My first regulator was a Sherwood. I bought it in the mid 80's with a set of used gear.
It worked like a champ for some five years without any servicing whatsoever. I didn't know it,
but I had accidentally bought one of the most reliable regulators made. Sherwood
regulators (like my old one and those made today) are reliable because of their Dry Air Bleed
TM system keeps salt water and contaminants out of the
first stage.
The best regulators are sealed units that do not allow salt water (salt crystals are bad)
or micro sand (gums up reg's) inside. The Sherwood air bleed system keeps positive air pressure inside
the 1st stage to keep the bad stuff out. This is very important when diving in surf, close to a sandy
or muddy bottom, or at resorts or in dive boats where the fresh water rinses are not "fresh" or non-existent.
Another thing I like about my Sherwood is that if do I get sand in my second stage or octopus I can clean it
out easily without a visit to the shop. This allows the next dive to happen on schedule.
It is not unusual to get sand or sediment in a second stage. Normally it happens when if you get
close to the bottom (looking at the critters, photography, picking up Spanish doubloons :) ) or exiting through
the surf. Sand and
sediment can cause regulator free-flow or water leaks through a clogged valve if not dealt with after a dive.
Unlike other regulators, special tools and techniques are not required
for cleaning out Sherwood second stages. To clean my second stages I simply attach my regulator to a tank,
pressurize it, remove
the rubber second stage cover, remove the diaphragm retaining ring, and then remove the
diaphragm. I rinse the inside of the second stage and the parts with fresh water to remove
sand and particulate, replace the parts in reverse order and check for proper breathing. An
authorized technician can show you how to perform this simple regulator maintenance technique.
Another nice feature I like is Sherwood's patented primary air sensing channel system. The sensing
channel helps you breathe comfortably and efficiently under high demand conditions. Take a big breath and
feel the air boost!
Sherwood has another neat feature. The Sherwood moving orifice balancing system is found on most
Sherwood regulators. This unique feature allows you to
breathe easily throughout the dive as tank pressures vary from high to low. This is an area where
other regulators fall off in performance.
I really like Sherwood regulators. I prefer a high performing regulator because I am a big guy diving in cold water
and with an occasional strenuous dive. You get a lot of nice benefits from Sherwood regulators including the
reliability and solid breathing performance.
For those who like to get the most bang for our buck, I recommend Sherwood regulators. They are designed well
and a tremendous value. The average Sherwood regulator set can save its owner $100 per year in maintenance costs. Do the math.
John Burns
Owner
Discount Divers Supply,
Call 1-877-SCUBA-DV
Sherwood Magnum Regulator
My first regulator was a Sherwood. I bought it in the mid 80's with a set of used gear.
It worked like a champ for some five years without any servicing whatsoever. I didn't know it,
but I had accidentally bought one of the most reliable regulators made. Sherwood
regulators (like my old one and those made today) are reliable because of their Dry Air Bleed
TM system keeps salt water and contaminants out of the
first stage.