2011 Reg Tests: IST R-410
IST R-410
PRICE RANGE
$350-$500
SPECS
» Ports 2HP, 4LP
» 1st Stage Balanced piston
» 2nd Stage Pneumatically balanced
» MSRP $400
www.istsports.com
PERFORMANCE **
**» Simulator 3-4 (Good to Very Good)» Real World 3-4 (Good to Very Good)
FEATURES
The IST R-410 immediately catches the eye with gold port plugs, retaining ring and serial-number plate on the first stage, and a sleek gold trim ring on the second stage. Our test version included the “all-condition environ- mental seal” designed to protect the first stage’s main spring from silt, harmful contaminants and extreme cold. The second stage’s long, curved exhaust tee diverts bubbles away from the diver’s field of vision — a point noted by many of the testers — so it’s a good choice for underwater photographers. Though some of the test divers complained that the hose was stiff and inflexible, the reg’s balanced first and second stage delivered good performance in both the simulator tests and real-world diving.
**BOTTOM LINE **
A good choice for photographers, the IST R-410 offers good performance at a nice price point.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
IST R-410
PRICE RANGE
$350-$500
SPECS
» Ports 2HP, 4LP
» 1st Stage Balanced piston
» 2nd Stage Pneumatically balanced
» MSRP $400
www.istsports.com
PERFORMANCE **
**» Simulator 3-4 (Good to Very Good)
» Real World 3-4 (Good to Very Good)
FEATURES
The IST R-410 immediately catches the eye with gold port plugs, retaining ring and serial-number plate on the first stage, and a sleek gold trim ring on the second stage. Our test version included the “all-condition environ- mental seal” designed to protect the first stage’s main spring from silt, harmful contaminants and extreme cold. The second stage’s long, curved exhaust tee diverts bubbles away from the diver’s field of vision — a point noted by many of the testers — so it’s a good choice for underwater photographers. Though some of the test divers complained that the hose was stiff and inflexible, the reg’s balanced first and second stage delivered good performance in both the simulator tests and real-world diving.
**BOTTOM LINE **
A good choice for photographers, the IST R-410 offers good performance at a nice price point.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY