Scuba Diving Regulator

I have tried many different regulators and my favorite of all time is the Dacor Extreme Plus Regulator but I have trouble finding parts to maintain it. I even have the original dive computers on 3 of the 4 Dacor Extreme Plus Regs as back ups since I use different dive computers on each of them.

Dacor Extreme Plus Regulator...nothin better

The Ranger 2 has a simple non-balanced piston first stage design that is great for the entry level diver or to be used in rental programs. The exclusive MARES DFC system featured minimizes the intermediate pressure drop which occurs in all regulators during the inhalation phase. This pressure drop is greater when higher airflow is demanded of the regulator. The DFC system substantially reduces breathing effort and inhalation resistance, especially during deep dives and under high air flow conditions.The second stage Vortex Assist Design (V.A.D.) system: all Mares second stages offer the unique patented VAD system. The air bypass tube conveys air to the mouthpiece creating a swirling vortex with a low pressure area in the center this keeps the diaphragm down during inhalation, giving very sensitive and easy breathing at all depths. The second stage cover features the new "mesh-grid" system for water inflow and outflow, which provides a further performance improvement.

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In scuba diving, a regulator is used so that the pressure of the air the diver breathes is close to that of the ambient water. A reckless swimmer decides to use a hose sticking out of the surface to breathe underwater while diving in a lake. When the air pressure in the lungs is at a pressure of around 0.145 atmospheres below the ambient pressure, lung injury may occur. Find the depth at which the swimmer would experience such a pressure differential.

Ambient pressure on the surface is 1 ATM for every ten meters underwater, it is another ATM. So 0.145 ATM below = 14.5 CM. That small pressure would hurt no one.

I'm new to scuba diving (LOVE IT) and am starting to accumulate the gear. However, I'm not made of money so I am trying to find a balance between durability and cost. Any recommendations or perhaps even models I should avoid? Thanks in advance!

There are no cheap regulators. Your regulator is part of your life support equipment under water. Functionally all regulators are equal. They are designed to let you breathe underwater on demand at all depths. Most Scuba shop will let you try the regulator before you buy it. Some regulators are pricier than others. My suggestion for you will be to try a couple of them, and see how you like it. You may have preference, being a left or a right handed person, how to operate the regulator. The manufacturers are continuously making improvements to these devices. Check out the website below. From their main page go to gear, and then to regulators, and you will find a lot of discussions, comparisons etc.

Reckless Swimmer In scuba diving, a regulator is used so that the pressure of the air the diver breathes is close to that of the ambient water. A reckless swimmer decides to use a hose sticking out of the surface to breathe underwater while diving in a lake. When the air pressure in the lungs is at a pressure of around 0.120 atmospheres below the ambient pressure, lung injury may occur. Find the depth at which the swimmer would experience such a pressure differential. (in m)

P(atm) + (Density)gh = P(atm) + .120atm (Density)gh = .120atm h = .120atm/(Density)(g) Where P is the pressure in Atmospheres, Density is the density of the fluid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height below the surface.