Top hat vs s wing

[Candiru]

After being inspired by the great 109 to 156 thread I am in the process of repairing my first 109. I am starting with an unbalanced 109 that has the top hat style poppet. I have the following kits available to install. Duro poppet, top hat style balanced kit from a g200B and several s wing type repair kits. The spring is coming from a G200B that had the top hat balanced poppet in it.

I am looking for recommendations on which way to go. Currently I am leaning towards installing the NOS top hat balanced poppet unless somebody has a reason that it would be unsafe (I'm not using the orings from the kit just the top hat). Most likely the 109 will end up on my mk2 as a stage bottle, but I am interested in seeing which I like better the 109 BA or my G250's.

 

[Zung]

... but I am interested in seeing which I like better the 109 BA or my G250's.

I'm still trying to figure that out.

If you have a NOS tophat balanced poppet, I see no reason why you shouldn't use it until it dies, and that'll be in about a hundred dives or much more if it's used as a deco rig.

When that time comes, you'll be suprised how the s-wing poppet swaps right in. Initially, I had a little concern with regards to the balance chamber, because the older poppets use a 2.5mmx1mm o-ring, while the s-wing's use two 2.2mmx1mm. But so far I haven't seen any dire effects, no problem with sealing.

 

[Candiru]

Most of my s wing kits have a balance cHamber with them. So I am planning on using them.