Post by Nemrodalt on Apr 10, 2005 19:33:33 GMT -8
The Florida Vintage dive allowed me an excellent opportunity to compare several USD regulators, my old but cherry Pico Mistral DW, my AM DA recently rebuilt by Bryan Pennington and my two Royal AMs, one refurbished by myself and the other by Bryan. All are excellent performers but the Mistral is my favorite only because I have a history with it. Below 1500 psi it breaths easily and is a delight to use. The DA, well, I can see why so many were sold, a workhorse for sure but not as easy breathing as my Mistral (below 1,500 psi) or either of the Royals. I was trying to keep up with Rob in our first dive into the Blue Spring, me pushing my video camera and stupidly being under weighted I soon found myself sucking pretty hard on the DA and not being fully satisfied (head down position) as I fought the current. Nonetheless I had a good dive with the DA and later it proved itself delightful crusing along the Destin Jetty, a keeper for sure! I will just have to say the Royal Aquamasters are hands down the top performers, they breath equal to most modern single hose jobs overall and are just buttery smooth. I can see why they often fetch top dollar for nice units. At 120 feet, give or take, in Hospital Hole the smooth and easy breathing was comforting and confidence inspiring. There are regulators that have more collector value but for a regulator to dive with the Royal does it's name proud. James
