Scuba Gear?

Posted on Sep 27, 2009 under Scuba Gear | 4 Comments

hello

i am starting scuba lessons and i have a few questions
first, what does it feel like using the respirator and breathing equipment
what is the difference between a respirator and a full face mask, how does it feel with a full face mask on, as some people have said it fells wierd, and they have trouble with it, and finally should i take a t-shirt for in the pool for the BCD, as some places have advised it others have not

thx

It’s called a regulator, not respirator and there are actually two, your first and second stages. What does it feel like? Just like it does breathing through a snorkel. No effort and with a rubber mouth piece in your mouth.
Difference between a full face and a normal mask? Cost for one. Other than that, the fit. The full face uses a second stage regulator just as a normal mask does, they only differ in that the full has the second stage reg integrated into it and there is no mouthpiece. This type of mask is also sometimes equipped with comm gear so that you can talk diver to diver or diver to surface. As a new diver, you won’t be spending the bucks on this toy.
T shirt or no T shirt? Entirely up to you. It isn’t going to keep you warmer by itself. There’s little to no insulation value in them. You’ll find that having something on will reduce any chaffing of the BC’s straps is about it. Ohh and the modesty issue comes into play. That’s about it.

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4 Responses to “Scuba Gear?”

  1. tim_gleckler Says:
    September 28th, 2009 at 3:54 am

    Using the respirator will take a little getting used to, but it will become second nature to you in a very very short time. I cannot answer the question about a full face mask as I do not use one. And to answer your last question, I actually do not understand it. If you mean to wear a t-shirt to keep your body protected from the scraping of the BCD, then by all means you should wear one. I and my diving friends do not wear any kind of shirt in warm weather and of course if you plan on wearing a wetsuit then obviously a t-shirt is not needed.
    May I interject a word of warning, be prepared to have the most exciting time of your life whenever you "scuba"
    References :

  2. scubabob Says:
    September 28th, 2009 at 4:31 am

    It’s called a regulator, not respirator and there are actually two, your first and second stages. What does it feel like? Just like it does breathing through a snorkel. No effort and with a rubber mouth piece in your mouth.
    Difference between a full face and a normal mask? Cost for one. Other than that, the fit. The full face uses a second stage regulator just as a normal mask does, they only differ in that the full has the second stage reg integrated into it and there is no mouthpiece. This type of mask is also sometimes equipped with comm gear so that you can talk diver to diver or diver to surface. As a new diver, you won’t be spending the bucks on this toy.
    T shirt or no T shirt? Entirely up to you. It isn’t going to keep you warmer by itself. There’s little to no insulation value in them. You’ll find that having something on will reduce any chaffing of the BC’s straps is about it. Ohh and the modesty issue comes into play. That’s about it.
    References :
    commercial diver, IANTD techie, chamber op, gas blender

  3. sunset_scuba Says:
    September 28th, 2009 at 4:43 am

    Using regulators for the first time is always a wierd feeling- but it’s really fun too! I would recommend a full face mask; but it also depends on where you plan to dive. In the pool, wearing a surf or water shirt is a pretty good idea, the BCD can be itchy or uncomfortable. Overall, give it time, it’s a pretty foreign feeling in the beginning.
    References :

  4. rita_alabama Says:
    September 28th, 2009 at 5:14 am

    I’ve done a "Discover Scuba" course, and had a blast!

    The "respirator" is actually called a "regulator", and while it does feel weird breathing underwater, you do get used to it pretty quickly. It works on a demand valve, so you only get air when you breathe in. It goes in your mouth, so you have to get used to not breathing through your nose, but that’s not hard.

    I doubt that they will be letting you use full face masks during your scuba training…for one thing, those buggers are expensive, and it adds a level of complexity that you, as a brand new scuba student, might not be able to handle quite yet. It would also make practicing some skills kind of tricky.

    I wore a BCD with just a swimsuit and it didn’t bother me, but there’s no harm in bringing a t-shirt, just in case.

    Have fun….
    References :

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