Best regulator for new diver

[Groundhog246]

None of the mainstream companies can afford the liability of selling a bad reg. They make good regs, better regs and great regs (and regs with bells and whistles). Personally I like Aqualung. I've 2 sets of Conshelf 21's (oldies but goodies) and set of Conshelf SE and a newer Micra (non adjustable). I love the small size of the Micra 2nd stage and they breath great. Unless he's not diving however, I got that set for our teenager, due to his smaller stature. I've also used Aqualung (US Divers) Titan, with an Arctic 2nd and think it's a great cold water set.
I find Sherwoods a little harder breathing than many, but like the dry first stage design, especially if you're diving marine. I have friends with Apex, Mares (I've actually dove a Mares twice and liked em ok), Scubapro, Oceanic and Zeagle regs.
As a beginner you probably won't notice any difference between any of them. Some differences won't become apparent until you've reach depths approaching or exceeding the "recreational" limit and that's when the advice offered by the tech crowd counts a little more.
For myself, I'd get a good reg that I can afford now and know it's looked after, rather than diving rentals in unknown conditions while I saved to buy the better (or best) reg. If you continue on and decide you wish to go deeper where you need that high performance reg, you can always use your first reg on that stage bottle.

 

[salimbag]

I dive with a Conshelf regulator I bought in 1974.

There is nothing wrong with having fun shopping around and researching the new gear. But be aware it's not about diving, it's about consumerism and Madison Ave.

I just bought a 20 year old tank and regulator for my wife, had it serviced, and we're off. Total cost, less than $100, and I'll bet your regulator doesn't breath any better (but is probably lighter on land). I'll also bet your dives aren't any better than mine for having bought into the contemporary scuba marketing machine. These are simple devices. There's a lot of deep tech talk about technology improvements, but in a practical sense regs have not changed much in the past few decades.

Ever been on a large tourist dive in a remote, third world country and seen the row of old beat up tanks and budget regulators they provide? This gear has been beat up day in and day out, often for 20 years. Still chugging along...

This is not meant to be critical, I as well LOVE to read about the new stuff and play with it, and if you are into it, more power to you. Lotsa people buy the new Mercedes when they would in a practical sense be better off holding onto the old Camry. It's fun and neat and cool, and I do welcome you having fun spending money, if that's what you're into, because it IS fun. But just be aware there are alternatives that are much cheaper, are just as cool because of their "classic" aspect, and don't compromise a thing in any practical sense except your sense of consumption.

Ciao

 

[peterjmaerz]

I dive with a Conshelf regulator I bought in 1974.

There is nothing wrong with having fun shopping around and researching the new gear. But be aware it's not about diving, it's about consumerism and Madison Ave.

I just bought a 20 year old tank and regulator for my wife, had it serviced, and we're off. Total cost, less than $100, and I'll bet your regulator doesn't breath any better (but is probably lighter on land). I'll also bet your dives aren't any better than mine for having bought into the contemporary scuba marketing machine. These are simple devices. There's a lot of deep tech talk about technology improvements, but in a practical sense regs have not changed much in the past few decades.

Ever been on a large tourist dive in a remote, third world country and seen the row of old beat up tanks and budget regulators they provide? This gear has been beat up day in and day out, often for 20 years. Still chugging along...

This is not meant to be critical, I as well LOVE to read about the new stuff and play with it, and if you are into it, more power to you. Lotsa people buy the new Mercedes when they would in a practical sense be better off holding onto the old Camry. It's fun and neat and cool, and I do welcome you having fun spending money, if that's what you're into, because it IS fun. But just be aware there are alternatives that are much cheaper, are just as cool because of their "classic" aspect, and don't compromise a thing in any practical sense except your sense of consumption.

Ciao

Well, OK. Of course there's a strong element of truth in what you say--much of our shopping and buying is motivated by the consumerism bug; the desire to have something shiny and new to play with. And we all know the addictive aspects of the disease: that newness factor wears off pretty quickly and then we're out looking for our next fix.
That said, though, I find my BMW station wagon so much more adept than my old Camry and it's still a thrill two years down the road. Much more capable on the road, much quieter and more comfortable, equipped with so many convenience items and a hell of a lot more fun to drive.
My Atomic Reg breathes very noticeably better at depth than my Oceanic, even though, as posted earlier here, that reg was perfectly adequate. Also don't think you could run 60% O2 through the Oceanic without serious retooling. It's exhaust directs bubbles totally away from my face, making for a much more satisfying diving experience.
Hell, I've seen local lobster divers in Guanaja go down with just a tank and reg--no BC and, at least when they're not doing dangerous repetitive dives, they come out just fine. But I certainly wouldn't want to dive that way.
Finally, comfort in the water is a key element for most "newbies". I think a reg that breathes well, is reliable and easily servicable by the LDS greatly enhances the confidence and comfort of a newly certified diver.
Now....who's got a deal on a nice Rolex Seamaster?

 

[ScoobieDooo]

Salimbag,
I hear ya! I have a 1960 Healthways DeLuxe and a 60's Aqua Lung DA double hose regulators, AL80's fitted with J-Valves and reserve pull rods, an Aqua Lung horsecollar vest and US Divers backpacks. These regs rock! I rebuilt and restored them and even had my Aqua Lung DA rechrome plated last month. These are simple units to tune and rebuild, service and breath well - and, look cool as hell!

Hey, Mike Nelson loved 'em!

 

[xagudo]

Are the Scubapro Mk2 / R390 stages unbalanced?

 

[Lead_carrier]

Yes, MK2/390 is an unbalanced system

 

[dbulmer]

Some great advice offered in this thread. If you are intending to do UK diving I'd suggest you join an SAA or BSAC club. That way you'll get to try some regs and other kit. The Apeks are a good ole workhorse in the clubs.

I finally got my own regs a couple of months back - DS4 TX50 long hose and ATX50 backup and love them too bits!
(at some point you might want to consider the DIR approach to kit - try www.bitz.fsnet.co.uk - you should also consider logging on to www.yorkshire-divers.co.uk web site - don't be put off by the name it's got all sorts on it - even some Yorkshire divers for more local advice and British banter!)

That said, I think Charlie99 got it right best - invest in a drysuit and good undersuit first. You can always borrow the regs and stab (BC) in a club.