Hi all,

I'm off to the Maldives for 2 weeks in October with my PC330 and Ikelite housing (also trying the new gadget to reverse the mirror on the camera from the kind folks at Ikelite).

I've been reading through various reviews and comments on the Aqualung Mistrel and although it is appealing I am being driven not to get one based on quite a few negative comments and feedback.

This leaves me with the question as to what to buy? I would love a second stage that doesn't push bubbles in front of me, something with longer exhause port but I am not sure where to start looking. Does anyone have any ideas for me?

Thanks, oh and I'm not sure this is the correct forum, maybe a "Other Equipment" forum should be created?

Thanks

Tony

Posidon makes a side exhaust, I believe genesis is making one now based on the old techna design and it looks pretty sharp. Neither one of these totally gets rid of the bubbles, but they do make a difference.

If you put an extension on the exhaust port it will free flow, even with a one-way valve at the end of the extension.

If you know anyone that will let you borrow a mistral I would try it, but put a seacure mouth piece on it, and bring your old regulator just in case.

There really isnt anything else out there, I'm working on a new design now but it won't help you on your trip.

May favorite regulator in the past has been a genesis version of the aqualung micra. Its tiny and light, you can hardly tell its in your mouth and breaths well.

Hi there. OK thanks, not sure who I could maybe rent one from... :S Have you got a replacement mouthpiece that you would specifically recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Tony

When chosing my last reg, my criteria was easy breathing. So I tried them all (Apeks through Zeagle) in the water and chose the Atomic B2.

I have had it modified with the M1 exhaust tee, which diverts the bubbles a bit better than the stock tee, so bubbles are almost never even noticed by me when shooting.

If I were chosing for very cold or nasty water, I'd have gotten the Apeks, which has a great environmental dry seal; or for repairs world wide, I would have chosen ScubaPro, which you can get parts almost anywhere.

All the best, James

I've been using ScubaPro's S600 for a few years, and I am very satisfied with it. It is very reliable, and bubles are never a problem when I am shooting. Their light weight first stages are also great for traveling.

Definately a SeaCure mouthpiece, it eliminates many of the comfort issues caused by the double hoses. I reviewed the Mistral in one of the earlier posts.

I'm on the fence I have to say, the Mistrel does look good for my Video work, but it appears there are lots of unknowns still...going to dig around for more reviews...thanks for all of the feedback so far guys.

TT

I did exactly the same thing, though my decision process wasn't as lengthy as yours (old regs developed a first-stage leak on the Sunday my live-aboard was leaving so I ran out and finally bought the B2, which I'd been wanting for a while. Works great with the longer exhaust tee off the M1.

Mike

OK, against part of my own judgement I got a Mistral. Its off of ebay and the fella has only used it a few times, he has two and is selling one.

Soon going to learn from experience whether I like it or not, I'll be sure to report my findings...

TT