Affordable reg for rec diver who wants to keep cold water options open?

[Matt S.]

How deep are you diving?

If you have no plans to go real deep (recreational only) The Apex DST/*TX40 and egress octo would suit you fine. I use an egress here in Puget Sound with no issues.

Rec only for me.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, lots to think about.

 

[halocline]

If you want cheap and reliable with almost no chance of freezing, think about a scuba pro MK2/R190. Not the most luxurious breather out there, but perfectly acceptable IMO and bulletproof.

 

[laivindil]

Just to clarify, you mean they get smaller going from TX, to ATX to XTX on the second stages, right.

Size-wise ATX = XTX but both lines are slightly smaller then comperable TXs. For each model line the 100 is ~8% smaller then the 50 and the 200 is ~8% smaller then the 100.

In all honesty the size difference doesn't matter unless you're hoping to score brownie points with dive hotties on the boat for having sexy XTX200's. You won't feel it underwater.

 

[dannobee]

The XTX also has switchable exhausts. The main reason why my ATX200 sits in my reg bag as a backup is bubble interference. The Proton Ice is my usual reg. As for breathing, they breathe almost exactly the same. At some point I'll probably buy an XTX200 because of the exhaust, but I'd like to try one first. The Proton Ice is noticeably smaller than the Apeks, and I feel it underwater. And the bubbles make a difference when shooting pics, at least to me.

Size-wise ATX = XTX but both lines are slightly smaller then comperable TXs. For each model line the 100 is 8% smaller then the 50 and the 200 is 8% smaller then the 100.

In all honesty the size difference doesn't matter unless you score brownie points with dive hotties on the boat for having sexy XTX200's. You won't feel it underwater.

But in any case, you'd be hard pressed to get an Apeks for under $300. Not saying that you can't, but it'd probably be easier to get the Proton Ice for that price.

 

[goodeatsfan]

The Oceanic Delta4/FDX10 is a very good Cold water reg and cheap where I'm at. The XTX40 is probably the cheapest cold water reg from Apeks. I agree about the scubapro R190's. Cheap, Bulletproof, butt ugly. Oops Typo....

 

[PerroneFord]

DS4 shouldn't be more than maybe $175-$180. Can you get a second stage for $100?

 

[dannobee]

DS4 shouldn't be more than maybe $175-$180. Can you get a second stage for $100?

New ATX50's and XTX50's go for over $200 on ebay. Don't know how much they'd be with a warranty though.

 

[serrada]

New ATX50's and XTX50's go for over $200 on ebay. Don't know how much they'd be with a warranty though.

Depends at least less than $400, but try: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZneverletthemquitQQhtZ-1

I've ordered a couple of things from this guy "neverletthemquit" and they have all been new as stated and I have had no problems with them.

Next try http://divetheabyss.com/

And of course try LP.

 

[ae3753]

The Zeagle DS-V is a great regulator, environmentally sealed, and can be had for under $300 with manufacturer's warranty.

 

[serrada]

The Zeagle DS-V is a great regulator, environmentally sealed, and can be had for under $300 with manufacturer's warranty.

Yet, another good option. I do love my Zeagle too.