Bulletproof reg with a design that's been around forever?

[DevonDiver]

.... as far as hose routing -who gives a crap...

Quite a few people I'd guess... for quite a few different reasons.

 

[muddiver]

The Conshelf has not been offered to the public (still available to military) for a number of years. You can pick them up on eBay sometimes for little of nothing (got one a few weeks back for less than $15) it was partly dissambled but was all there so restoring it was not a problem. The older model Titan is a Conshelf in a different skin.

As for new, the SP MK-2 is still basically the same as it's always been, same for the less expensive Sherwoods....the SR-1 in a different animal and one to be avoided IMO.

One can also get a Conshelf knockoff by buying a Kirby Morgan Superflow 350. Comes in plastic and metal 2nd stage.

I agree about the Sherwoods.

 

[rjack321]

Lots of great info. Looks like the Scubapro MK2 got the most mentions by a long shot followed by Aqualung Conshelf/Titan, then Sherwood and Apex.

Just to clarify I'm looking to get my first regulator, but I don't necessarily mean used. I'd prefer a new one that is based on a design that hasn't changed much (or basically exactly the same) because it just works.

Overall Scubapro's MK2 sounds pretty good so far but I'm a little curious about the Aqualung Conshelf. I can't find it on Aqualung's website. Is getting it used the only way to buy it? Is the Titan very simliar?

The titan is a very nice and robust reg. Quite similar to the Conshelf. The titan just hasn't been around quite as long as the conshelf or SP MK2.

While its nice to get something very robust and "bulletproof", don't get complacent -you'll still need periodic service.

 

[Fishpie]

From what I can gather the Super Flow 2nd stage is a Conshelf 2nd with an adjustment knob....or is it the other way around?
It has been sold under several different guises.....
USD Gulf
Dynasub
SeaSport
Abyss(mal)
On the subject of long life kit I have never had a USD 2nd with the red or grey seat that has ever needed it to be changed....the Sherwood blue second stage seat was good too.

 

[Slamfire]

I would not get any diaphram reg. It may seem counter-intuitive but sealed regs are gonna be finicky without service over time and dives.

The unbalanced pistons recommended so far (SP Mk2 and Sherwood Brut) will last years longer without servicing. Not the best breathers, but make up for it with robustness.

I agree. In fact I'm surprised more people have not recommended a balanced piston (BP) 1st stage. SP MK5 or MK10 are not much more complicated than a Mk2 and when they are coupled with a good balanced 2nd like a G250 they can be very good breathers. I think one person recommended a Mk25. The Mk10 is simpler and easier to service and performs almost or just as good. Definitely better than a Mk2.

Is it more robust than a Mk2? Probably not. But when I really think about it the only reason that comes to mind would be the rotating turret and it's turret retaining bolt. If you take care of those and make sure they are torqued properly and the turret oring replaced periodically, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Paladin]

The Conshelf is now called the "Titan." Same reg, new name. Balanced, diaphragm design. Bulletproof, durable, easily serviced. Same internal mechanism has been used since 1964. The insides haven't changed because they WORK. New price: about $350.

I have several older Conshelfs and a brand new Conshelf 14 I bought recently from military overstock. It's a fine reg.

The Calypso is an unbalanced, piston design. Simple, one moving part. Easily serviced. Service kit is only o-rings and a filter. Tough, durable, reliable and an excellent breather at a good price. I just bought one for my twelve-year-old son and he loves it. Price new: $285.

I like the Aqua-Lung piston regs. I have an Aqua-Lung Aquarius (internally similar to Calypso) that I bought new in 1976 and I still dive it often. Works as good now as it did the day I bought it. I also have about a dozen of the Aquarius regs sitting around that I bought for parts, but I haven't needed to use them for that. My oldest son took one and uses for for a backup reg.

Aqua-Lungs are built to last. Including the 1959 DA Aqua-Master double hose that I also dive frequently.

Did I say that I love the Aqua-Lung regs?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

The Conshelf is now called the "Titan." Same reg, new name. Balanced, diaphragm design. Bulletproof, durable, easily serviced. Same internal mechanism has been used since 1964. The insides haven't changed because they WORK. New price: about $350.

I have several older Conshelfs and a brand new Conshelf 14 I bought recently from military overstock. It's a fine reg.

The Calypso is an unbalanced, piston design. Simple, one moving part. Easily serviced. Service kit is only o-rings and a filter. Tough, durable, reliable and an excellent breather at a good price. I just bought one for my twelve-year-old son and he loves it. Price new: $285.

I like the Aqua-Lung piston regs. I have an Aqua-Lung Aquarius (internally similar to Calypso) that I bought new in 1976 and I still dive it often. Works as good now as it did the day I bought it. I also have about a dozen of the Aquarius regs sitting around that I bought for parts, but I haven't needed to use them for that. My oldest son took one and uses for for a backup reg.

Aqua-Lungs are built to last. Including the 1959 DA Aqua-Master double hose that I also dive frequently.

Did I say that I love the Aqua-Lung regs?

I sure love my 1960 DA Aquamaster!
I haven't dove that Conshelf XI yet, but when I do it may just become my favorite simple reg over the SP's. We'll see.

 

[Dann]

Take a look at Zeagle. Bought an used DS-V reg set (1st & 2nd stage, octo, LPI and pressure gauge incl'g hoses) for $250 on this board. This is a sealed 1st stage, reliable, easy to breathe, dry reg. you can buy parts directly from the company too. In case you buy new, then you have free parts for life (as long as you service the regs within the specified service interval).

 

[Nemrod]

Here are the equivalents in 1st stages:
Conshelf=Titan
SEA=Legend

For a mid priced/low priced new reg with the performance of a top of the line model it would be difficult to beat a:
Aqualung Micron/Titan LX
Apeks XTX 20
Zeagle Envoy
HOG D1
.....all balanced diaphragm 1st stages with balanced 2nds. All have the ability to have "extended" service intervals and remain very stable.

Royal Aqua Master = Conshelf = Titan (XL)

This association gets us back into the 60s, same basic first stage design and parts fit until this very day.

N

 

[scubafanatic]

Buy an older Scubapro MK2 R190 - Indestructable, inexpensive and extremely reliable

I'd rather have the pre-2008 Titan LX with BOTH balanced 1st and 2nd stages over the MK2 190 (with it's unbalanced 1st stage). I own (4) of the Titan LXs.