why the sherwood brut is an excellent regulator (According to a scuba instructor)
Sherwood must be doing something right as the company is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The Brut regulator is a testament to Sherwood’s commitment to quality and durability and a good part of why the company has endured where many others have failed. So why is the Brute a “Jay’s Fave”? Read on and find out.
History
First introduced in 1984, the Brut regulator soon became the number one choice for the rental industry due to its reliability, simplistic design and easy maintenance. Used by many dive schools and dive boats, the original brut was known for its first stage flow-by piston, dry-bleed system to prevent internal icing, and a simple, but durable, second stage.
Since coming on the dive scene in 1984, the Brut regulator has been modified some over the years. In 2016 Sherwood introduced the Brut Pro, which is the current Brut regulator on the market.
Function
One of the main things about the Brut regulator over the years and through its different modifications has been its functionality. While it may seem repetitive – simple, reliable and dependable are the words that best describe the Sherwood Brut.
first stage
The Brute Pro first stage is balanced – meaning that breathing effort will remain the same no matter ambient pressure or air in your tank. The Brut first stage utilizes Sherwood’s 9000 series that consists of their patented Air-Assisted Depth-Compensation (A2-DC) Technology.
Additionally, the Brut’s first stage’s flow-by piston provides reliable and consistent air flow an has four low pressure and two high pressure ports. All of this adds up to an environmentally sealed and dry first stage that responds extremely well to external pressure fluctuations.
second stage
Where the Brut first stage gets things going, the second stage really shines making your breathing feel natural. The Sherwood Brut is advertised as “The ONLY Pneumatically Balanced Valve Body in a rental/entry level regulator.” This design provides easy inhalation and minimal exhalation resistance. The second stage also has a co-molded mouthpiece that helps to reduce jaw fatigue.
Taking the first and second stages together, I find the Brut provides a consistent breathing regulator that has a nice balance on breathing effort.
Durability
I have put my Brut regulator through the paces and it has never disappointed. It was the first regulator I purchased in 2014. and is still my main regulator. In fact, I’ve been so pleased with my Brut, I’ve never purchased another regulator. My regulator has been used in fresh and salt water through all my various travels. It also has been used in the pool and local quarry while teaching my Scuba classes.
Over the last 11 years, I’ve only had to replace the hoses on my primary and octo regulators. I bring my kit in to the shop every year for an annual inspection and there has never been an issue with anything else. The hoses I consider normal wear and tear. I do my best to treat my gear well and the Brut has treated me well.
Some Cons
When it comes to the cons on the Brut, I really have to stretch. The only thing I can say is the second stage does not have a flow or venturi adjustment knob or underarm swivel on the hose attachment that some of other Sherwood regulators come with. But again, the Brut is an entry level regulator and you would not really expect further bells and whistles with it. I really enjoy its simplistic design, but others may want those additional features.
final thoughts
Sherwood has been around for over two generations providing a great quality product to us divers. In addition to their regulators, Sherwood makes BCs, computers and masks. I have owned two Sherwood BCs, with my most current being the Axis, which is also a Jay’s Faves. You can see the article on the Axis BC here. I also bought my daughter the Sherwood Luna BC, which she has been very happy with.
The Brut regulator is a workhorse that is simplistic, reliable and durable. You will not be disappointed in this regulator. It may be an entry level regulator, but sometimes that may be all that you need. I bought my Brut in 2014 and it is still my main regulator I dive with. Thanks Sherwood for giving us a great product and happy anniversary!!
More of Jay’s Faves
Check out the below, if interested in more of Jay’s Faves.
- Sharkskin Titanium 2 Dive Skin
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Motorcycle
- Cressi Eyes Evolution Scuba Mask
- Henderson Talon wetsuit
“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
