regulator questions

[LeadTurn_SD]

I'll approach this from a slightly different angle: Pick the dive shop first, then pick the regulator. As has already been stated, it is really hard to find a "bad" regulator these days, especially for recreational diving. It is more important to decide "where" you want to purchase the regulator rather than a specific brand. If you have a good relationship with your local dive shop(s), buy there. If you are not happy with them (for whatever reason), then look elsewhere, including online.

Once you decide where you will be pruchasing your regulator, the list of brands and models gets trimmed way down. At that point, ask local divers what they like, see if you can rent or borrow the reg(s) you are interested in, and then just buy what makes you happy. There are very few bad choices.

Good luck, and have fun!

Best wishes.

 

[CamG]

Greetings gatormp03 and welcome to Scuba Board! You did not waist any time with questions and why not start with regulators. It is pretty much as you described and the other posts are on the money. I have tried a variety of regulators and all have worked well for the most part. Some have different design issues but most of the major companies have regulators for different price ranges as well as suited for differing environments. The biggest concern is to make sure the regulator is suited for the diving you are intending to do. Secondly that it breaths well for you when you try them out make sure you are happy and confident in the regs. Before you buy anything research the manufacturer and the warranty policies. It is also important to check the customer service of the LDS by asking around the local dive community. If there is a problem you will know it in a short time. It is important to find a regulator that works for you and can be serviced if need be in a timely fashion. BEWARE BUYING USED UNLESS YOU HAVE TRIED THEM OUT AND TRUST THE SELLER! Remember when it is time for the yearly service you will pay for the parts kit and labor of the service. This is about twice normal fee just wanted to inform you upfront about buying used. I have learned this first hand and early on in my dive career.
All major regulator manufactures are good but find the one that works for you.
I like Oceanic, Aqua Lung / Apeks, Atomic, Dive Rite, Scuba Pro and well I guess I made everyone's point. I dive cold water so everything that is in that range I have researched or tried personally. I am sure I have left others out and did not do so to offend anyone just not been around me personally yet.
Have fun shopping it is very exciting to be starting out and be patient. Take your time to make sure you buy it right the first time. Regulators are life support and should be purchased with careful consideration.
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[gatormp03]

Thanks everyone i guess that is what I needed to know, I will start going to the dive shops and renting/trying the various equipment. then by the time I get more dives under my belt i will be able to make a more informative decision. After-all just because I have a cert. dosent mean that I need all my gear right away.

 

[MDJ1016]

I have just finished my PADI OW dive course and am trying to find some equipment. I have been to 3 dive shops and they all claim to have the best gear. Is one regulator better than the others. What do you look for in a regulator? This sounds like the old dodge,chevy,ford scerenio.

I just posed this very question to my local dive shop, what should I buy? Before I was certified I picked up a new Scubapro MK2 set-up which got me certified and did the basics. Now I am into Drysuit diving, colder water (I am in Michigan) and working on advanced certifications. (Nitrox, deep, etc.)

The first question is what can you afford? Second I would look at what you are doing current and what you intend to do in the next few years. A properly maintained regulator set can last a long time!

 

[knotical]

I thought everyone knew that Dodge makes better regulators than either Chevy or Ford.

 

[Lee Taylor]

Hello Gator,

Everyone has a different approach to buying scuba gear. I am a brand/price buyer.

My approach is to determine which are the best brand names for a particular product. Popularity, for instance, is an good indicator of good product. The reviews are helpful. The "con" section of the reviews is expecially helpful.

I then select what I know, at that point, to be a good brand. I select a price that is somewhere between midway and the upper limit.

This method has worked quite well for me.

Dive safely and enjoy!

 

[Doc Harry]

Although you can get gear cheaper from the grey market, I recommend that you get your regulators from an authorized dealer. Why?

Regulators need annual servicing. It is a lot easier to get servicing and parts if you bought your regulator from an authorized dealer and have the factory warranty.

Trust me on this one. I bought some regs on-line from a grey market dealer and it is a nightmare trying to get parts from the manufacturer to service that regulator.

 

[keyshunter]

Harry,
I presume that this comment is in reference to the situation you described in the Mares forum.

No reputable dealer with a modicum of business sense will turn away service business, regardless of where a reg was purchased. While Mares is far from my favorite company, parts are available for your reg. It is the dealer you chose who is at fault in this case.

 

[theduckguru]

If you can afford any of the AL Legend series you wont go wrong, but you can shop and find some other brands with good quality and at a lot less cost.

 

[Jorgy]

Free parts for life............

I wouldn't buy another regulator without it, regardless of price or performance.......

My experience has been that cost for service far exceeds original purchase costs for most regulators....

Buy a well know long standing brand so that they can honor the parts commitment....

Hope this helps.....M