Vintage Double Hose Regulator

[BamaCaveDiver]

Keep in mind that date represents the first commercial BC produced. Prior to that divers saw a need for some type of device to assist in controlling their bouancy, and many adopted the use of the old Mae West horse collar inflation devices almost 30 years before that first SP stab jacket hit the market. Cave divers experiemented as well during the 50's and 60's, using bleach bottles, Jerry cans (military type gas cans) and anything else that would reliably trap air and keep them out of the silt.

[hbh2oguard]

very true bama, I wasn't around back then but I'm guessing that wasn't too wide spread.

[hbh2oguard]

So has anyone tried the newer version of aqualung's mistral? I've seen them pretty cheap now and I'm tempted to get one but I've read quite a few negative reviews.

[acelockco]

Yes, I have seen them going fairly cheap as well. I even pondered the idea, but I don't think it would be a wise move. They only made the thing for about a year or so, I bet in 5 years or so you will not be able to find a rebuild kit for it. While it sounds like a good idea it never went over, and the reviews do not seem that good.

I guess if you really want double hoses, it is time to think about a rebreather. In my opinion, that is the way diving is going. I suspect within 10 years rebreathers are going to be just as popular if not more so than standard cylinders. I know I see them much more often now than I did just a few years back.

[hbh2oguard]

That's kind of what I thought but the 1st is just a common reg which will be easy to find parts. I seen old double hose regs for simular prices that are rebuit and ready to dive. If they can find parts for them I would hope parts could be found for the newer ones. Plus the reg is $300 a LOT cheaper than a rebreather

[acelockco]

Wow, where did you see it for $300, I have seen it on sale for $595. For three SCUBA Bucks, even if you only get a 3 years out of the thing, that is fair.

[hbh2oguard]

well it was on a website for an east coast suba shop in PA but I emailed them and they no longer had any. It was $299 so I was going to give it a shot for that.