What regs do you use?

[taimen]

Single set: Apeks XTX50/DST
Doubles: Apeks XTX50/DST
Stage: Apeks XTX50/DST

I am still wondering whether there is a noticeable difference in breathing between Apeks and a perfectly tuned Atomic or other premium regulator.

 

[reefrat]

Most of the mainstream balanced second stages breath similarly and differences are only detectable when several are coupled to one first stage and breathed (in water) one then the other back and forward- which is fun for a regulatorphile!
Those differences are really subjective and sometimes hard to define, however I would have to say that my most “natural” breathing reg is my Atomic M1.
I have a new Kirby Morgan Superflow 350 second stage on the way that will be paired with either an Aqualung Titan first stage or an Atomic- don’t know yet and we will see how it works out over the next month or so.
I also have a Kraken DH reg that is great for video and fish watching, my gift to myself since giving up on the whole RB thing due to the logistical nightmare of making RB diving work here on Grand Turk.

 

[lexvil]

Atomic ST1, Z2x, I have serviced and sealed these I like Atomic because they are simple and reliable. Scubapro MK17 with one of the G250’s which is an amazingly nice combo, get the G parts from VDH. Argonaut Kraken gets out a lot, still thinking about taking it to Truk next month. I use air 2 type octo, specifically Atomic SS1 or scubapro. For deeper diving I will add another octo, G250/Deep6/Atomic second depending on what I feel needs an outing.

I service my own stuff so parts availability matters to me, I don’t worry about repair in far away places because I always bring a second reg. If you don’t want to do your own service use whatever your favorite shop offers but keep in mind most shops tend to favor whichever brand is offering the best incentives at the time, all brands are good enough.

 

[halocline]

There is an amazing amount of hype and nonsense in regulator selection, purchase, and preference. They all work. Sure there are differences but nothing like what salesmen would have new divers believe.

I have several older SP and US divers regs and most often use a pair of MK10s with a D300 and balanced/adjustable for cave diving, and a MK5/pilot/109 for OW. I enjoy diving with and working on older regs, to me they're simpler and ultra reliable. (Except for the pilot, and that one I use solely because of my hobby working on older regs; it's actually not very practical for most divers. It's also the best breathing 2nd stage I have ever seen)

In terms of noticeable difference in breathing between Apeks and Atomic, there are certainly people that will say there's a big difference, but it's more like wine tasting than objective comparison. Regulators, especially 2nd stages, have differing feels but again, they mostly all work perfectly fine. What you want to avoid are regulators that are overly complex and difficult to keep serviced. Other than that, it's eeny-meeny-miney-mo.

 

[elbig]

SP Mk 25 evo/S620ti

 

[oldschoolto]

U.S Divers/Auqa lung Conshelf xiv's supreme.. Have scuba pro 109's for stage Deco bottles...

Jim

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Singles: Dive Rite XT
Doubles: Dive Rite XT
Deco: Dive Rite XT

 

[Resqdivemedic]

Apeks ATX50 with Egress octopus for recreational diving
Sherwood Blizzard on an OTS Spectrum full face mask for public safety diving
Sherwood Blizzard on pony tank

 

[KeithG]

As with many things scuba related I think you will find that SB feedback will be skewed.

I believe that the majority of dives are likely performed using rental regs by vacation divers.

I use Sherwood SRB3400s circa 1987. They are easy to service and get parts for.

 

[Caveeagle]

Poseidon Jetsreams: my original reg choice from the early 90's. Still work great and very easy to self service. Have a backmount doubles set, a single tank set, and for a couple stage bottles. I really like the compact 1st stage, how the 2nd stage stowes easily on a stage bottle neck, and having a different 2nd stage helps prevent confusing gas source when doing reg switches.

Poseidon Cyklons: simple, practically bullet proof. Use on stage and/or buddy bottles

HOG D1 & D3: Very economical option for good regs, and for my situation with multiple family
Members who dive and loaners for friends. I also like their position to support self service and no hassle parts availability. I have several dedicated sets for backmount, sidemount, and single-tank.

Dive Rite XT: these are my latest favorite. Very well made, and similar engineering to what I am used to. very high quility. I like the serviceable HP seat, and reversible 2nd stages. I have several buddies who dive these as well, so expanding my pool to learn about gear that gets used a lot around me.

I like to be able to service, maintain and trouble-shoot any regs that I have. So for me that is a pre-req. I really hope to stick with just these three brands now to simplify tools and spares I needs to keep up with.

I have an old Poseidon Cyklon with a 109 safe second that may become my go to reg if it shakes down well this spring.

Bob