Aeris A1 regulator?

[nkb535]

Hi. I'm looking for my first regulator and wanted to know anyone's opinion about the Aeris A1 regulator. I live in Utah so don't get too many opportunities to dive often, but I want a regulator that has a good reputation because I'm hoping to dive more often in the future, potentially as part of a research job, but definitely for recreation.

One reason I'm thinking about the Aeris A1 is because I found a screamin' deal for one online that I'd like to avoid passing up (as I'm a poor graduate student), but I'd rather get a good regulator than save a hundred bucks.

Any other suggestions for regulators are more than welcome; I don't know a whole lot about the different brands and models, other than the Oceanic Alpha 8 is often recommended as a good beginner/basic regulator.


Thanks!

 

[nkb535]

one additional note - this regulator is not the Aeris A1 with the dry valve technology. Does anyone know anything about dry valve technology, and whether or not it is worth the investment?

 

[irishsquid]

I use an Aeris regulator as my primary and back up. I don't have any experience with the A1 as my regs are the AT400 DVT Pro. They have been great so far and trouble free. A friend I know uses an A1 and hasn't had any issues with his. Aeris seems to make a pretty good product to the best of my knowledge.

 

[tfsails]

Aeris A1s are their entry-level regs and are pretty good regs. My shop uses them in our rental line. They seem to take a pretty good lickin' and keep on tickin'. Just remember that they are unbalanced regs and could breathe a bit harder down deep, but other than that, they should be just fine. the DVT, to me, is not worth the extra price. They work ok, but make funny noises on the test bench when you breathe 'em. I hear they do not make the noise underwater. If you're prone to forgetting to use the dust cap on the first stage, then maybe you ought to get the DVT.