Lndr 0 Posted January 7, 2004 My poor old "student special" budget model Sherwood regs have given up the ghost after 11 years So I'm looking for some new regs and this time I'd like to get something that suits my diving better. I really like the idea of a side exhaust to keep more bubbles away from my viewfinder. Also I plan on getting into Nitrox soon, so I can improve my bottom time. So this leaves me thinking a Posiedon XSteam fits the bill. Is anyone diving with one? Would you recommend it?? Does the side exhaust help when taking photos? cheers Lndr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 I've used Cyklon's for the past 23 years - A testament in itself maybe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frogfish 5 Posted January 7, 2004 John Bantin is the Technical Editor at Diver magazine (UK), and someone I take very seriously - he's one of the very few people in the business who will write a negative review of a piece of equipment (or a dive operator) he doesn't like or doesn't feel is safe. What's more, they even get into print! (He's also fun to dive and shoot with, and great fun to be on a boat with, but as to his views on using digital cameras underwater - don't ask. No one is perfect.) In the past, Bantin has been quite negative about Poseidon regulators, but he changed his tune in the October 2003 issue of Diver. "A beautifully tamed beast," John's review of the Xstream, was extremely positive. Go to Bantin's Review of Poseidon X-stream in Diver and scroll down. Robert Delfs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 I agree about John! This new reg looks very nice and i'm tempted to get one myself. The only downside to Poseidon's is in the first stage. High pressure hose outlet access makes it difficult to attach transponders for Air X or Z type computers without additional pipe work. I just wish now they would bring out a titanium first stage with outlet mods. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tshepherd 0 Posted January 7, 2004 I can't comment on the Xstream, but the instructors at my local shop swear by Poseidon in general, especially for deeper dives (which is what they were originally intended for). They are however, very different to breathe off of, which is why some people react negatively to them. Oceanic also has a side exhaust model, the Omega II. I have 4 of Oceanic's Delta 3 regs, and they're pretty solid. I haven't used the Omega II though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scuba_kiwi 0 Posted January 7, 2004 I really like the idea of a side exhaust to keep more bubbles away from my viewfinder. Does the side exhaust help when taking photos? cheers Lndr If you haven't tried a side exhaust and your in Sydney I can lend you my spare Dacor Vypertek to try out if you like, I like the side exhaust and while I agree it does breathe wet, which a lot of people don't like, I do like it. I've used mine down to 50m and taken them to the back of caves and they have always performed well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apete 1 Posted January 7, 2004 Poseidons are very populra here in Sweden (where they are made and the water is cold). But it's mainly the older models - Cyklon and Jetstream - that are popular. Triton seems to be a failure. Not many divers buy them, and those who do are not entirely happy. I have yet to see anyone using an Xstream. I use a Cyklon, have been for more than 20 years, and have no plans to stop. Can't really tell you if it's better than other ones (even bubble-wise) - I rarely use any other regulator. /Anders Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 They are however, very different to breathe off of, which is why some people react negatively to them. Oceanic also has a side exhaust model, the Omega II. I have 4 of Oceanic's Delta 3 regs, and they're pretty solid. I haven't used the Omega II though. I get a psycholigical hang-up if i'm using anything other than a cyklon The interstage pressure on Poseidon's is set between 12 & 14 bar allowing them to be used deeper, but the 2nd stage can be fine tuned, without bouncing, to create a fantastic breathing pressure at any depth. A large ported aluminium block acts has a heat sink to help prevent freeze-ups behind the side mounted reduced diameter diaphram. Plus they are so easy to strip & maintain (If you can get spares), UK especially. The mouthpiece is larger than most other regs too, allowing a far more relaxed grip. Omega II would be a fantastic little reg. if it were not for the cheap nasty metal strip that operates the valve with neg. pressure from the diaphram. This bends out of shape causing problems, and is a pig to reset. The xtreme looks similar to the jetstream, which again is, or was a benchmark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yahsemtough 0 Posted January 7, 2004 A tech buddy of mine used to use Posidens but has since switched to the Apeks. They have been used beyond 1000 feet. Part of his reasoning for the switch is the easy serviceability of the Apeks. If you are away and need a part or fix they are easy to fix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackbird 1 Posted January 7, 2004 I've been using a couple of Oceanic Omegas for about 6 years (500+) dives and have found them great for photography. They even work in our wonderful English Lakes at 5c Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 A tech buddy of mine used to use Posidens but has since switched to the Apeks. They have been used beyond 1000 feet. Part of his reasoning for the switch is the easy serviceability of the Apeks. If you are away and need a part or fix they are easy to fix. That's like part exchanging a BMW for a Ford because have a plastic fetish Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yahsemtough 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Funny comment coming from a Brit. (as they are a British made reg) I hear they are easy on the heart. Note I did not comment negatively about the Posiden, just mentioned that one should consider the ability to get it running if in a less than commercial destination. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tshepherd 0 Posted January 7, 2004 I acutally like my two Apeks regs (TX50s), slightly more so than my Oceanics (Delta 3s). They are really dependable, and easy breathing, even at depth and in weird orientations (upside down). I actually would have bought more Apeks, except the shop I deal with stopped carrying them. :angryfire: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Funny comment coming from a Brit. (as they are a British made reg) I hear they are easy on the heart. Note I did not comment negatively about the Posiden, just mentioned that one should consider the ability to get it running if in a less than commercial destination. Tee Hee, Thought you'd bite at that Canadian As you have both Apex & a Ford REPAIRS: Wouldn't one have the same ability whatever the reg? If you need more Tom I can ship them. The original topic was about side exhaust I think, and the benifits for photographers... Only thing left to say... "Suck it and see!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lndr 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Thanks all for the comments, glad to here the glowing recommendations of Poseidon stuff High pressure hose outlet access makes it difficult to attach transponders for Air X or Z type computers without additional pipe work. interesting point ... the lack of ports on the XStream Duration was a negative, had me thinking I was going to have to resort to a T piece for my drysuit inflator (hadn't thought about the access issue for the ports though) ... I notice that the XStream Dive in john's review has 2 HP and 5 LP ports on its first stage though. I really like the idea of a side exhaust to keep more bubbles away from my viewfinder. Does the side exhaust help when taking photos? cheers Lndr If you haven't tried a side exhaust and your in Sydney I can lend you my spare Dacor Vypertek to try out if you like, I like the side exhaust and while I agree it does breathe wet, which a lot of people don't like, I do like it. I've used mine down to 50m and taken them to the back of caves and they have always performed well. Thanks for the offer Kiwi. I might take you up on that next time I'm diving in Sydney. I was originally wanting to get a Dacor after seeing it at the Dive Expo. I was disapointed when I found out they weren't recommended for Nitrox ... if I'm buying new regs I thought I should get something Nitrox capable rather than have to buy additional gear in the near future. Oceanic also has a side exhaust model, the Omega II. I have 4 of Oceanic's Delta 3 regs, and they're pretty solid. I haven't used the Omega II though. I did try an Omega a few years back, and can't say I was that enamoured ... I had a look again recently (again at the expo) and the reg doesn't seem to have changed so I'm ruling it out ... lots to consider ... thanx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lndr 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Only thing left to say... "Suck it and see!" that's proving problematic at the moment ... haven't found a diveshop in Oz dealing Poseidon ... something about the distributor being canned ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Yes, I think adding the extra HP outlet caused the squeeze! BTW: I use an Air X with a 90 deg HP ext - OK. I have added a button pony pressure guage in the other. This allows quick monitoring before donning and starting up computer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Best try Singapore I think... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lndr 0 Posted January 7, 2004 good thinking on the pony guage B) any leads on where to shop in Singapore? I was browsing at scubastore.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frogfish 5 Posted January 7, 2004 If there's no dealer in proximity to you (or where you dive), servicing might be an issue to consider. Not just annual servicing either. My understanding is that Poseidon regs are a bit tricky, you wouldn't want to hand your regs over to someone who isn't qualified and doesn't have all the special tools and spare parts. Robert Delfs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 7, 2004 Good point Robert... A friend of mine in Sydney is a qualified Poseidon techy, and he carries spares but not complete setups. I'll PM you Leander with my contact in Singapore as it's his personal email. Just tell him I sent you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lndr 0 Posted January 8, 2004 The person who's serviced my old regs has had Poseidon in the past, so I'm hoping servicing will not be too much of an issue (I'm waiting to hear on that). I'm not sure exactly whats happening with the Oz distributorship for Poseidon... but I imagine it will get resolved. I don't have a LDS ... so there's no-one to offend if I buy OS Wanted to get some idea on whether its worth chasing up on those regs ... from the sound of it they warrant some further investigation / consideration The contact would be great Bob. cheers Lndr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yahsemtough 0 Posted January 8, 2004 Sorry, maybe I was not clear on the servicing point. I did not mean at your local shop I meant on board a liveaboard or on a remote island. They will be able to get your Apeks working as it is a simple configuration. As for your posiden I would be a little leary. As for the Ford it came with the wife. I had and have a Toyota. Please don't tell me you have one of those sluggish BMW's like a X5? hahha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cybergoldfish 0 Posted January 8, 2004 X5 VII & Not one eh! Toyota? Thought they made sewing machines Poseidon are a very simple system and easily maintained or repaired... I'll show you in Wakagobi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simon K. 0 Posted January 8, 2004 What the Tech dive friends of me tell me is, that even if Poseidon Regs are great they don't use them because they have a upstream ventile and are not fail safe. They can block your air supply in case of failure and wont blow like a downstrem ventil will do. They use apeks because of the easy maintainability. They claim that the apeks reg 2. Stages are the only one that can be repaired sucsessfully underwater. Simon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
