Best regulator for new diver

[ScubaRon]

What makes Apeks regulators good is:
- dry sealed chamber, which is excellent for very cold diving
- great ease of breathing at depth
- well designed and reliable

What people do not like about them is usually the 2nd stage:
- breathes very wet
- is very large

As you noticed ScubaBoard has a large "Apeks following". A lot of this is due to the fact that some key posters are a big fan (or distributor) of this regulator. Don't let the quantity influence you: use the factual information they provide, try one out in a store and then make up you own mind.

For a high performance reg you should IMO consider the Aqualung Legend series, the Apeks and the Mares Abyss/Proton Ice.
If you want to spend a little less look at the Aqualung Titan and Sherwood regs.

 

[Arnaud]

...Arnaud, i have looked on Dive Inn and cannot find what you suggested...

Can't directly link to it, but it's the last Apeks package in the Regulators section, right before the Aqualung Cousteau Glacia.

 

[CRDiver]

Besides Apeks distributors being here, there's also the bandwagon factor. Ever since certain members of the WKPP started endorsing them, they've become the best thing since sliced bread. They *are* great regs - I own Zeagle and Apeks myself - but don't believe for a moment that there aren't other great regs out there. ScubaPro, Oceanic, and the new Aqualungs to name a few...

 

[pescador775]

Mares is a respected brand; that applies to new divers and old timers. After all, there is no such thing as a 'beginner' regulator. That is, low end regs of branded companies are all excellent. Differences in performance have to measured by a machine. The diver would not notice the difference. The dive industry wants to sell you all the bells and whistles no matter what. In the old days, there were two stage double hose regs and, for beginners, (read cheaper) there were the single stage double hose brands. The beginner regs were easy to identify, usually they were distributed by a company called Healthways.

Today, it is possible to buy a very good reg regardless of price. The Apex is one very nice reg and well suited for chilly UK waters. The Mares is likewise. However, you might want to check and see if Mares is still supplying that too stiff second stage hose.

 

[ryancor]

Thank you for all your comments. I am really glad i found this site as i only have a limited source of diving friends who can explain things to me so it's nice to have a wide range of opinions and advice. Cheers.

 

[OE2X]

First stage MK25 both second stages S600 for my primary setup. Back up kit is MK25 with an S600 and R390 back up for second stages. All have worked flawlessly. Went this route because I travel a lot and you get them serviced most places.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

If you want a simple, inexpensive, but quality recreational reg for use at recreational depths, a Scubapro Mk 2 Plus with either an R190 or R390 second stage is a good choice.

If you want to step up a bit to a balanced reg the MK 16 with an R190 or R390 is a very good choice that offers a little more performance at deeper depths for around $40 more than a Mk 2 with the same second stage. You can also upgrade to a balanced S550 second stage for about $60.00 more. It is not a "standard" package but you can also purchase the Mk 16 with a G250 HP which actually makes a very nice and very versatile regulator.

Both first stages work well in cold water with the standard TIS kit.

 

[Charlie99]

A large part of the cost of ownership is the annual maintenance. Be sure to look both at availability of service and the cost.

Get a good high end regulator suitable for your cold UK waters. There are lots of good regs out there. Most reg preference discussions are like BMW and Mercedes owners arguing about who makes the better vehicle.

By the way, I have Atomics so, of course, they are absolutely the greatest in the world!

Charlie

p.s. You may very quickly decide that a good drysuit is really the next purchase you need!

 

[ScoobieDooo]

I'd have to vote for the Aqua Lung DA!

 

[peterjmaerz]

I dove an Oceanic Delta II from my first post-certification dive through my 150th, all over the world. Always reliable, always dry, very easy breathing and easy to maintain and, from what I've read, blessed with an outstanding safety record.

I'd never skimp on a reg, but IMHO you don't have to move right up to the Apeks/Atomic range right out of the box to enjoy a safe and pleasant dive. A "low end" Oceanic or Scubapro would serve well, I believe.

Best,