Information overload, analysis paralysis

[mrputtputt]

Newbie here with only 15 dives. I'm thinking my next purchase is my own regulator. Unlike bowling shoes where at least you have a sock, there's no "sock" for our mouths when using a rented one. One gal in our vacation in Cancun/Cozumel was telling me her horror story at the end of the day about barf crud in her mouthpiece. ewww. I also noticed inconsistent "feel" on the second stages. Some were hard to keep on my mouth, unsure if the hose length was just shorter. Some where easier but I didn't quite pay attention what was what. The only guidance I'm going by from my OW instructor was get a regulator with at least 4 hose connections. More is better. I can only think of the following for connectors:

- second stage
- alternate air (is this also what they call octo?)
- BC inflator
- air pressure gauge.
- possibly dry suit if this gets serious enough
- nitrox if it really gets serious (not sure if this requires it's own hose though)

I can save a connector by using an Air2 (I guess that's the term for alternate air + inflator).

I browsed a few stores and regulators vary in the prices but also design. I see the typical ones for rent where it's just straight design. Then there are the 90deg shape design. I cannot tell what the advantage is of a 90Deg aside from it not hitting your head/shoulder/back. I guess the only other technical piece of info is nitrox capable. Maybe how light the second stage are? I see CF materials which is nice, but not sure ounces would be worth that prices. I don't see the stores letting me put the displays in my mouth and not that I would want to. :shocked2:

I'm probably way ahead of myself here though I'm a believer of pay once, cry once at times. With that, how else can one differentiate regulators? I've tried as much reading, looking at online shops and manufacturers to see features. I'm caught in info overload at this point.

As for my diving, mostly in tropical waters. But I plan on at least 1x/month locally in Monterey Bay, CA or surrounding areas to try and keep skills up. Not sure that contrast in temps would be enough to have 2 regulators.

Just not sure if this is now just follow a brand and price as I really don't know where to go now with the hard to discern information overload. I'm feeling some pressure since a local shop is having a sale this Friday and I'm not up to speed on what I want. I know I can get better prices online. But I was surprised this shop (sports chalet) had prices lower than internet for my volo power fins when they went on sale. So maybe there's something worthwhile being up at 4am to head out Friday.

P.S I've even gone back to the last pages and went quite a bit forward up to 2002 if there was "general" guidelines. But I didn't quite hit it. I did the same thing for BCs and majority of the threads were about BP/W.

 

[eric gundrum]

When I first started buying gear, I read every review I could find. I especially liked the ones from ScubaLab such as ScubaLab: Top Regulators of 2009. It was a great education.

I don't mean to suggest that you buy based only on what you read. Just that having more good information can help you make a better choice. I'm sure others will be happy to try to explain how to determine what information is good information.

Most of my gear I bought used. (My computer and regulators were used as rentals for 3 years before I got them.) I've got a few dozen dives on most of it and I'm pretty comfortable with it. Occasionally I find myself using other gear, either to try it out or because I don't have mine with me. One thing I've learned from that experience is that I really like the gear I chose. Maybe that stems from my being more comfortable with my own gear, or maybe I just got lucky and made good choices.

Overall, I think the ScubaLab reviews helped me choose good gear. Just don't get too wrapped up in the gimmickry of stuff. You can do very well with basic gear until you better understand what you really want. (Just as an example, go check out what the DIR folks have to say about gear: Equipment Configuration | Global Underwater Explorers. )

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Hi mrputtputt,

Welcome to scubaboard. Now, prepare to be swamped with regulator choices, both here and in the real world

There are many very good regulators, and really very few bad choices out there these days.

The first decision most need to make is to narrow down "where" you'll do most of your diving. For warm, clear, tropical waters, most any current regulator will make you happy. The colder and/or dirtier the water gets, the more you need to start thinking about "environmental sealing" for the 1st stage. Balanced diaphragms are easier to environmentally seal than balanced piston designs. For your stated dive environments(Monterey Bay and tropical waters), I'd guess either design would work just fine, but would highly recommend talking to local NorCal divers to get their opinions.

As far as what regulator brand? Any of the "major players" will make you exceedingly happy. By "major players" I mean, in no particular order, Atomic, Apeks, Aqualung, Dive Rite, Mares, Oceanic (and its cousin Aeris, and step-sister Hollis), Scubapro, Sherwood, Zeagle... am I forgetting anyone? If so, sorry!

I think the biggest initial decision to make is where you plan to buy the regulator, and whether you plan to have your regulator serviced locally (this then limits the options to what the dive shops in your area sell). You can also choose to buy the regulator online, and mail it off for service.

If you have a dive shop that you really like, have heard good things from others divers about their service and reputation, and feel that their pricing is reasonable, by all means buy one of the regulators they carry. The advantages for a brand new diver is that the dive shop can advise you, and take care of any adjustment and service issues that come up (which should be near-zero for most regs if you maintain them properly).

Renting before you buy, when possible, can help you decide what you like. And really, with regulators it is more about what "feels" right to you, and what appeals to you, rather than substantial performance differences. Buy what makes your heart go pitter-patter ... and know for certain you can get it serviced (either locally, or by mail).

My personal bias is to avoid the octo/inflator-type backup regulators. Get a normal regulator as a backup (octopus). Position it where you and your buddy can find it instantly. If you do decide to go with an octo/inflator backup, then you'll need a longer primary regulator hose (36" or 40").... many new divers (and some shops ) keep a short standard-length hose on the primary when they sell the diver an Air2, and this is really too short in an emergency situation (remember, with an Air2 or similar you need to donate the reg in your mouth to the diver who is out of air, and YOU breath from the Air2, while also trying to control your buoyancy).

Many divers put too much weight on the "weight" of the 2nd stage.... remember, in the water, it is filled with air.... I dive all-metal 2nd stages, and don't even notice them in the water.... comfort is more a matter of proper hose length and routing, and mouthpiece selection than the weight of the 2nd stage... but if you just HAVE to have that carbon fiber 2nd, I'm sure the dive shop will be happy to sell it to you

So in summary:

1. Decide what general TYPE of regulator will work best for the environments you'll think you'll dive in.
2. Decide where you plan to by it, and who will service it. This will usually reduce the brand and model options.
3. After deciding 1 & 2, pick the regulator that makes your heart go pitter-patter.

See, that was pretty easy

Have fun with whatever you decide!

Best wishes.

 

[vladimir]

The only guidance I'm going by from my OW instructor was get a regulator with at least 4 hose connections. More is better. I can only think of the following for connectors:

- second stage
- alternate air (is this also what they call octo?)
- BC inflator
- air pressure gauge.
- possibly dry suit if this gets serious enough
- nitrox if it really gets serious (not sure if this requires it's own hose though)

I can save a connector by using an Air2 (I guess that's the term for alternate air + inflator).

You should know the difference between low-pressure ports and high-pressure ports. Your submersible pressure gauge (SPG) uses a high-pressure port, the others use low-pressure ports--including nitrox, if that's what's in the tank you're breathing from.

You certainly don't have to be an expert on regulators to dive, but a little bit of familiarity might be good. The Atomic site has some schematics and videos that might help:

Atomic Aquatics - the World's First Titanium Regulator

By "major players" I mean, in no particular order, Atomic, Apeks, Aqualung, Dive Rite, Mares, Oceanic (and its cousin Aeris, and step-sister Hollis), Scubapro, Sherwood, Zeagle... am I forgetting anyone? If so, sorry!

Alphabetical is a particular order.

 

[svyper]

I think most of us were in the same situation at some point... my conclusion at the time was that it does not really matter which reg I buy - all regs from reputable manufacturers will do.
And the longer I continue my research, the more confused I get (simply because "the best" regulator does not exist).

As I am diving cold water, I picked an environmentally sealed reg - looking back I think that was a bit of a waste of money as it does not get all that cold in the monterey waters and I am not going to try ice diving ...

I think all modern regs can tolerate nitrox up to 40% (but better double check).

I second the recommendation of going with a traditional octopus, not an air2, for the alternate air source.

Other features that differentiate regs - like 90deg swivel, different angle of the ports, titanium , lightweight second stage - are just that - a way to stick out from the herd (and to justify a higher price), but most are not essential.
It's a bit like picking a car - if all you need is a means to take you from point a to point b, any car (or motorcycle) will do, but if you have your mind set on a $30000+ sports car, how do you decide between lexus, bmw, .... (gps, heated seats, ipod dock, 3, not 2, cupholders...).

Newbie here with only 15 dives. I'm thinking my next purchase is my own regulator. The only guidance I'm going by from my OW instructor was get a regulator with at least 4 hose connections. More is better. I can only think of the following for connectors:

- second stage
- alternate air (is this also what they call octo?)
- BC inflator
- air pressure gauge.
- possibly dry suit if this gets serious enough
- nitrox if it really gets serious (not sure if this requires it's own hose though)

I can save a connector by using an Air2 (I guess that's the term for alternate air + inflator).

I browsed a few stores and regulators vary in the prices but also design. I see the typical ones for rent where it's just straight design. Then there are the 90deg shape design. I cannot tell what the advantage is of a 90Deg aside from it not hitting your head/shoulder/back. I guess the only other technical piece of info is nitrox capable. Maybe how light the second stage are? I see CF materials which is nice, but not sure ounces would be worth that prices. I don't see the stores letting me put the displays in my mouth and not that I would want to. :shocked2:

I'm probably way ahead of myself here though I'm a believer of pay once, cry once at times. With that, how else can one differentiate regulators? I've tried as much reading, looking at online shops and manufacturers to see features. I'm caught in info overload at this point.

As for my diving, mostly in tropical waters. But I plan on at least 1x/month locally in Monterey Bay, CA or surrounding areas to try and keep skills up. Not sure that contrast in temps would be enough to have 2 regulators.

Just not sure if this is now just follow a brand and price as I really don't know where to go now with the hard to discern information overload. I'm feeling some pressure since a local shop is having a sale this Friday and I'm not up to speed on what I want. I know I can get better prices online. But I was surprised this shop (sports chalet) had prices lower than internet for my volo power fins when they went on sale. So maybe there's something worthwhile being up at 4am to head out Friday.

P.S I've even gone back to the last pages and went quite a bit forward up to 2002 if there was "general" guidelines. But I didn't quite hit it. I did the same thing for BCs and majority of the threads were about BP/W.

 

[rstofer]

If you plan to dive locally (Monterey), you will be pushing the bottom end of temperature for SOME piston regs. Oceanic, for example, doesn't want their piston regs used below 50 deg F. For Oceanic, you need to look at any reg with a CDX-5 or FDX-10 first stage (sealed diaphragm).

We debate cold water regulators all the time. There are many. Highly regard by most is the ScubaPro Mk17/G250V. There is also the somewhat less expensive Oceanic Delta 4/FDX-10. DiveRite used to have the Hurricane (I have 2) but they don't seem to have them any more. Aqua-Lung, on their web site, annotates cold water regs with a snowflake icon.

Another Oceanic possibility is the GT3/CDX-5. It is far less expensive and should be entirely adequate. You could also use the GT3 as the octo for a Delta 4 setup.

LP Ports:
Primary Second Stage
Octo
Low Pressure Inflator
Dry Suit Inflator

HP Ports:
SPG
Computer Transmitter (optional - for air integrated wireless computers)


So, it comes down to how much you want to spend. I bought the Delta 4/FDX-10 for my wife, a DiveRite Hurricane for my son-in-law and an Edge reg with environmental kit for my grandson.

I use old Oceanic Omega II regs but I outfitted one with a CDX5 first stage. Or, I dive with double hose regs and don't get concerned about temperature ratings.

Richard

 

[fnfalman]

I'd suggest setting a budget/price point and then start looking at the equipment available at such price point.

As for a regulator suggestion and you'd get the gamut of suggestions running from getting a dive shop refurbished rental regulator (basic Oceanic/Sherwood/Aqualung/Scubapro unit) for $150 to $1500 for a set of Atomic Aquatics T2X titanium everything/rotating turret 1st stage/swivel equipped 2nd stage/comfort mouthpiece.

So, set your price point for all of your equipment and then ask for suggestions of equipment in such price points.

 

[Codiak]

If you have a preferred local dive shop and discuss your options with the staff.

I considered:
1) Warrenties
2) Local Servicing
3) Primary Manufacture vs marketed by
4) type of diving I intended to do

I settled on an MK 25 first stage with a SP650 2nd... 9 months later I bought the same set as backup.

 

[mrputtputt]

thanks for the pointers. I didn't think Monterey was close enough to the extreme to be called "cold" where more specifications to meet that temperature was needed. I can't vacation as much so keeping up the skills means Monterey or surrounding area. But I see I need more reading and research (just a tad more as svyper is right to a point in my situation)

Now using that as a common denominator, does that limit the regulators that can be used on the warmer side? Not necessarily all purpose but does that limit my choices due to this range of temps?

Also, does the second stage design/function matter how much your mouth dries? I see some market their second stage regulators to tackle that situation - if you're mouth was dry. It made me think on some dives I did in Cancun/Cozumel if the second stage attributed to a really dry mouth feeling. There was actually one dive where my mouth was salivating more instead though I'm not sure if it's a reaction to keep the mouth dry or because of the second stage. Strange that it only happened on that dive. Others were manageable. But one really made my mouth dry. I did rent the equipment but on different days I most likely got different ones per day (probably).

I didn't come across this part (I think) in the few hours I've been searching online.

 

[idocsteve]

One gal in our vacation in Cancun/Cozumel was telling me her horror story at the end of the day about barf crud in her mouthpiece.

The problem I have with rental regs is that they've been in other people's mouths. As far as the barf crud goes...heck that might come in handy if you get hungry during a long dive.

alternate air (is this also what they call octo?)

An alternate air source is anything that provides, well, an alternate source of air. An octopus is an alternate air source but an alternate air source is not necessarily an octopus. It can be anything from a separate tank with it's own regulator, to a second regulator on the same tank as your primary regulator (octopus), or a regulator that replaces the inflate/deflate valve on your BCD (Air2 is one brand).

- nitrox if it really gets serious (not sure if this requires it's own hose though)

Nitrox is a blend of gas with a higher oxygen percentage than air, it does not require any additional hoses but tanks and possibly the regular are subject to more strict requirements in terms of cleaning and servicing because of the danger of fire/explosion when dealing with pure oxygen and possible contaminants.

I can save a connector by using an Air2 (I guess that's the term for alternate air + inflator).

Not sure why you're looking to "save connectors" but if you want to eliminate hoses for a more streamlined rig you can get down to two hoses by getting an air integrated hoseless computer and separate compass that replace the gauge cluster (usually wrist mounted or on a retractor attached somewhere on your BCD).