Dual stage regulators - O2, fuel. Upgraded Argon regulator/flowmeter?

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I was discussing dual stage regulators for Oxygen and acetylene with some folks, and started to research them.  I was somewhat appalled to see that most of them were over 300 dollars US!   I did find a Smith H1400 series for $160.   Most of the larger regulators are still single stage, I noticed.  But at least if you want accurate regulation of pressure  there is a simple answer.But what if you want to upgrade your regulator/flowmeter for argon?   It seems like most of the designs result in a higher flow rate when you first turn them on, due to pressure building up in the hose between the regulator/flowmeter and the valve in the welder.  I also get annoyed when I look over and see that my steady state flow (pressure) has gone up as the tank pressure goes down.At the moment, I don't have a need for a dual flowmeter, but I can see that backpurge would be a good thing in certain applications.   But the dual flowmeters usually have single stage regulators, so might not address my concerns.  But maybe a better quality single state regulator would be a noticeable improvement......Anyway, I was having trouble making sense of what I read related to accurate regulator/flowmeters, especially when the flow goes off and on.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge