21 REGULATORS

THE DEEP BREATH TESTS

Poseidon Cyklon 5000
Diaphragm first-stage with four mp and two hp ports. Ejector design second-stage with side exhaust.
First impressions:
The very compact first-stage has a tremendous track record but needs an extension piece if you want to use a modern computer transmitter. DIN fitting with A-clamp converter supplied. Not a regulator that should be stripped down in the field because the proper interstage pressure is crucial to its function. The second-stage can be used from left or right shoulder or either way up but George said it was important to use it in the horizontal position or you might suck water.

At depth:
George: "I am a Poseidon man but I was disappointed. Its performance seemed very average. It was comfortable but I found the exhaust bubbles visually disturbing."
Sarah: "I was unpleasantly surprised. I always thought this regulator had the reputation for being the mutt's nuts. The breathing was not particularly smooth and the bubbles were noticeable. The purge nearly blasted my brains out!"
Steffi: "It was difficult to clear of water and there was a much greater initial inhalation resistance than many of the others. Initially it seemed very wet. It certainly did not feel comfortable."
Steve: "I did not feel happy with it."

Upside-down: Can be used either way up.
In a fast current: Excellent.

What the machine found:
This regulator failed to perform within the parameters set beyond 48m.
Work of breathing at 48m: 2.43 joules/litre.

Guide price: £305
Poseidon Cyklon 5000


Poseidon Cyklon 5000

Poseidon Jetstream
Diaphragm first-stage with four mp and two hp ports. Servo design second-stage with venturi +/- switch and side exhaust.
First impressions:
First stage as Cyklon 5000. The Jetstream is beautifully made and well streamlined.

At depth:
George: "It was very disappointing. At minimum inhalation levels the air delivery stuttered and fluttered. At full bore it delivered masses of air. You could not ask for too much. I've used a Cyklon since 1973 and I'd rather stick with that."
Sarah: "I knew this regulator was supposed to be macho but I didn't realise it was for people who liked life to be as difficult as possible. When I purged it, it blew my tonsils out with salt water. [You must be sure to tilt the exhaust end away from the mouthpiece when doing this.] I liked the mouthpiece and the idea of the shape. I had to work to let the cat out but it wasn't the silky feline I had expected."
Steffi: "It felt like you had to open something every time you wanted to inhale. I would use it in a cave once I understood what the clicking noise was about. I felt I was in an old underwater sci-fi movie."
Steve: "I hated it. It was the feeling of opening a trap-door every time I wanted to inhale. The only thing in its favour is that it is no worse when used face up. I couldn't live with this regulator."

Upside-down: Can be used either way up.
In a fast current: Excellent.

What the machine found:
A severe spike on both ends of the ANSTI graph revealed the "trap-door" effect. However, this valve proved to be one of the big performers.
Work of breathing at 50m: 1.74 joules/litre.

Guide price: £303
Poseidon Jetstream


Poseidon Jetstream

The Deep Breath Tests | ANSTI Testing | The Conclusions
Apeks TX40 and TX100
Beuchat Evolution and VS8 Club
Cressi-Sub XS1 and F3
Mares MR12 Voltrex and MR22 Ruby
Ocean Reef 6600 and Enterprise
Oceanic Delta IID and Gamma D
Poseidon Cyklon 5000 and Jetstream
Scubapro Mk14/M50 and Mk20/G250
Sherwood Blizzard and Magnum
Spiro Ranger XP and Supra D XR2 Cryo,
US Divers SEA4 Micra ADJ

Appeared in DIVER - March 1998.