1st Regulator Purchase New or Used

[snowdog61]

If it was me and buying new, yes, Deep 6 would be at the top of my list. That said, all my regs have been bought used, serviced, and then dove (I've got 5 sets that I am now servicing myself). I saved a bunch of money which went to dive trips and other needed (OK maybe wanted is a better term) gear. Depending on what brand you get, service kits are ~$20/kit before labor so add $100+ to what you're looking at if you go used. There is a little peace of mind in having a NIB reg set - You will always know it's history and if it gets abused you know who's to blame.

 

[diversteve]

I agree with Herman - I've dove most of the popular dive locations in the Caribbean and they're all set up for yoke. At some dive resorts you may have the option for DIN - a few have convertible valves as they re-do their tank inventories but if I had a DIN reg I'd also make the adapter part of my normal kit. If you don't have any local DIN opportunities - don't invest in it.

Sea Sports Scuba in Katy is an Aqualung Partner Center - you might see if they have anything you like. Local service is one point to consider - do you really want to send your regs to Deep6 for service? Their model appears to be more self-service based - or finding a local tech willing to service the regs with their supplied parts kit.

I only travel to dive. I see Aqualung (and Scubapro) shops/dealers predominantly. Something to consider if something breaks. Sure you can rent for the rest of the week but it's not why I bought my gear.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Hi!

Great deals can be had for gently used regs that are still current in their servicing but I agree with the others who have recommended that you get them checked out regardless and if you aren't doing any tech diving or are more of a vacation diver, getting yoke is just easier - no adapters to bring (or forget!).

This may not make a difference for you but it does for some people. Some companies have free lifetime parts for regulators when it comes time to servicing. It's contingent upon not missing their specified service timeline whether every year, every 2 years, etc. Some of these benefits only cover the original owner so it's something to think about. The expenses from servicing (kits for 3 stages!) can add up quickly and the money you save from getting a used regulator could very well be a wash after a couple services. Obviously, not all companies have this so you could first see which regulators you're interested in first. If they don't have it, it's a moot point.

Edited to add: also another great point that @diversteve brought up is serviceability - wherever you end up traveling to dive and at home, where it's convenient to bring it to. I have a shop that I can bring my BC, reg, and dive computer to all together if I have any issues.

Please update us on what you decide to get! Happy shopping!

 

[runsongas]

the dgx deep 6 reg is hard to beat at the price. considering a service and kits will cost you 100+, you would have to get the used regulator pretty cheaply to save a significant amount of money. it can make sense in some circumstances (eg the regs are really cheap and even after servicing you are still ahead, or you self service and are able to get your service cost down to just the parts), but otherwise the small price premium over used on picking a taiwanese non-premium brand regulator is just simpler since you won't have to worry about servicing. the other scenario is that you would rather have a name brand reg and you are comparing the cost to buying one at retail price where even with a service, you can potentially save quite a bit.

 

[swimbody]

Looking at a used Mares 500se now with a DC7 DIN 1st stage with yoke adapter. I'm picking it up from one of the board members. Great price as well. I think that is a safe bet for a first reg unit. Simple to take apart and no tools needed and still one of the top ten regs of 17. Thanks for the advice.

 

[guruboy]

Do you mean Hollis?

Interesting choice. Not your typical design.

 

[swimbody]

Sorry yes, typo. Unconventional but easy to take apart

 

[halocline]

I have a MK10/G200B serviced and in excellent condition can sell you at a good price. PM me if you're interested. I also have a MK20 if you would prefer that, also serviced in excellent shape.

 

[guruboy]

Good luck.

 

[halocline]

Good day folks, I'm a relatively new diver, 150 dives, all rec while on vacation. I love deep wall dives and deep wreck dives. I recall one experience where I was at about 95 ft and really had a hard time pulling air through my Scubapro non balanced rental regulator.

I'm happy to sell you a high performing balanced reg (see my previous post) but you should know that your difficulty breathing at 95 ft was not due to your regulator being unbalanced. I assume you had rented a MK2/R190 (or similar) as that's the only unbalanced SP reg, and it's a common rental unit.

Unbalanced regs breathe harder as the tank empties, not as depth increases (within recreational limits). The MK2 is a solid performer and flows plenty of air (about 100cft/min at full tank pressure). I'm sure something else was responsible for your hard breathing, maybe a partially clogged filter (not uncommon with rental units) or some blockage in the tank valve, or maybe even just a very poorly adjusted 2nd stage, although you would tend to notice that at all depths.

Anyhow, with 150 dives under your belt and clearly you really enjoy it, it makes sense for you to get a regulator you can trust and have fun diving with. I would not hesitate to buy used if you want to save some money. Regulators have not significantly improved in many years, just lots of new features and gimmicks.