Pictured is a 1977 Sportsways-Waterlung W-600 Hydronaut. The downstream 2nd stage features an adjustable orifice that allows it to be tuned without removing the diaphragm cover. The balanced, flow through piston 1st stage has a heavy yoke, and a low profile tank mount. It has 3 LP ports (30-cfm flow), 1 HP port, and a special low-flow 5-cfm port devoted to the inflator hose. This valuable feature might allow you time to disconnect a sticking auto-inflator before you rocket to the surface.
The W-600 has simple design with minimal parts and is extremely easy to service. Instead of requiring special spanner wrenches or strap wrenches, the top end of 1st stage has flat sides to fit an ordinary crescent wrench. The HP nozzle has a broad, wide screw head that just happened to perfectly fit the handle of the pictured tablespoon.
An advertisement for this regulator read: “Sometimes it Pays to be a Sucker! Especially when you are using the new Sportsways-Waterlung W-600. You’ll never suck in a more effortless supply of air. Try it and you’ll discover this outstanding regulator requires only minimal effort for complete and comfortable underwater breathing. You know how important that is to a diver. Special Offer - $119.95! (Limited time offer good through February, 1977)”.
