Best reg setup for the money in the Northwest?

[rpm88yb]

I've read countless threads, reviews, etc on various websites over the last couple of days, and find myself more confused then anything.

I'm looking for a reg setup under $350 for recreational use in the Seattle area. It is actually for my dad, and he isn't going to dive in waters colder then the puget sound (coldest temp 45-50F).

The part that is confusing me is the whole sealed versus unsealed debate. All of the manufacturers recommend diving a sealed reg at the temps in the puget sound, yet my dive shop says the majority of divers up here dive unsealed (myself included I believe since I dive a MK16/S550) and have no problems.

So basically my questions are should I purchase a sealed reg? Is it worth it?

I've found what I believe to be a decent Zeagle sealed reg (ZX/DS-V) for between $285-$340. But if unsealed regs are okay, I would choose to go after something like an Envoy, Atmos Sport, or Mares Rebel instead.

Is there anything I am missing, any other regs I should look at?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Racket]

UW Sports sell the oceanic fdx10/delta4 for about $389.00 A little more than what you were looking at but worth it IMO.

The everett, an seattle stores had is listed at that price, but I prefer to deal w/ doug in bellevue. Be carefull though, sometimes there is no continuity between stores as far as pricing is concerned.

 

[divad]

UW Sports sell the oceanic fdx10/delta4 for about $389.00 A little more than what you were looking at but worth it IMO.

In what way is an Oceanic fdx10/delta4 a little more than what he was looking at (a Zeagle DS-V) IYO?

 

[rahuck]

I think it was a reference to $389 vs the OP's quoted upper limit of $340...

 

[divad]

I think it was a reference to $389 vs the OP's quoted upper limit of $340...

Yeah, I was just thinking that. To re-phrase; what would recommend the Oceanic over the Zeagle at any price? IYO.

 

[J.A.S.]

Another vote for the zeagle DS-V for the enviro seal and heat exchanger. and parts policy.www.ZeagleExpress.com or contact Scubatoys for the hookup.

On the other hand, temps < 40 are considered cold. so the Envoy might be the ticket as you can always get the parts to upgrade it to the ds-v if reg freeflowing becomes a problem.

Another option is the XSScuba tri-metal. Don't have experience, but all reviews call this reg one of the best for $300. Don't quote me, but to get it sealed it will cost another $40 bucks

if you don't care about the lifetime parts policy, you can get an Apeks for 340 from Divetheabyss.com tech style.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Racket]

In seattle, there are not a lot of places if any that sell or service zeagle regs. UW sells the Oceanic setup for less than any price I found online, and can service it, and stocks replacement parts for it.

The fdx10/ds4 breathed just as good as my friends atx100 at 80-100fsw and seems to be of really good build quality. At this time I have 10 dives on it and after the 5th dive it seemed to breath even better.

I havn't been able to compare it to a zeagle, because I have yet to see one around here, or in my travels.

 

[firemedic1015]

Send hunter991 a PM he has a heck of a deal on a reg that would fit your needs perfectly. Ask him for the cold water kits also.

 

[Arcaporale]

A sealed first stage isn't crucial for your location unless you plan to do deep technical dives, but a dry seal isn't a bad idea. Zeagle is a good reg, Apeks are same design but better, and they are both sealed. Remember, with a Scubapro you get free parts for life (if bought from an authorized dealer) and with Apeks you can go 2 years between service.

 

[Scottri]

I've been diving for years all over the PNW and I've never used or needed a sealed reg. The only time I needed one in my diving life was my ice diving class.