Before you can call yourself a scuba diver, you will need to familiarize yourself with the equipment used in this activity. Scuba regulators, for instance, are a definite must-have when you go undersea. Basically, these regulators allow you to breathe underwater by adjusting the air pressure coming from the tank to match that of the one found in water.
First stage regulator
The first stage of scuba regulators work to control the air pressure coming out of the tank. It keeps pressure from flowing in unmanageable gushes. It essentially adjusts the pressure just so it is balanced against the ambient water pressure.
Second stage regulator
Where the first stage lets air flow into the hose from your tank, the second stage regulator works to get air into your mouthpiece. It is concerned with allowing you to both inhale and exhale underwater which is why it is composed of complex parts. It has a diaphragm or piston just like the first stage but it has additional parts such as the purge or exhaust valve which allows you to exhale air out of the chamber while making sure that water doesn't get in.
How to choose scuba regulators
There are just a couple of things that you need to consider when choosing a regulator. You will want to make sure that you're getting one that is easy to hold and that which comes with a purge button that you can easily press even when you're wearing thick gloves. It should also come with external controls to ensure that you can easily manipulate the device and adjust air flow even while underwater.
The most important tip of all is to always buy a brand-new regulator that comes with sufficient warranty.
