Another "Which Regulator to Buy" Thread

[large_diver]

I will jump on the bandwagon here, since I use an Apeks TX-100 and Vyper wrist mount. Not much more to add, other than that you won't go wrong with Apeks or Suunto.

The other recommendation I will offer is one that gets less play around here -- the scubapro/Uwatec "master diver" SPG (since I wear compass and Vyper on my wrist, I don't have a console...just the SPG). These SPGs are tough and have very precise markings. The face also glows in the dark. They are not cheap ($100+), but to me it was worth it. You can buy them on the Extreme Exposure web site.

http://www.extreme-exposure.com/acc/gauges.shtml

Good luck with the choices.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

 

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by large_diver
The other recommendation I will offer is one that gets less play around here -- the scubapro/Uwatec "master diver" SPG (since I wear compass and Vyper on my wrist, I don't have a console...just the SPG). These SPGs are tough and have very precise markings. The face also glows in the dark. They are not cheap ($100+), but to me it was worth it. You can buy them on the Extreme Exposure web site.

I concur with this recommendation.

Though I haven't gotten one of my one just yet (on the Christmas wishlist), I have been told that SPGs of this caliber (including the OMS's as well) are worth it to the "go and dive just about anywhere" diver due to their ruggedness and the feature of marking off pressure in 100 pound increments.

The reason 100 pound increments is good is it is much simpler (and more accurate) to compute your "Rule of Thirds".

 

[large_diver]

Actually TM, not to be a nitpicker, but one of the reasons I like this SPG so much is the precision of its face -- it actually measures PSI in increments of 50...if you look closely, you can see it on my link above.

It's a great SPG -- perhaps one of my favorite pieces of gear.

 

[detroit diver]

O_D,

Just add me to the list-TX50 w/ TX40 octo. Simple, reliable, reasonably priced, parts accessible, and easy to service both above and below the surface. Great cold water reg, and nitrox ready to, I believe, 40%.

I also like the Vyper wrist mounted.

Gee, this thread sounds like an Apeks commercial.

 

[large_diver]

Yeah, I'm actually sort of surprised how "Apeks-focused" this board has become. I know they are good regs, but there have to be some other good options out there.....

 

[Lost Yooper]

I hear Oceanic makes some very good regs as well. Of course, Scuba Pro's are OK, but not for $600+. DiveINN has SP's pretty cheap.

Mike

 

[GP]

Well...I guess since there are so many people on the board that are happy with Apeks (me being one of them) that must say something about them. I'll admit that was one of the reasons I went with Apeks because so many people here recommended them.

 

[martinjc]

I second GP on this one. I did a lot of research before buying my Apexs reg - here and elswhere. Apeks was consistently in the top brands on any of the lists I reviewed.

 

[scuba_adventurer]

I sell Apeks, Scubapro, and Oceanic, so I have experience mainly with those brands.

Apeks and Scubapro both have bulletproof reputations. The detractor with scubapro, and the reason that more people don't own them, is cost. Many people discount Oceanic because they are a SP knockoff in design, but they are good as well. Apeks are very durable and the price is more reasonable, but my complaint with them is that they are huge. Even the new ATX second stages are bigger than I would like.

I dive the Mk25/S600T. It is a great combo. If I were buying retail, here is how I would rank them.

SP Mk25/S600
SP Mk25/G250
Apeks ATX 200
ATX 100
Oceanics

The scubapros breathe better. I have never had any Apeks, or any G250 for that matter, come close on a magnahelic guage to the S600 for cracking effort. It is an awesome regulator.