear, in regulators, no one actually dives them this way; however, all these high end regs perform excellently, and are a very high quality. It is very common, even, normal for a high end reg to freeflow when it is out of your mouth and floating in the water right out of the box. This is why a store assembly and bench test by a competent technician at the time of purchase can be so useful. You might also find that your new reg may begin to freeflow after after a few dives. It is not necessarily, or even probably defective. The most likely cause is the seat is starting to take a "set" and needs adjusting, nothing more. Bring it to a tech and have it adjusted.
The performance variances are very, very small, and a computer CAN tell the difference, but no human being can. What a human being can perceive are subjective factors, which vary considerably, and can affect a divers perception of "performance." These factors are very real. I don't like Scubapro regulators, I don't like their mouthpieces and port plug configurations. So what? It's just my opinion. It does not make it an inferior reg. I prefer diaphragm regulators for no better reason than I learned on them, and I prefer Aqualung regs out of nothing more rational than brand loyalty.
The reasons to choose one high end reg over another are pretty much subjective. Scubapro, Aqualung, Atomic, Hollis, on the high end, you can't tell the difference in how they breathe, but a machine can, and that's pretty much what they sell on. You made an excellent choice, and I hope you have many years of service and thousands of dives on your new reg. I hope this information helps with your question.
