Basic regulator for ocasional diver

[lowwall]

Hello, I'm a ocasional european female diver who mostly dives while travelling (between 0-2 trips a year) and very rarely at home (Mediterranean sea). My trips are mostly to Asia or Egypt, I prefer to dive in warm water. For this reason, until now I have always been renting, but after 250 dives I've thought that maybe is the time to invest in a basic but quality dive gear that preferably doesn't break the bank. Because I mostly dive in other countries, light/easy to travel with is important. Also while on holiday trip I usually dive 3-4 dives a day, and after a while my mouth get tired, so maybe something lighter will be nice. Very important is that is reliable, sturdy and easy manteinance.

In addition to the Mk17Evo/C370, I'll also suggest you take a look at the Mares SXS 62X. It's designed for exactly your situation. Light, compact and with low profile second stages to minimize drag which should help with your jaw fatigue. You should also try different mouthpieces, it's very easy to change them.

I wouldn't recommend the second stages for really deep or cold water dives (the first stage can handle any recreational diving), but they are more than sufficient for your dives even if you start diving in the Med as well.

 

[Nausica]

In addition to the Mk17Evo/C370, I'll also suggest you take a look at the Mares SXS 62X. It's designed for exactly your situation. Light, compact and with low profile second stages to minimize drag which should help with your jaw fatigue. You should also try different mouthpieces, it's very easy to change them.

I wouldn't recommend the second stages for really deep or cold water dives (the first stage can handle any recreational diving), but they are more than sufficient for your dives even if you start diving in the Med as well.

Mares SXS 62X is 270 euros, with no octopus. Considering the small price difference, which one would be better? Service/inspection is a bit cheaper with Mares, but it appear to have to be annually instead of every two years with scubapro.

 

[BoltSnap]

Mares SXS 62X is 270 euros, with no octopus. Considering the small price difference, which one would be better? Service/inspection is a bit cheaper with Mares, but it appear to have to be annually instead of every two years with scubapro.

Scubapro is superior in every way, especially at these prices.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Mares SXS 62X is 270 euros, with no octopus. Considering the small price difference, which one would be better? Service/inspection is a bit cheaper with Mares, but it appear to have to be annually instead of every two years with scubapro.

Definitely go with the Mares, they are good solid long standing company that makes high end dive gear. I have been diving their cold water reg for about 26 years and I get it serviced every other year and haven't had any issues. I like the fact that it doesn't have any adjustment knobs or levers to fiddle around with.

 

[kdlv]

Mares have some pretty good gear. The cracking pressure adjustment knob is a fantastic feature though. What is it that you don't like about it?

 

[davehicks]

Definitely go with the Mares, they are good solid long standing company that makes high end dive gear. I have been diving their cold water reg for about 26 years and I get it serviced every other year and haven't had any issues.

I like the fact that it doesn't have any adjustment knobs or levers to fiddle around with.

That is not a benefit! It means your regulator will need service and turning sooner than if you could tweak the adjustment knob.

 

[Nemrod]

The Helix is a good regulator but the Mark 11 with the C370 is what I would go with.

 

[lowwall]

Mares SXS 62X is 270 euros, with no octopus. Considering the small price difference, which one would be better? Service/inspection is a bit cheaper with Mares, but it appear to have to be annually instead of every two years with scubapro.

Better for what? Diving 40+m in 5⁰ water? The ScubaPro. Carrying to a tropical destination and minimizing jaw fatigue? The Mares.

I don't know where you got the information about a 1 year service interval. All Mares regs except the Abyss Navy II have a of 2 years or 200 dives. ScubaPro is 2 years or 100 dives.

Mares does recommend an inspection in the years between service intervals. But this does not require any new parts or disassembly, so should not cost much.

 

[Tief*]

Deep six are great regulators. You can use them for recreational to technical diving. They hold up well and are not crazy expensive.

 

[Nausica]

Regarding the mares, their manual states that;

Every year or 100 dives:
Take your Mares regulator to an Authorized ñ Mares Dealer for an Annual Regulator Inspection and/or Service. The results of the inspection may require certain parts be replaced or a complete overhaul. Check with your Mares Dealer for Service Guideline details.

Every two years or 200 dives:
Take your Mares regulator to an Authorized Mares Dealer for a complete regulator overhaul. This includes replacing all parts included in the Service Kit.