Buying regs soon, need some help

[CODMAN]

Hey Pants,
I just bought the Mares V16 Proton Lx from Leisurepro a few months ago. I don't have extensive diving on it yet, but so far so good! It's dependable, breathes very easy, and like you, the lightweight second stage was a criteria for my choice. It's very comfy in my mouth... Also, I have a Mares dealer near my house so having service done on it will be simple...

So far I've used it diving air and Nitrox, in very cold water (7-10 ºC), in relatively deep dives (65-96 feet) and it's worked flawlessly. But I really bought it for more tropical waters, like Roatan where I will be going in exactly 5 days!!!! (sorry, can't hold that back I'm so excited! ). It fits the bill for my needs and at 215$ the price was right! Check other reviews on this board... people seem quite happy with it... I know I am...

Good luck with your choices!

 

[Zambezi]

I've got to agree with Codman (enjoy the trip:14: ), I've owned a V16 since early 2004 and have approx 80 dives on it in all conditions. I love it

 

[cerich]

I should qualify my statement: easy to work on the second stage diaphragm only to remove sand and other debris. The first stages need some TLC on a bench with appropriate tools and training.

X

You need a screwdriver to do that with Poseidon Jetstreams , In fact all the Poseidon seconds are a PITA to work on without tools.

 

[Mr.X]

You need a screwdriver to do that with Poseidon Jetstreams , In fact all the Poseidon seconds are a PITA to work on without tools.

I knew I left out something from my last post...and I knew you'd pick up on it when I was out doing some errands.

Second qualification - Poseidon's are not DIR compliant second stages.

 

[ScubaDivaDivemaster]

I dunno about those, but I love my Atomic! I did dive the Aqualung before and it was good. I've heard the Mares MR12 Rebel & Abyss were good from some people. Don't know what you want to spend, but good prices here:
http://www.crazyscuba.com/cat_regulators.cfm

Good luck!

C U underwater,
ScubaDivaDivemaster

 

[Zak OHara]

You need a screwdriver to do that with Poseidon Jetstreams , In fact all the Poseidon seconds are a PITA to work on without tools.

I couldn't agree more with Chris about this. I used to operate a live aboard dive boat. Multiple days at sea. #1 nightmare regulator was a poseidon. When breathing right they are great. However they seemed to be incredibly sensitive and prone to free flow. I can't remember how many times i would see a diver trying to work on a poseidon (usually to no avail) in the galley while eveyone else was diving.

As for the Proton XL it is a very good regulator. A few people have posted in this thread and also in the forum about their opinions on the reg. Search around. This regulator is going to be discontinued which is most likely why you are finding a great deal on it. It is also an extremely simple regulator as are all the Mares regs. You simply don't need the adjustment. Even the reps for other companies will testify that if your reg is working properly, you shouldn't need to adjust it even if it has the knob.

 

[cerich]

Even the reps for other companies will testify that if your reg is working properly, you shouldn't need to adjust it even if it has the knob.

But the knobs are fun to play with the first few dives!

Seriously the only time the knobs come in use for me is when tech diving and i de tune the seconds not being used to decrease the chance of freeflow and gas loss on stages/deco, backup regs. Especially usefull when on a scooter.

In recreational diving I never touch the adjustment.

 

[harleythedog]

I have a proton, with the MR12 first stage, works great, never had to adjust anything - not that you could without some tools. only used in warm water diving so cant comment on cold water performance. have been to 120 ft with no problems, would definitely buy another one. Oh yes, and its very small and lightweight if thats a consideration.

hope this helps.

 

[squidster]

The most important thing to think about is a good service program both from Mfg. and dive shop.
I also think simple is hard to beat.
Scuba pro mk 2 or mk 11 diaphram are good simple regs.
all the brands stated before this post are good as well.
support your local dive shop and they will be there for you.