Regulator Parts

Frequently asked questions

What is an octo holder and why do I need one?

An octo holder keeps your backup second stage secured in the correct position on your BCD — within the "golden triangle" between chin, navel, and chest sides — so it is immediately accessible to a dive buddy in an out-of-air emergency. Without a holder, the backup regulator drags along the bottom, damages delicate coral, stirs up sediment, and is harder to locate quickly. We carry a variety of clips to secure your backup regulator.

When should I replace my regulator dust cover and why does it matter?

Always replace your rubber dust cover on the first stage yoke or DIN port immediately after removing your regulator from the tank — before rinsing with fresh water. If water enters an open first stage port during rinsing, it can reach the internal mechanism and cause corrosion, contamination, or damage to internal seats and o-rings. The dust cover is a simple rubber cap that costs a few dollars but protects hundreds of dollars of equipment. We carry both standard rubber yoke dust covers and aluminum DIN protector caps in several colors — worth having a spare in your gear bag.

What is a regulator necklace and who uses one?

A regulator necklace is a loop of bungee cord sized to fit around your neck, holding your primary or backup second stage just below your chin. This mounting method is common in sidemount diving and technical cave diving, where a conventional BCD chest-mounted second stage is not practical. With a necklace, the backup regulator stays at chin level — easy to locate and deploy with one hand. We carry different sizes as well as the plain bungee to make your own.

What does a regulator shut-off valve do?

A shut-off valve installs inline between your low pressure hose and second stage, allowing you to manually stop airflow to a free-flowing second stage without turning off the tank. If your second stage begins free-flowing uncontrollably during a dive, closing the shut-off valve isolates that second stage while your other stages continue to function normally — giving you time to ascend safely rather than losing your entire gas supply through one malfunctioning second stage. Used primarily in technical and cave diving configurations where immediate surface access may not be possible, but a useful addition for any diver who wants an extra layer of safety.

What size hoses do I need for my regulator configuration?

Regulator hose length depends on your specific configuration. Standard primary second stage hoses run 27 to 30 inches — long enough to route from your first stage over your right shoulder to your mouth. Backup second stage (octopus) hoses run 36 inches — the extra length allows a dive buddy to take the regulator without pulling you toward them. Technical and sidemount divers often use a 5-foot (60-inch) or 7-foot (84-inch) primary hose that routes under the arm and around the body, with the backup second stage on a short necklace. High pressure gauge hoses run 30-36 inches standard, or 6 inches for a short pony bottle setup. BCD power inflator hoses run 26 inches standard. Contact us if you need a length or configuration not shown in our standard range.