Hi
@Scuba J7
See my post #24 for a more complete discussion of the ANSTI testing parameters and correlation with diving
Latest ScubaLabs reg test - huh?
The least strenuous test, test #1, has an RMV of 1.32 cf/min. This is nearly 4 times my average RMV over the last 1000+ dives and over twice the highest RMV I have ever had for a complete dive. I don't have a good idea of what my instantaneous RMV might have been during the most strenuous portion of my most difficult dives. The RMVs for the other 3 dives are 2.65 and 2.21 cf/min, quite some breathing. These values are meant to simulate one
or 2 divers breathing at up to maximal rates.
So....any regulator that gets a passable score on test #1 is likely to be judged to breathe just fine for a recreational dive, under most usual conditions. When push really comes to shove, their may be some differences between the regs.
The Scubapro regulators I listed rated 5-5-5-5. The Deep 6 Signature rated a 5-3-3-0. The worst performing reg, the Scuba Concepts Honu, rated a 4-0-0-0. The narrative for the Honu reads:
...the Honu’s performance on
the ANSTI simulator was rated very good at recreational depths, though it tailed off a bit at our greatest test depths. In the water, the Honu delivered solid performance, with divers rating it very good for ease of breathing in all attitudes except face-up (where it was still rated good), and very good for dry performance in all positions. The second stage is about average in size but quite light, and was rated very good for comfort. Divers found the purge soft and progressive, and the Venturi control did its job well and was easy to use.
Subjective breathing experiences with regulators under easy rec diving conditions does not appear to really differentiate between any acceptable regulator. I appreciate knowing my regulator has a significant reserve, someday I may need it. How much reserve is needed, I don't know. Most divers are completely unaware of ScubaLab testing and dive away happily every day.