Well, I now have a season on the three HPR regulators I have converted. One is a square label RAM, no Phoenix, the other two are PRAMs. Well, one I just converted so I am only reporting on my first two. I have to tell you, despite a little bit of skepticism early on for various reasons (hey, I am getting old and ornery-er).
I am impressed. These HPR seconds are bullet proof and best of all, once set up, they just need no adjustment.Tthey are not fussy at all and nobody has to lift yer skirts--uh cans--to know it is not a plain old DA/RAM. Yes, the HPR is that good. I cannot over emphasize that it is so easy to set up and because it is so stable (the new seat material probably contributes as much as the improved design) you can adjust it down to a ridiculous .6 inches and with that new more flexible diaphragm, maybe even .3 inches.
My RAM square label, non-Phoenix, cracks at .3 (was .7 until I installed super flex diaphram), dove it mostly at SD IX and here and there. About 20 dives this year.
My PRAM round label, used on numerous dives and Coz and all during my near month long Florida adventure, cracks at .4 inches now with the super flex diaphragm. Probably about 70 dives this year.
My Navy PRAM, no super flex diaphragm, cracks at .6 inches. Only five pool test dives. I am using the grey single stage diaphragm in it. Love the grey.
Even if you do not care for the Phoenix because you are an old vintage only coot
, this HPR is worth doing. I just did not really appreciate originally what an improvement these are. Once installed, if you have all of the latest silicone goods and DBRV, you have an essentially near zero maintenance/adjustment regulator. I know we have had threads before about maintenance and since that is my field, I am all about working on stuff, well, this is the Maytag conversion. Put it in and forget about it, frustrating as all hell for me because it needs nothing, no tinkering needed.
What the hell, double hose regulators that do not need tinkering, what good is that
.
Nem