another " which reg" question

[gtto]

OK, so here is another one of those silly which should I buy questions. I was about to buy a Aeris Ion but then realized the hose couldnlt be changed because of the swivel. So then i heard about the Zeagle sale on the new and 2008 models. I looked at both the flathead 7 and Lt. one is sealed first stage and one is not . I live in south florida so I can't see any cold water diving in my future. So. i know there are many opinions out there but based on experience what advice do you give? zeagle, aeris. sealed, not sealed.2008,2009? and i know whatever I like is best for me but tell me what you think anyway. Thanks. Gary

 

[Jorgy]

I'll take a shot at a first response to your post.........

First, why would you want to changes hoses? If you are going the DIR route (long hose primary, bungeed secondary) then get a DIR compatible reg.......

FWIW, I just sold a swiveled Oceanic Delta 4 reg, the swivel was nice, made the reg very comfortable..........

If cold/dirty water diving is not in the cards for you, then you don't need the an environmentally sealed reg, it doesn't hurt but it may be overkill for your diving.......

Never used an Areis Ion so I can't comment, lots of buddies use Zeagle stuff and love it, is the Flathead VII worth it...........only you can decide........

I guess my position is that many folks get caught up in the gear side of diving, if you need the best (because that is the type of diving you do) then by all means spend the money.........but if your dive profile is warm ocean recreational diving then a basic reg will be more than adequate..............

Remember to look at ease of servicing (your LDS) and cost of servicing, over the long haul those far outweigh the initial cost of the reg.........

I have stated before, that for warm ocean recreational diving, I'm a big fan on the AquaLung Titan................which my son dives.............

My darling bride dives a ScubaPro MK25/S550 and loves it..........

Oh and back to my first question, if you are going DIR then SP MK25/S600 all the way, for the hose routing..........

Hope this help.................M

 

[gtto]

The thing with the zeagles is that thay have a 30% discount on the new models and even cheaper on last years so they are quite reasonable pricewise. gary

 

[Jorgy]

That is a great point.............if you can get a great deal then that factors in.............

As far as this years versus last years......there will always be a next years model......so I would avoid getting caught up in that.........

My criteria would be does it have the performance and features you need/want.........

The Titan like the MK25 has been around in there basic configuration for many years......

Zeagle makes great stuff.....way back in 2003 even the lowly Envoy scored a perfect 20 out of 20 on the Scuba Diver Magazine breathing machine, since it is tops in breathing as is the rest of the line, I would need a really important feature to make me spend more money for "warm water recreational diving" if that is what I plan to do.....

M

Form the 2004 review.......

2003 Testers' Choices

For comparison, here are last year's top performers and their scores.

Under $300

ZEAGLE ENVOY $299 > Simulator Scores: 20 out of a possible 20. > Ergo Scores: 47 out of a possible 70.

BTW the ergo score for the Flathead VI/ZX in the review was 55 due to adjustability and dryer breathing upside down, so for 2 X the price you do get some benefit......I am not sure it is worth it.....

 

[Jorgy]

This thread may be of interest to you.........

Hope this helps............M

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/zeagle/284723-questions-regarding-30-discount.html

 

[dori fish]

my suggestion for an all and out good regulator is these three different ones, all have a good reputation the scubapro mk17 g250, the apex xtx50 ds4, and my personal favorite and this is what i use for all conditions is the mares abyss mr22. another suggestion is that you get your regs in din and just get a yoke converter, only b/c when you are go international they serve a purpose also it has a stronger safer connection