The Excursion is a very underrated regulator.
It is basic diaphragm, by which I mean fixed volcano and no turret. That said, it's environmentally sealed, which gives it a leg up on the Scubapro Mk11 (unless you don't want sealing for IP reasons on very deep dives).
If you don't need a turret (i.e., you're not sidemount or doubles) you simply can't beat it.
Excellent poppet seal with the volcano, and unless you flood it or scratch the volcano during your own service, it can last a lifetime! For its cost, it's one of the best diaphragm first stages on the market.
Couple it with Deep6 service, and it's kindof a no-brainer if you don't DIY.
The finish and component quality of the Signature is higher, which naturally costs more. But if you don't let sea water droplets into the reg on boat tank changes, the inside will remain pristine. As a sealed first, all it needs is an exterior rinse. Easy peasy.
The second stage is another surprise. The case thickness of the Excursion is significantly greater than similar small form factor second stages. That means no cracking of the case if it gets dropped or abused. It's an absolutely straightforward barrel mechanism, with the only caveat being a unique size poppet shaft o-ring (shared with the Signature) that is not equivalent to a McMaster 1x2mm. So kits should come from Deep6, rather than being homemade from aftermarket parts, but who else gives you a new diaphragm??
When tested on my "Pete Wolfinger A.I.R. dynamic flow" setup (see Regulator Savvy) this reg matched the curve of the S270 (Scubapro's plastic version of the S620Ti). Incredible stability on high flow, which implies unusually good deep water performance.
Just as easy to self-service as the Signature.
HUGE value.
It is basic diaphragm, by which I mean fixed volcano and no turret. That said, it's environmentally sealed, which gives it a leg up on the Scubapro Mk11 (unless you don't want sealing for IP reasons on very deep dives).
If you don't need a turret (i.e., you're not sidemount or doubles) you simply can't beat it.
Excellent poppet seal with the volcano, and unless you flood it or scratch the volcano during your own service, it can last a lifetime! For its cost, it's one of the best diaphragm first stages on the market.
Couple it with Deep6 service, and it's kindof a no-brainer if you don't DIY.
The finish and component quality of the Signature is higher, which naturally costs more. But if you don't let sea water droplets into the reg on boat tank changes, the inside will remain pristine. As a sealed first, all it needs is an exterior rinse. Easy peasy.
The second stage is another surprise. The case thickness of the Excursion is significantly greater than similar small form factor second stages. That means no cracking of the case if it gets dropped or abused. It's an absolutely straightforward barrel mechanism, with the only caveat being a unique size poppet shaft o-ring (shared with the Signature) that is not equivalent to a McMaster 1x2mm. So kits should come from Deep6, rather than being homemade from aftermarket parts, but who else gives you a new diaphragm??
When tested on my "Pete Wolfinger A.I.R. dynamic flow" setup (see Regulator Savvy) this reg matched the curve of the S270 (Scubapro's plastic version of the S620Ti). Incredible stability on high flow, which implies unusually good deep water performance.
Just as easy to self-service as the Signature.
HUGE value.
that saved me from the same fate! The moral of this is that Deep Six sells expedition grade gear and proves it by supplying service kits to support the equipment in the jungle of Mexico or on the Antartica south pole!
