Buying a new reg

[zen_man]

Hi all,

So, I am shopping around for a regulator and I have narrowed the field down to three:
Oceanic Delta 4, Apeks ATX 50 and the DR RG2500 ICE. I have been doing a lot of searching on the board and Internet and talking to who ever I can abut my options and feedback on regs. My LDS has a special right now on the RG2500 ICE for about $80 less (it's $379) than the other two brands which is very enticing. I am sure I would probably be happy with any of those three, but I don't hear much about the dive rites from other people(in real life).

My question is, is there any reason that it would be worth paying the extra $$ for one of the other brands or should I jump on this? Also, how does the breathing on the DR compare to the other two brands?

I dive mostly in Monterey so cold water can somewhat be a factor, but from what I have read, it seems any of these choices would handle it well.

Thanks,

Buck

 

[Divernate5150]

I have been diving the Oceanic Delta 4 for about a year now and love it. Have not negative comments. Well worth the money. I am a New England Diver (Cold Water) and have had no problems. The Delta 4 come with the enviormental package. Some regs you have to pay extra for this.

 

[Gil57usa]

Check out the Zeagle line of Regulators. I have 50D/ZX's and DS4/ZX's. Environmentally sealed and excellent cold water performers. I dive Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes year round without any problems. Plus, they are reasonably priced.

 

[tstonedvr]

I work on all three and you can't go wrong with any of them. You may want to include the Delta 3 to your list much cheaper than the four and maybe as good, just a few less features. Check out www.divesports.com they have a good deal on them.
Whatever your choice finally is you'll be fine.

 

[TrickyRicky]

I bought the Apexs XTX50, great for cold water,sealed balenced first stage, came with good warranty with free parts for life. I would make sure that your other choices had a similar warranty. I also got a free Egress octo with the deal. It was an easy choice for me. Good Luck

 

[m3830431]

I don't have much experience with the others but you cant beat an Apeks. Compare on the web sites

 

[zen_man]

Hmmm, thank you for the replies. It's incredible that there are so many excellent choices out there. I have thought about the Zeagles as well, but I really don't know of any dealers near me. Question regarding the Apeks: What are the main differences between the ATX and the XTX line? I was actually leaning more towards the Delta 4 and the Apeks, but this deal on the DRs came up and I have read a few posts where people really like them. However, the whole free octo right now kinda equalizes that out. <sigh> decisions, decisions. I wish there was a way that I could actually test all of them, but you do what you can.

 

[Bob3]

Seeing's how you're in Sacramento you won't need anti-freeze protection unless heading up into the Sierras.
The sealed 1st stages are easier on the reg's innards though.
Wait 'till the annual great Father's Day Sale at Dolphin, they'll be giving some great deals then.

 

[tstonedvr]

I belive the difference mainly is the X's can have the hose come in left or right side. Spend the money and get a real octo.....

 

[dk2943]

I dive an Atomic Z2 reg set. I bought it before I knew what I was doing, but had heard such great things about Atomic. A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try an Oceanic Delta 4. I was very excited, as my instructor used this set and loved it. After two dives, neither of which was particularly deep, I was anxious to go back to my Atomic. Now, my only problem is that I was thinking of buying Tusa Zoom split fins, but now, I am thinking that the Atomic might be that much better.