TESTCENTRE
The 360-degree swivel turret provides five low pressure ports ( four side and one up top ), spaced neatly to allow a good range of hose routing options . Two HP ports , slightly angled , are situated opposite one another and accommodate Scubapro ’ s small contents / depth gauge console , plus a wireless transmitter for my computer . There ’ s no right or wrong way to set up the first stage , so LP turret up or down makes no difference at all - just choose whatever suits you best , and jump right on in . Checking out the D420 side-byside with the more conventionally-styled R195 Octopus , the differences are glaringly obvious . The D420 ’ s form reminds me very much of a vintage style mic of the sort used by Sinatra or Elvis in the ‘ 50s . Featuring a new type of balanced Progressive Flow Control Valve protected internally by a full metal structure , the very striking fibreglass reinforced nylon case feels very tough , while remaining lightweight too . There ’ s the choice of routing the regulator hose from right or left and while its octopus offers a dive / pre-dive lever on the side , the D420 ’ s is Venturi Effect Control is found on the top . The elongated and hinged purge button also stands out as being different , but in use I found it easy to locate and just as easy to use . Although the D420 appears somewhat smaller than the R195 that may not necessarily be the case and is perhaps more a case of shifting things around than any great reduction in size .
The narrowed-down top section noticeably improves line-of-sight vision , especially when looking downward . Meanwhile , the lower section containing the diaphragm curves nicely around the chin . Combined with a compact exhaust tee , this provides a streamlined unit that redistributes the D420 ’ s weight for a much more comfortable breathing experience . Whether it was the ‘ inner winglets ’ that ‘ direct airflow towards the exhaust valve ’, as Scubapro ’ s pitch puts it , or perhaps the ‘ diaphragm located in the lower section of the casing to take advantage of the pressure gradient in the upright position ,’ I didn ’ t really care . All I knew was that it provided an excellent breathe on descent , at depth , inverted and on ascent , with not an iota of difference to my gas supply . Switching between the D420 and R195 – an excellent first stage regulator in itself - it was becoming patently obvious which I favoured within a very short time . If I was in the market for a new regulator myself , I ’ d not actually look much further than the D420 . While some divers may be put off by its looks , others will embrace them and you ’ re particularly keen on coordination then try combining it with Scubapro ’ s matching D-Mask . Unless you ’ ve actually planted one in your mouth , the D420 ’ s hidden advantages may possibly be overlooked . The clever design eliminates the top of the regulator from your line of sight ; if you are a photographer it will allow you to inch that little bit closer to your camera . Accessing both the top-mounted Venturi lever and the long , rectangular purge button is very intuitive , while the compact exhaust tee keeps exhaled gas bubbles from encroaching on your view . This reg is certainly worth trying if you suffer from an aching jaw either during or after diving . While lightweight ( 216g minus rubber mouthpiece ) the D420 ’ s weight distribution is also well balanced ; I found that the rear of the casing could sit ever-sogently against the chin to further enhance your comfort .
Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
Don ’ t let any preconceived ideas of what a second stage should look like influence you in any way , as Scubapro breaks free of convention with its unique , high-performance and very comfortable D420 .
PHOTO : PAUL WILDMAN
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