Pondering upgrading from US Divers Arctic Reg

[Viper12161]

Hey All,

I am currently using a US Divers Arctic Reg. Just got certified last year, and got this off a friend, He gave me the reg when I bought his tank. Had it serviced in July and put 8 dives on it. Haven't had any issues with it, but was told by a few folks that I should think about getting something a bit newer down the road Can't say I know enough at this point to notice a difference in things, however, I would assume newer technology and materials versus stuff from 20+ years ago probably has some advantages. The reg set I am looking to get would be a Scubapro MK25 EVO DIN 300/S620 combo. Now I'm just trying to figure out benefits of upgrading vs cost. Primarily diving in New England salt water with temps 50-70 degrees and depths of about 20-50 feet, though I am thinking of getting AOW down the road. Any thoughts or info greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!!

 

[Viper12161]

Additional question...my tank is a steel 120 with a DIN connection. If I go with a new reg, should I get a 1st stage setup for DIN, or get a yolk setup and get a new valve for my tank?

 

[Michael Jastrzebski]

Now I'm just trying to figure out benefits of upgrading vs cost.

My situation is a bit similar. I have been diving with a US Divers Conshelf 21 for the past 25 years (just got it serviced first time ever!!). When I told my local dive shop I wanted to buy a new regulator they asked me why specially when they looked at me reg and found it in an overall excellent shape (no more than 400 dives total). But I bought a new reg anyway only because 1. I wanted a new toy and 2. had a lot of spare cash. So I am afraid benefits vs cost argument is very weak or nonexistent.

I am no expert on DIN/yoke but I imagine DIN is the choice for technical divers, plus it is a must if working with higher pressure tanks. I am a recreational diver and travel to remote places around the world for diving and I see majority of yokes in use. If you have a DIN valve you can always purchase the converter to make it compatible with yoke valve.

 

[Viper12161]

Yeah, this reg has MAYBE 20 dives on it. He had just gotten it, dove a few times with it and then stopped diving. In storage after that.

 

[runsongas]

if you have a 3500 psi tank, you can only use 7/8 DIN. the arctic 1st stage is a sealed diaphragm, reliable and well performing.

you could just look for a balanced 2nd upgrade like an older scubapro 156/g250 2nd stage, apeks/zeagle 2nds, or even the legend glacia that replaced the arctic in the aqualung lineup.

 

[Viper12161]

if you have a 3500 psi tank, you can only use 7/8 DIN. the arctic 1st stage is a sealed diaphragm, reliable and well performing.

you could just look for a balanced 2nd upgrade like an older scubapro 156/g250 2nd stage, apeks/zeagle 2nds, or even the legend glacia that replaced the arctic in the aqualung lineup.

Can I mix 1st and second stages? Like keep my existing Arctic 1st stage and then just get S620TI? Would the MK25 EVO DIN 300 work on my tank if I decided to upgrade both stages? It is a 3500psi tank.

Thanks!!

 

[runsongas]

yes to both, but my opinion is the g250/g260 is better than the s series.

consider the deep 6 scribble too. a lot of bang for the buck.

Deep 6 Scribble 1st + 2nd and Hose

 

[Viper12161]

Thanks, I will have to check them out. I've been researching the S620TI quite a bit and really like it. Will have to go check out my LDS and see if they have on I can put my hands on. I'll see if they have the others as well.

 

[Nemrod]

Yeah, this reg has MAYBE 20 dives on it. He had just gotten it, dove a few times with it and then stopped diving. In storage after that.

I am no expert on DIN/yoke but I imagine DIN is the choice for technical divers, plus it is a must if working with higher pressure tanks. I am a recreational diver and travel to remote places around the world for diving and I see majority of yokes in use. If you have a DIN valve you can always purchase the converter to make it compatible with yoke valve.

Agreed. And yoke is the choice of many traveling divers.

I would not base my choice of valve connection on a tank I was given but instead what you will be doing.

N

 

[JackD342]

Not sure how the recent servicing was done, but Aqualung US does not have service kits for the Arctic 2nd stage anymore. I think I checked part by part a few months back and found that all but two of the "replace at overhaul" parts were available ala carte from Aqualung or included in other kits, but I am curious how they matched the parts for the service on your unit. (Or maybe they still had old kits.)