There is a common misconception regarding DIN vs yoke regulators and which is “better”. Alec gives a clear comparison between the common North American yoke regulator vs threaded DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) regulator and how to easily use and convert between both.
The key difference is DIN regulators and valves are essential if tank pressure is 3,500 psi (241 bar) or higher. If below 3,500 psi then yoke or DIN regulators can be used depending on tank valve and diver preference.
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Rating: 4.88
Wow this really helped me out explaining what it all is and how it's used!! Thank you!! I looked through a few articles and videos but I didn't understand it till I watched yours! So seriously! Thank you for explaining it so well!!
Good or better – Well.
You're of course right – you should be careful using the word "better". However …
I know that YOKE has been there forever – and that it is a well tested technology, but here is my 50 cents.
1. Yes, as you mention in the video – DIN is approved for higher pressure. If you want to take advantage of that – DIN is not better – it's the only option.
2. With the YOKE system – the O-ring is part of the tank valve This means that when you're on a diving boat and using air supplied by the boat, every time you mount your regulator for the next dive – you need to inspect the o-ring for damage, wear, cracks, etc. And every time you change you have to check carefully. You do not however stand there on the boat and pry out the O-ring to check for cracks on the back and so on – but you should – shouldn't you? After all – this is the system that keeps you alive under water.
3. With the DIN system – the O-ring is mounted on your regulator – it's yours (given of course that you're diving with your own regulator). If you have just recently changed and lubricated your O-ring, no one else has been using or abusing it, no Open Water Student has 30 minutes ago misplaced his regulator and damaged the valve O-ring, you can be pretty confident that your O-ring is okay. At least you know that it's not 3 years old dried out rubber. Of course you always check before mounting your regulator, but you know its history. Problem here of course being that the diving boat probably don't supply tanks with DIN valves 🙁
4. Space. I dive with a Mares MR12ST 1st stage, which has the yoke screw on the end of the 1st stage cylinder. Most of the time my regulator kit is placed in a regulator bag and occasionally its taken out and used for diving, but lets face it – most of the time it's being stored somewhere. Now, I travel with at least my Reg and my computer – the rest I can rent. I just came home from Thailand where I had my luggage in a backpack.And to be honest – trying to fit that regulator bag into the backpack with that darn YOKE pointing out in a completely different direction is just a pain. I know this is not a technical issue – but it sure is a practical one.
So – I would definitely say that having a DIN regulator and a YOKE adapter gives you the best possibilities as you can use your reg for EVERY situation, be that high pressure, space savings, trust in your life-saving O-ring, and so on.
Maybe DIN isn't better, maybe DIN is a german/european standard and not US, but then again – what gives you the most options ?
So yes – I have recently ordered a DIN conversion kit for my MR12ST 1st stage.
anyway.. thanks for the explanation mr peirce, now im quite certain to get the DIN first stage as im planning on doing cave diving in the future
so a DIN can essentially step down to a yoke standard (low pressure) with no problems but a yoke cannot step up to a DIN standard (high pressure) without taking too much risk.
Got me one of the Apeks DIN to Yoke adapters for my Apeks DIN reg to use for the cylinders of the scuba club I'm part of which have DIN cylinders but they have the Yoke converter installed. Works a treat :>
Hi Alec! Really appreciate your videos but I am puzzled by the claim "DIN is not better" as this would imply Yoke is better from tech POV. Can you actually give any reasons anyone should choose Yoke over DIN other than valve cost /availability of compatible tanks in US/it's colonies ?
precious infamation , easy explain. Respect ! Mr. Pierce
It's a first stage not a regulator
Brilliant information. Thank you sir. You've saved me a major headache.
Brilliant…I am now no longer confused.
I'm currently working on a screw on yoke …. I got this ! Haha
Ah, I just had my new 1st stage converted to YOKE as it came with a DIN as standard.
My thinking was that every boat I went on in Egypt all used YOKE on Ali cylinders so the cylinders I'm guessing would only be filled near 232 bar anyways.
So if I ever come across a DIN cylinder valve …. Id check pressure inside was suitable for YOKE and put my own YOKE insert into the DIN threaded opening .
All I need to carry is the little DIN to YOKE adapter and an Allen key , which is smaller than carrying the bigger converter to go on a DIN first stage to make it YOKE compatible .
The Yoke fitting has been around for years so until I feel I need more pressure … jobs a gooden right ?
thanks for the vid !
DIN is safer, because the O-Ring (the weakest part) is protected better. The O-Ring has less tension stress –> doesnt alter as fast –> and if it is weak, it doesnt break as easy. I think, that this here happened with a yoke connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC5lWEi0Ztc
Here are my views about Din and Yoke.
1. If one is buying a new regulator, I think buying one with a DIN first stage is more practical since converting a DIN to Yoke is easier.
2. I think DIN connections are more secure than Yoke connections, especially if one will dive in environments such as places with lots of overhead. A Yoke connection is more likely to "break" off if hit vs a DIN connection.
Hi again Alec. there Should I buy a DIN with a converter to the yoke? I'll be diving more in the southern asian countries. Or just the International Yoke style. for Rec. diving.
DIN = Deutsche Industrie Norm – German Industry Norm
Thanks for a GREAT instructional video on this Alec! My local LDS (the owner himself) tried to explain the > 3500psi & <3500psi "yoke/din relationship" to me a few days ago, & I guess I was just in stupid-mode or whatever…. and did not quite understand fully what he was attempting to tell me? And hey, THIS guy is 4th generation family owner of this store, & REALLY knows regulators + tank-valves practically blind-folded; I've been doing business with them for just under 30 years now, & TRUST them emphatically. BUT…. for some goofy reason today – after watching + studying your presentation…. NOW I understand! Thanks again for your assistance!
I need to buy a regulator kit hesitating din or yoke but this video has helped me damn a lot ! Thank you 🙂
Awesome video! Love the tech tips! Really cleared a lot of questions. THANK YOU!!!
Hi Alec, this isn't a question but just wanted to say I absolutely rate your videos. They are very informative and useful to watch. Even things I had enough basic knowledge on your videos help expand that knowledge and how I can explain things to other divers who have questions. Keep it up.
Alec, wondering if you can use a DIN -> Yoke fill adapter on a tank that only has DIN option (tanks I rented in europe where DIN300 but had nowhere near the full 237bar anyway) and dive your yoke regulator ? I've seen some plain brass fill adapters – been told not to dive with those – but also seem ones with screw wheel just like DIN regulator and don't see why you couldn't dive with it (similar to the reverse DIN->Yoke reg adapter) https://www.ebay.com/itm/302419731897 as long as pressure isn't a constrain.
Still debating on buying a second reg that would be DIN so I have both (spare and pick correct one for destination).
Well Done Alec. Informative, straight to the point and just enough flair to make me chuckle. Thanks!
I recall you talking about DIN200 vs DIN300 during some episode (side note) but I can't find it now… this should have really be mentioned here as it's so as simple as you make it sound, unless you have a modern valve and <=3442psi tank!
When I took my advanced open water course in the Florida keys I used a yoke valve with a 3500 psi 100cf aluminum tank
You are the best! Thank you for the information
very interesting !
I'm not saying DIN is better, just superior!
All connections should be DIN, way more safe !
Scuba Genius @Alec
So if im a travelling type of diver, its better to get DIN with a DIN to yoke adapter to ensure that my regulator fits all needs easily? Would love if someone responds 😀
I am learning tec and side mount so I am going to DIN. For me it is not just about the high pressure but about knobs and entanglements.
The DIN takes up less space and when searching for shutoff it much simpler in stressful situations also there is nothing protruding on the yoke side of the tank. In side-mount if you go valves up there is nothing to scrape or get caught if a line runs across the bottom of tank.
Exactly what I needed to know, thank you. I inherited a scuba bottle but no regulator of any kind.
Alex always provides the most informative explanations, while keeping the audience engaged in the topic. What a great personality!
thank you !
"DIN" stands for "Deutsche Industrie Norm". German Industrial Norm.
I never see Yoke regs here in slovakia. All of our LDS use DINs 😀 so when i first saw yoke i was confused… but honestly, it doesnt matter to me what you are using if you can manage an "emergency" situation underwater. unless we go cavediving together, then i need to know what you are using 😀
Thanks alec! You make me smarter and smarter every video
Thanks, good video!
Thanks, great video!
This should be standard knowledge for all certified divers. Better is a matter of opinion. All of my regulators are DIN with a Yoke adapter. Tanks are also DIN with yoke inserts. IMO, DIN is better because of the fact that the o-ring is better protected when in service and again IMO, higher pressure rating equates to better capability, YMMV. Both are prone to damage if not taken care of properly and both should always have a protective device installed as soon as they are taken off of the tank, which should have been mentioned in this video. The DIN cap is a better protector of the fitting because it encases the entire fitting and seals to the o-ring. Many of the typical Yoke ball or cone protectors do not cover the o-ring seating surface and they are not all waterproof.
Awesome tech tips! I have made a lot of purchase decisions based on your video. Please keep up the good work!
Hard to believe just how tangled up this has got ,, Guys ,, Brits and North Americans , probably a few other Countries too , still use psi and not bar ,, miles and not kilometres ,, so DIN and A-Clamp .. wait a min Yoke 😉 .. as Alec says all the time , there is no BETTER ,, depends on why , what for , and where .. btw. since i dive in Europe ,, have DIN Regs for Germany and Yoke for the UK 😮 so whatever cylinders are there , can be used , and of course a couple of adapters just in case 😀
Alec Keep up the good work m8 !