A prospective hookah diver must realize that SCUBA regulators CANNOT be used for hookah applications without special modifications. A typical hookah compressor operates in an average pressure range of 30 to 50 p.s.i., which is not enough pressure to drive the spring loaded downstream valve of a SCUBA regulator. A hookah regulator is entirely different from a SCUBA regulator. It consists of a “second stage” only, which is fed directly from the output of the reserve tank via the air hose. There are no “first stage” valve assemblies of the type that are used with SCUBA tanks.
This adjustable balanced 2nd stage hookah diving regulator is feature-packed and capable of handling a high work load. It is designed for use in both warm and cold water conditions. The housing interior is structured to create a pressure drop in the area just before the mouthpiece. This design ensures air is pulled towards the diver’s mouth directly after leaving the valve. In extremely cold water this feature also acts as a heat sink, to prevent icing. The side adjustment knob allows for easy adjustment of air volume leaving the valve – the diver can choose to breathe conservatively, or to open the valve up for more air as needed. A pre-dive / dive switch next to the adjustment knob toggles on and off to prevent the valve from free flowing at the surface. This hookah regulator includes a high-spec, large bore intermediate pressure hose to flow sufficient air even when demand is heavy. This regulator is fully compatible with the T80, KAC and 263 air compressor systems commonly used by gold dredgers, kelp divers, and sea urchin / sea cucumber harvesters. Again, note that this regulator is not compatible with high pressure SCUBA systems.
