Time for New Regs - Recommendations?

[halocline]

Sounds like the problem is with the service tech who worked on your regs prior to the trip, not with your regs. Find someone else to service them and I bet your problems will disappear.

 

[idadd4]

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?

A lot of questions. You say you occasionally dive in PNW "cold water" Is it Clear Lake cold or the sound cold? Difference of about 10 degrees. If you are traveling a lot and want something small, the Mikron or the Helix Pro. Great little regs, small, lightweight. Enough ports to handle most things.

 

[LewCrew]

I have been rocking an APEKS XTX-50 for over 100 dives and it has been nothing less than awesome. I also recently purchased and XL-4 plus for my son. In terms of travelling and saving space it would be easy to take with me if I needed the extra room. It dives just as well as the 50.

 

[ChrisMBC]

I'm a big proponent of sealed diaphragm regs for maximum longevity, especially if you're diving in saltwater, and especially if there is sand/muck involved. Mk17/19 for Scubapro; if you're buying used, my entire reg fleet is used Apeks regs, and they all take the same (readily available) service kit. The design hasn't really changed in 20 years, and I have yet to buy a used Apeks reg that can't be serviced into as-new condition.

If buying new, I think the DGX or Deep6 regs are all excellent value, and give all the functionality you get from much more expensive regs. Service is very easy (one mail package) currently, although you are relying on the existence of those companies for many years to come. If your concern is longevity, I'd probably go for one of the very popular brands (Scubapro/Apeks/Atomic) as there are so many of them in circulation that there's almost guaranteed to be SOME way to service them for a very long time to come.

 

[idadd4]

I have been rocking an APEKS XTX-50 for over 100 dives and it has been nothing less than awesome. I also recently purchased and XL-4 plus for my son. In terms of travelling and saving space it would be easy to take with me if I needed the extra room. It dives just as well as the 50.

Great set right there. Very simple and performs well in cooler water just fine. We dive the XTX 50 and XTX 100's in our Clear Lake. About 32 degrees and high altitude.

 

[runsongas]

send regs to airtech or scubatoys instead of buying new regs. read up a little on regs so you can send them detailed instructions how you want them adjusted and confirm it once you get the regs back.

 

[GDHLEWIS]

Diverite regs I find are great and well priced. Xt1 & XT2 I like a general recreational dive set. Other but a fair bit more expensive is the Scuba pro MK25 and G260 combination. Both have been brilliant for me

 

[TostitoBandito]

send regs to airtech or scubatoys instead of buying new regs. read up a little on regs so you can send them detailed instructions how you want them adjusted and confirm it once you get the regs back.

I'll look into airtech for the future. Looks like they've got a good system and folks here seem to be fans.