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Nine regulator accessories including regulator carry bags (full size and small), oxygen regulator bag, anatomic mouthpieces in seven colours, regulator necklace for backup second stage carry, adapter and on/off valves for LP hose connections, and an OPV (over-pressure valve) for 1st stage intermediate pressure circuits.
Regulator Configuration and Carry Accessories
Beyond the regulator itself, a functional diving setup requires attention to how the second stage is worn, how the system is transported, and how individual components are connected. The accessories in this category address all three: the regulator necklace for backup second stage carry, bags for transport protection, mouthpieces for comfort on longer dives, and valves and adapters for LP circuit configuration.
Necklace for Backup Second Stage
The regulator necklace (SKU 80655/0-K) is the standard carry method for a backup second stage (octopus or dedicated backup reg) in technical diving configurations. It holds the second stage at chest/neck level — accessible without searching — and allows quick transfer to the mouth in an emergency without manipulating clips or pockets. Available in standard and black (K) variants. In DIR and GUE configurations, a necklaced backup second stage is the standard specification for manifolded doubles and sidemount rigs.
Mouthpieces
The Anatomic mouthpiece (SKU 80661K/B/G/O/R/KY/P) is available in seven colour variants — black, blue, green, orange, red, key yellow, and pink. Anatomic mouthpieces use a shaped bite tab designed to reduce jaw clenching and fatigue over extended dive time. On dives exceeding 30 minutes of mouthpiece use, a correctly fitting anatomic mouthpiece measurably reduces jaw discomfort. Colour variants allow matching to existing equipment or colour-coding second stages in multi-gas configurations.
Valves and Adapters
The ADAPTER – M9/16 TO F BC standard (SKU 806011) converts a 9/16″ male LP port to a standard BC inflation female connection — useful for routing a first stage LP port to a BCD inflator via a non-standard hose configuration. The ON/OFF VALVE Male 9/16 to BC (SKU 806012) and ON/OFF VALVE Female 9/16 to BC (SKU 806013) add a shut-off function to LP inflation circuits — allowing the BCD or drysuit inflation line to be isolated at the first stage without disconnecting. The OPV for 1st stage reg (12 bars) (SKU 806010) is a replacement over-pressure valve for the intermediate pressure circuit, venting at 12 bar above ambient to protect the LP circuit from excessive pressure.
What to Look For
- Necklace for backup second stage: Any diver carrying a backup second stage should use a necklace — a clipped or bungee-held second stage at the chest is not as quickly accessible under stress as one properly positioned on a necklace at neck level. The regulator necklace positions the second stage for immediate deployment.
- Mouthpiece colour for gas identification: In multi-gas technical configurations with decompression gases, colour-coding second stage mouthpieces to match cylinder markings is a straightforward visual safety practice. Yellow for O₂, green for nitrox, black for air/bottom gas — mouthpiece colour provides an immediate visual check at mouthpiece transfer.
- On/off valves for inflation circuits: On/off valves on BCD and drysuit inflation LP hoses allow isolation of those circuits without disconnecting hoses — useful for troubleshooting unexpected inflation, or for removing BCD/suit connections at the end of a dive without depressurising the first stage.
- Bag selection: The full regulator bag (SKU 852001) accommodates a complete 1st and 2nd stage with hoses; the small bag (SKU 852006) and small oxygen reg bag (SKU 852005) are for second stages, octopus regs, or oxygen regulators stored separately. Protecting regulators in dedicated bags prevents salt contamination of demand valve internals during transport.
- OPV for pressure circuit protection: The 12-bar OPV is a safety valve on the intermediate pressure circuit. If a first stage fails and delivers excessive IP, the OPV vents before the LP hoses and second stages are over-pressured. Replacing a worn OPV at service is a low-cost step that protects more expensive downstream components.
Maintenance and Care
Rinse regulator bags after diving and dry thoroughly before storing regulators inside — a wet bag traps moisture against the regulator, promoting corrosion. Anatomic mouthpieces should be rinsed and dried separately from the second stage; replace when bite tabs show visible cracks or permanent deformation that prevents a secure seal. On/off valves and adapters should be inspected at each service for o-ring wear at the seating face — a leaking on/off valve results in continuous gas loss from the LP circuit. The regulator necklace bungee should be inspected for UV degradation and replaced if cracking or stiffening is visible.
FAQ
What is a regulator necklace and how is it used?
A regulator necklace is a loop of bungee or cord worn around the neck, holding a second stage (backup regulator or octopus) at chest level. In technical diving, the backup second stage — typically the shorter hose second stage in a doubles configuration — is placed on a necklace so it hangs at the chest accessible without searching. In an out-of-air emergency or primary second stage failure, the diver reaches to the chest, removes the necklaced second stage, and places it in the mouth. The necklace positions it for this immediate deployment.
Are anatomic mouthpieces compatible with all Sopras Tek second stages?
The anatomic mouthpiece uses the standard 2nd stage bite tab connection compatible with Venere, Saturno, Andromeda, and Octopus 2020 second stages. It replaces the standard mouthpiece supplied with the second stage. Installation requires loosening the mouthpiece cable tie, removing the standard mouthpiece, sliding on the anatomic replacement, and re-securing with a cable tie. No tools beyond cable tie pliers are required.
What is the OPV for 1st stage used for?
The OPV (over-pressure valve) for the 1st stage intermediate pressure circuit is a spring-loaded pressure relief valve that opens if IP exceeds approximately 12 bar above ambient. This protects the LP circuit — hoses, second stages, BCD inflators — from over-pressurisation in the event of a first stage failure that results in runaway IP. The 12-bar OPV is also used on argon first stages to prevent over-pressurisation of the argon inflation cylinder. Replacement is recommended at annual service if the valve seat shows wear or the opening pressure has drifted.
Should I use a regulator bag for every dive?
Using a regulator bag for transport to and from the dive site protects the demand valve from salt contamination during transport, prevents hose tangling, and protects the second stage housing from impact damage. For boat diving where the regulator goes directly from tank to water, a bag is not essential. For transport in a vehicle, boat hold, or luggage, a bag significantly extends regulator life by reducing salt ingress and physical damage. The oxygen reg bag is specifically sized for compact oxygen or deco regulators, keeping them separate from non-oxygen equipment during transport.
What does the M9/16 to BC adapter do?
The ADAPTER – M9/16 TO F BC standard (SKU 806011) converts a male 9/16″ UNF LP port connection to a female BC standard (BC inflator) fitting. This allows a standard LP hose with a 9/16″ male end to connect to equipment that uses BC-standard inflator fittings. It is typically used when configuring a non-standard BCD inflator hose, or when adapting hoses from one manufacturer’s thread specification to another’s. The on/off valve variants add isolation capability to the same adaptation.