On Wednesday, August 22, 2001 1:29 AM, Huw Porter wrote:

(snip)
> Buzzing certainly wasn't a problem with Strike's own Command Air, as
kindly
> lent to me to try a dive in a long hose/backplate/wing combo, so I suspect
> it's just necessary to have the reg carefully adjusted. :-)

I've had my back-up second stage for 11 years and the primary and
first-stage for five.  At 230 grams for the second stage, (and the Mk 7,
piston, first-stage at 850 grams), it rests easily in the mouth.  (For some
reason, I cant get used to the ultra-light second-stages?)  :-)

The models that I have employ both turbo and venturi-assist knobs and will
deliver a maximum air flow of 1400 litres per minute!  (Which is marginally
more than I've ever needed!)  :-)

Although they require minimal maintenance and are rugged enough to be used
by a number of regional Navy diving teams, (being 'sailor-proof' should be a
prime requirement of any regulator!!!!), they're still instruments that
require appropriate care to function properly.

The problem with using rental equipment is that because the user generally
has little or no interest in treating it/them with the appropriate
tender-loving-care, they are often over-serviced by dive-stores keen to
ensure that equipment faults play no part in a possible incident!  :-)

As such, minor abnormalities go un-observed by the dive store - and
generally un-remarked by the user! :-)

And while I know that Apeks regs have superceded the Scubapro models as
being, 'flavour-of-the-month' for those in the know, I prefer to use a reg
that:
(a)  Has never let me down!
(b)  Is ranked among that top 5 in the world.  (According to European
Standard testing?)
(c)  Is put together by people that I know and trust!  :-)
And:
(d)  That comes with a 'gold' first-stage!!!!!!!!!  :-)  (Stuff titanium!)
:-)

Strike