Reproduction Main Diaphragms

[1969ivan1]

I just installed my new diaphragm in my PHOENIX and can't wait to take it for a test spin! Once I do I will post all about it in detail. Should I wear a helmet?

[Nemrod]

I usually give my equipment a run in the pool before a trip. Today I took the brand new top of the line adjustable AquaLung Legend to the pool for a Head to Head against the Phoenix RAM with the new silicone diaphram. OK, winner by a KNOCKOUT--Phoenix RAM . No contest, not even close. The finest high performance regulator on the planet is the Phoenix RAM with new silicone diaphram.

Nemrod

[Bryan]

James and Luis are always a great people to have test things. I only wish that doctors were as thorough with their patients as you are with the equipment and parts you scrutinize.
It is certainly a relief to hear that so many people are enjoying the benefits of the new diaphragms….

For a while I thought I was going to have to try and market them as mini super flexible Frisbees

[pescador775]

The silicone diaphragm is a nice piece of work. Compared to modern, single hose regs, the double hose Royal Aquamaster is a very stable mechanism with stiff but reliable components. The single hose, with its smaller second stage diaphragm, is at a theoretical disadvantage to the double hose such as the RAM. In order to compensate, the engineers responsible for designing the second stages of single hose regs have had to design mechanisms which are potentially unstable, fragile and lately, very complex. They do this to overcome problems such as inhalation resistance, flow instability, and freezing. Thus, yearly inspections are recommended to adjust, inspect or replace certain second stage parts such as springs, the poppet valve O rings and the very thin diaphragm. In contrast, the components in the Royal second stage have been known to function reliably for decades without recourse to replacing or adjusting anything. Inspections consist mainly of checking for corrosion. It is not surprising that yearly maintenance of single hose involving disassembly are a routine matter. This fact alone puts the reliability of single hose regs in question (if it ain't broke, don't fix it). Any time a regulator is disassembled beyond simple inspection the risk for human error increases. Regarding the double hose RAM, there is a penalty for such comparative stability and safety. The second stage components are oversized and rugged but somewhat stiff in operation. This applies to the diaphragm and poppet valve spring. Retuning the interstage pressure and spring rates is an option but has limits, otherwise, the double hose could be subject to the instability problems which characterise the single hose reg, referring to the need for eternal maintenance and performance checks. However, one area which can and has been addressed is to adopt the single hose solution of using a more flexible diaphragm. Thus, although the new silicone diaphragm for the RAM remains thicker than a single hose diaphragm, the ratio of surface area to thickness in the RAM diaphragm is quite large making it effectively thinner and potentially more flexible. When cast in 30 duro silicone, the RAM diaphragm assumes a great deal of flexibilty indeed. Thus, an engineering ploy used in the single hose reg, the flexible diaphragm, is answered by Brian's Royal Aquamaster diaphragm.

[crimediver]

I believe Pescador means the diaphrams kick butt !

[standingup]

OK Bryan I'm in a quandary again. I really like the idea of the clear diaphragm. Are you going to definitely make them in the future. Or am I waiting for a phoenix and going to miss out on the diaphragms- you only show 6 left and I'm getting nervous. Can I pay for a diaphragm now and have you keep it while I wait for the phoenix?

[Bryan]

Don't look for clear to happen anytime this year......I won't run out of diaphragms for very long. I purchased the mold and can have another batch run pretty quickly. I have quite a reserve right now.

[Nemrod]

My real life diving experience absolutely verifies that the silicone diaphrams far exceed the best NOS USD diaphrams in overall performance. If you want to penailize yourself by using some stiff old 50 year old rubber diaphram because it is more authentic then be my guest.

Maybe someday at Wazee or Sand Dog or some other event yet discovered there will be a contest or prize awarded to the most authentic period double hoser. I suppose if I were asked to be one of the judges then everything else being equal I might give the nod to the guy with authentic stiff rubber hoses and diaphrams and valves. In the real world, diving, there is no contest, the silicone wins hands down.

Nemrod

[Greg Barlow]

I made five dives today with my Mistral that had been fitted with a new silicone diaphragm. This reg has been a wet breather ever since I can remember. I had replaced nearly every single soft part with no luck in solving the problem, that is except for the slightly mishaped diaphragm.

Well, Bryan's silicone version solved the problem, as no "gurgling" was noted. My dives were all less than 30', so I can't really say as to whether or not I noticed a difference in breathing effort.

The man has a winner!

Greg

[seakrakken]

I finally quit letting grass grow under my feet and ordered a Silicone Diaphram and a High Pressure Block Assembly Guide from Bryan. He is one Class Act! If anyone ever reading these forum threads needs an unsolicited testimonial about the integrity of VintageDoubleHose.com and how he conducts business dealings I would be happy to tell you that I have purchased several items from VDH and I have never been dissatisfied in anyway what so ever. He sells hard, If not impossible, to find items, Super Fast delivery and conducts himself with Curtesy and Professionalism. I of course had to immediately install the new silicone diaphram but, while I had both the old and the new ones in my hands I was amazed at how limber and flexible the new one is in comparison! Once installed I subjectively feel that there is a noticeable difference in the way my DA Aquamaster breaths. I will be testing it out this weekend in a local lake I found last week and I will be happy to brag about it. To all Safe Diving and Long Live Bryan!

[Bryan]

The diaphragm manufacturing company is PIMPING me out…….They are treating me like I’m some kind of addict and they are the only source for the drug……I called to re-order some more diaphragms since I anticipated a rush of orders due to Christmas time and the Phoenix project is in production and near completion……Despite what I have on my quote they are now tacking on a mixing and coloring charge of $700.00 to the order……I should have kept my mouth shut and never told them how well they worked…Price will remain the same on the diaphragms, I will just buy enough stock to offset the cost of their BS charges….

[standingup]

I'm shooting myself in the foot here, but here goes. Raise the price because a few dollars increase to each buyer is not a large burden to bear. Now for all of those out there that think I must have deep pockets. I haven't ordered my diaphragms yet since I have to carefully distribute my meager funds. When I do order my diaphragms I will not be upset by a higher price. I will be upset if they are no longer available. Your supplier is like the tire companies-" do you want these tires mounted?" NO I WILL JUST EAT THEM HERE !!!!

[Nemrod]

Well, go ahead and make them 45 dollars. I want an ice blue one---lol. Do they own the mold?

James

[diverdown1955]

BRYAN, I DITTO , STANDINGUP, "RAISE THE PRICE ON THE DIAPHRAGMS." IT'S WHAT ALL THE RETAILERS DO. IF YOUR POCKETS ARE DEEPER THAN WALMARTS, MAINTAIN OR LOWER THE PRICE.

JERRY
FAUX LABEL WORKS

[Bryan]

They will go up by $5.00 I am sorry to say.....I thought I had a company that would work with me.....I had visions of silicone exhaust valves and duckbills.....When I told them there was more at stake for them than just the next 100 diaphragms they basically gave me the bird....

I own the mold but it will cost some big coin to move it....I understand costs go up but not 40% in 60 days! The cost to produce the duckbills and exhaust valves has not gone up in 3 years.....

I'm done bitching....FOR NOW.....