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Product Review: Oceanic Alpha 10 SPX Yoke + DIN Regulator

Product Review: Oceanic Alpha 10 SPX Yoke + DIN Regulator

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on May 20, 2020
diver by the shore preparing to dive

The folks over at Oceanic have redesigned their popular line of scuba diving regulators with the Alpha 10 SPX. Available in Yoke and DIN variations, this affordable but highly capable regulator is EN250A-certified for its octopus-sharing and easy-breathing capabilities. 

The Alpha 10 SPX is simple, economical, and extremely durable, making it one of the best scuba regulators today. Divers will find breathing effortless, while the compact and durable design makes the Alpha 10 SPX easy to maintain and service.

What We Love About the Oceanic Alpha 10 sPX Regulator

Compact & EN250A-Certified 

The SPX in the Alpha 10 refers to the redesigned regulator first stage. It now has a compact design and has ribbings that help draw out heat from the surrounding water. This prevents the components from icing during cold water diving. The regulator design has an EN250A certification, making it approved for use in 4°C waters.

Unbalanced Flow-by Piston First Stage Design

The first stage of the Alpha 10 SPX has an unbalanced piston design. It is simple and affordable thanks to a lower part count compared to balanced regulators. Even if there is a first stage failure, its fail-safe design allows the regulator to still deliver air. The unbalanced diving regulator design is much better suited to recreational and shallow water diving as divers exert the same amount of effort in breathing at depths of 20 meters or less.

The first stage is made of triple-chromed marine-grade brass for added durability and longevity. It has four LP ports and 2 HP ports with 3/8″ and 7/16″ threads. Divers can route hoses optimally thanks to the angled LP ports.

Oceanic Apha 10 SPX with DIN regulator

Two Available First Stage Fittings

The Alpha 10 SPX can be bought and fitted with either a DIN or Yoke Regulator. Yoke or A-clamp regulators attach directly on top of the tank valve using a metal brace and tighten by using its yoke screw. DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) regulators, on the other hand, don’t require additional braces on the tank valve. Instead, it screws into the inside of the tank valve using a threaded post.

Yoke regulators are often used with flatter tanks with O-rings that are pressed into a small groove on the flat side of the tank valve. DIN regulators require tanks that have larger threaded openings. This bigger opening allows the DIN regulator to be screwed inside the tank valve easily. 

Yoke regulators are more common and are mostly used in recreational diving. DIN regulators, on the other hand, are mostly used on deeper dives as they can handle higher pressures than yoke regulators, making the DIN regulators more suitable for high-pressure tanks. 

So, depending on the tank valve that you’re using or the kind of dive that you’re going to do, the Oceanic Alpha 10 SPX can be fitted with the appropriate regulator easily.

Adjustable Venturi Switch

Another feature of the Alpha 10 SPX is its adjustable dive and pre-dive switch. This switch lets you control freeflow once underwater and manipulate the venturi effect easily to assist in breathing. This switch can be found on the regulator’s second stage. This switch prevents unwanted freeflow when diving from a boat or swimming into a current or from the shore. This switch is easy to toggle, whether you’re in or out of the water.

Pneumatically Balanced Second Stage Valve System

The second stage of the Alpha 10 SPX has a pneumatically balanced design. While most pneumatically balanced second stage designs are more commonly seen on high-end regulators, Oceanic brings it to their more economical Alpha 10 SPX. Conventional second stages use a spring to prevent a freeflow when breathing. However, this spring also makes it more difficult to breathe as you use up more air trying to overcome the closing of the spring. This spring system is better suited to deeper dives as shallow dives will make the spring tension stronger than it needs to be.

Yoke Regulator on the Alpha 10 SPX

Having a pneumatically balanced system for the second stage of the regulator means surrounding the spring in an air-pocket. The air pressure inside this pocket increases as you dive deeper and decreases as you ascend. This then makes the spring stronger or weaker as needed, ensuring minimal effort (and less air consumption) when cracking the second stage to breath regardless of your current depth.

Another slight advantage of the Alpha 10 SPX’s unbalanced design is that it’s easier to tell if you’re running low on air supply. The breathing resistance produced by unbalanced regulators increases as you go deeper or your tank pressure drops. This restriction is often used by divers as an early indication that their tank pressure is low. This way, you can plan your ascent carefully.

Product Features:

  • Choice between Yoke or DIN fitting
  • Pre-dive switch for preventing free flow
  • Unbalanced flow-by piston first stage
  • Pneumatically balanced second stage
  • Miflex braided low pressure 3/8″ threaded hose
  • Comfortable orthodontic mouthpiece
  • First & Second Stage EN250A-certified
  • Can be used in waters with temperatures as cold as 4°C

Customer Reviews

“I loved this set up! Works well no matter your position. I highly recommend the Oceanic Alpha 10”

“Breaths really well. Nice and smooth.”

“Love it!! Leisure Pro has great service prices and selection. The regulator works incredibly well and have dove with it several times.”