Hiya folks, this is my first post on ScubaBoard so I hope I'm putting it in the right spot!
I'm currently weighing up my options for my first set of regulators/gauges. I completed my OW earlier this year and anticipate that I will be doing mostly local shore dives, not terribly deep (average 3-5M/9-15ft), temperate conditions with the lowest temp typically being 11-12ºC/low 50's F. Local charters might take me 2-3x this depth but I won't be doing them regularly.
These are the current options I'm considering, reliability is my priority as well as easy breathing at my usual depth. I would prefer a DIN connection as I can see myself gravitating to this for future adaptations to my kit (I will keep a Yoke adapter in the rare instance of going on charter trips). Prices are in Australian $ but take about 25% off to get the $USD value.
Option 1 (New):
Oceanic EDX (DIN) / Delta 5, probably Alpha 8 Octopus, basic SPG. ~$900
Thoughts - priciest option but wouldn't need an immediate service, would be supporting LDS (though I'll be supporting them with courses etc in future anyway, so they'll get my $$ either way).
Option 2 (New in box, but stored for a few years):
Oceanic CDX5 (Yoke) / GT3 with Alpha 9 Occy, Triple console SPG/Veo 1.0 computer/compass. ~$450
Thoughts - best value deal, would probably need a gear inspection due to long term storage, I've already got a wrist computer but the backup could be handy. Too expensive to convert to DIN as the conversion kit is $200... but I could probably upgrade and offload this set to the husband in time.
Option 3 (Used for a couple of dives, a few years old):
Oceanic CDX5 (DIN) / GT3 with Mares Prestige Occy, Sherwood SPG/depth gauge combo, comes with an as-new DIN standard size steel 12.2L cylinder as well. ~$900
Thoughts - Haven't queried the hydro date yet, so I could be up for both hydro and servicing. Would be very convenient to have the DIN cylinder and fittings ready to go, as Australia mostly uses Yoke. I have access to properly filtered refills.
Option 4 (Used, serviced 4yrs ago and stored since):
Scubapro MK25 Evo (Yoke) / S600 with junk Occy, no gauges. $500
Thoughts - I would be replacing the Occy as it is a rather low quality one, I would also need to buy gauges and a quick inspection as well. Not as expensive to convert to DIN as the CDX5, I'd be looking at approx. $75 for the part. LDS is not a Scubapro dealer, but I am within driving distance of a service centre.
Sorry, this is a lot to digest - but I hope someone can point out some pros and cons of the above for my intended diving! Thanks everyone.
I'm currently weighing up my options for my first set of regulators/gauges. I completed my OW earlier this year and anticipate that I will be doing mostly local shore dives, not terribly deep (average 3-5M/9-15ft), temperate conditions with the lowest temp typically being 11-12ºC/low 50's F. Local charters might take me 2-3x this depth but I won't be doing them regularly.
These are the current options I'm considering, reliability is my priority as well as easy breathing at my usual depth. I would prefer a DIN connection as I can see myself gravitating to this for future adaptations to my kit (I will keep a Yoke adapter in the rare instance of going on charter trips). Prices are in Australian $ but take about 25% off to get the $USD value.
Option 1 (New):
Oceanic EDX (DIN) / Delta 5, probably Alpha 8 Octopus, basic SPG. ~$900
Thoughts - priciest option but wouldn't need an immediate service, would be supporting LDS (though I'll be supporting them with courses etc in future anyway, so they'll get my $$ either way).
Option 2 (New in box, but stored for a few years):
Oceanic CDX5 (Yoke) / GT3 with Alpha 9 Occy, Triple console SPG/Veo 1.0 computer/compass. ~$450
Thoughts - best value deal, would probably need a gear inspection due to long term storage, I've already got a wrist computer but the backup could be handy. Too expensive to convert to DIN as the conversion kit is $200... but I could probably upgrade and offload this set to the husband in time.
Option 3 (Used for a couple of dives, a few years old):
Oceanic CDX5 (DIN) / GT3 with Mares Prestige Occy, Sherwood SPG/depth gauge combo, comes with an as-new DIN standard size steel 12.2L cylinder as well. ~$900
Thoughts - Haven't queried the hydro date yet, so I could be up for both hydro and servicing. Would be very convenient to have the DIN cylinder and fittings ready to go, as Australia mostly uses Yoke. I have access to properly filtered refills.
Option 4 (Used, serviced 4yrs ago and stored since):
Scubapro MK25 Evo (Yoke) / S600 with junk Occy, no gauges. $500
Thoughts - I would be replacing the Occy as it is a rather low quality one, I would also need to buy gauges and a quick inspection as well. Not as expensive to convert to DIN as the CDX5, I'd be looking at approx. $75 for the part. LDS is not a Scubapro dealer, but I am within driving distance of a service centre.
Sorry, this is a lot to digest - but I hope someone can point out some pros and cons of the above for my intended diving! Thanks everyone.
