Regulators 1st + 2nd Stages

Regulator 1st & 2nd Stage Combinations are the most common way to buy diving regulators. Manufacturers test their 1st & 2nd stage combinations to ensure that they provide the optimum breathing performance for divers.

We stock all the major diving regulator brands at Dive Shop Online including Scubapro, Apeks, Aqualung and Mares and we are also a service centre for all leading regulator brands. This gives us a great insight into what makes regulators work for divers.

You can also drop into our Dive Shop in Teignmouth and discuss and see all the leading regulators from these brands and get the views of divers who use them.

Some basic understanding of the components of the regulator is helpful when you are trying to decide what to buy.

The regulator 1st stage – This is essentially the engine of the regulator without a good first stage supplying a good flow of air at a constant rate the second stage cannot finalise the breathe for the diver.

The 2nd Stage – Deals with the flow rate and volume of air delivered by the first stage and then “balances” this into a comfortable relaxing breathe for the diver. The second stage also needs to be comfortable for the diver to hold in their mouth so it is not too heavy, and needs to have a comfortable mouthpiece. The second stage may be balanced to smooth any peaks and troughs in the air delivery from the first stage or to help with the affects of depth.

Investing in a good Regulator 1st & 2nd Stage Combination from day 1 of your diving career will mean that you may never need to buy again! a good regulator will allow you to comfortably dive to all recreational diving limits and usually well beyond.