When Voit/Swimaster introduced the Trieste Double Hose Regulator (1966-1970), it was a unique concept to maintain the double hose regulator in the diving community. The basic design of the Trieste was interesting in that it had a balanced first stage that was also utilized in a single hose model, the Titan II (1967-74).
Many of the main bodies of the Trieste/Titan II are identical except that the Trieste had a second stage screwed into it. The Titan II had this port closed with a threaded plug. As everyone is now quite aware, the Trieste has some engineering flaws that prevented it from becoming one of the better preforming double hose regulators. It did however have low and high-pressure ports that made this regulator more compliant with the accessories that divers of this era desired. These were the SPG and safe second stage or inflator for the newly emerging BCD.
As more modern vintage equipment divers viewed the Trieste, one of the early thoughts was that the Trieste did not preform due to the size of the second stage (Main) diaphragm. Recent forum threads have addressed this idea and possible solutions. However, there were more issues with this regulator beyond the diaphragm. Luis understood these problems and redesigned the second stage. The result of this endeavor produced what is called the Pegasus. Utilizing Rob’s reproduction plastic regulator cans, the regulator is a unique and special double hose.
I was able to dive Luis’ prototype in November of 2011. It preformed very nicely. At Portage Quarry last summer (2011) I came across a Titan II first stage for sale at one of the numerous vendors for $1.00. I then gave it to Luis to make into a Pegasus. With help from Ed, my label partner, a set of hoses and mouthpiece from http://www.thescubamuseum.com, a fashioned DBE, and the talents of Luis, I present here my Pegasus.
What is the future of the Pegasus? In my opinion, it may take the same evolutionary path as many species did in our geologic past. It may just dead-end. A Trieste/Titan II body needs to be utilized, which, unless you have one that is beyond restoration into its original form, is to me, a loss to the diving world. Most importantly, I do not know if there is any plan to make a second stage for the Pegasus, maybe due to the superiority of the new HPR second stage. The two 2nd stages are similar, but different enough to require special machining. But as we have all seen in this vintage diving world, “never say never.” We shall see.
