Time for New Regs - Recommendations?

[TostitoBandito]

Hey all. My and my partner are still diving on my original Zeagle Envoy set circa 2004 and my Zeagle Flathead 7 set circa 2009. The last two trips I've taken I've had issues with my Flathead. The first time my secondary got thrown out of adjustment and was free flowing every time I jumped in the water, and the second trip my primary seemed to be providing air even when I wasn't inhaling despite adjusting the knob as much as possible. Despite being professionally serviced before both trips. And lastly, when I did get them serviced it seemed to be a PITA for my shop to get the part kits compared to other regs, for some reason (probably just don't service many Zeagles). I might try finding another shop to service gear in the future as a test, but that's somewhat beside the point.

So, given their age and the recent issues I've been considering just getting us both new matching reg sets.

What's everyone out there like?

We mostly travel and dive in warm water, though we do live in the PNW so occasional dives in cold water locally aren't out of the question. Though not in the winter so we're talking water temps of 50F+. Both of us are recreational, so no need for anything crazy. Just want a solid reg that's reliable, easy to service, good to breathe, and has a nice adjustable second stage (similar to my flathead).

I did some searching on this board and it seems like the Scubapro Mk11 Evo/C370 has some fans and looks like a solid choice. Any others I should look at around that price point or less?

 

[BoltSnap]

There is also the Zeagle F8. It is supposed to be a top performer.

@lexvil This is your domain

 

[lexvil]

The F8 is a great regulator, service kits are the same as the flat head series so if your shop can’t get kits for the older ones they’ll have the same issue with the F8.

MK 11 EVO c370 is excellent and at the moment would be my choice.

 

[TostitoBandito]

Thanks guys.

I've got the MK11 EVO / C370 / R195 bookmarked. Only problem is I have to buy two, not just one, haha.

Regs have gotten more expensive in the last 15-20 years! I think my Flathead 7 setup was like $600 (including octo) way back when.

 

[Scared Silly]

As many know I dive and rebuild Atomic Aquatics regs. I like the fact that I can take a 24+ year old AA reg and fully rebuild it with the same parts as one that is 24 months old. The second stages are low profile. I have dived them in cold waters without issue. They are great breathing regs.

A shameless plug I have two sets for sale on the board. For the price of new, you could have two rebuilt with most all of the plastic bits being new.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Scubapro.

 

[happy-diver]

How is it that we take our prized regs to rubbish dive shops to just do whatever they do for no consequence
especially just before a trip, where the airline, does not even take the aeroplane in for a service, before a trip

Where soon we will be hiring other divers to go on trips and dive for us and send us pictures
because we can't afford to go anymore as we don't have a job because we can't do anything

 

[mundo121]

I love my apeks xtx200, it's an old design but they still make it. Supper easy to service but with all the financial woo's they are going through who knows if they will still be around. Prices of regulators have gone through the roof just like every thing else.

 

[BoltSnap]

Where soon we will be hiring other divers to go on trips and dive for us and send us pictures
because we can't afford to go anymore as we don't have a job because we can't do anything

I'll dive for you, my friend. You stay home, eat, drink, play video games, chat, and share your lovely wisdom on SB. Just be happy and have a Merry Time, and I'll dive in for you with no problem. That's what good friends do for each other.

 

[kemal_e]

I recently converted to all Deep6 Signatures. They're sealed, they come with free service kits for life, and the first service is free.