First Regulator

[Nuckery]

Hi. I am a newly certified diver working on my advanced open water certification and am looking to purchase my own equipment. Specifically, I am looking to buy a new regulator. I have limited knowledge on what would be a good starter regulator that will last me a while and will allow me to breathe comfortably at depths ranging up to 100 feet. Money is somewhat of a factor, but I would still like to spend enough money to buy a decent regulator. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions/tips/feedback regarding good starter regulators. Thanks.

 

[Michael Kazma]

As long as it is an Apeks, you will be good

 

[wader]

I have rented some expensive and less expensive regulators before buying. If possible try that. I found that there is not enough difference between $600 and $200 to justify the money. Some will argue, but in todays market, it all depends on the bells and whistles. They all should work, providing they are a recognized name brand. If money is an issue, don't be afraid of less expensive. But stay away from "cheap".

 

[Jim Lapenta]

HOG! Nuff said.

 

[pasley]

Wader about summed it up. My first regulator (2001) was a Mares and cost me around $200. Great regulator and easy breathing but does tend to breathe wet upside down. Last year (2009) I purchased another regulator. The Mares is still performing fine, but I am now teaching and wanted a separate regulator for the pool (the old Mares) as pool chemicals are very hard on gear, and one for the ocean My new Aqualung Legend).

I purchased the was an Aqualung Legend $600, cold water regulator (good to 40F) and promised to breathe in any position. The Mares breaths wet upside down (as an adaptive dive instructor I am often on my back watching a quadriplegic divers face so this was important). It is a good regulator, but frankly, except for breathing in any position thing the Mares breathes just as good or better.

 

[Justincase]

The environment you dive in the most critical part to know before choosing a reg. i am assuming your diving will be mostly in the ocean based off of your location ( Charleston). So based of the info of primaly ocean diving with water above 55F or so I would say either Atomic Z2, ScubaPro MK25/S600, or even Hog ..

The other piece of the puzzle is what brands do the local dive shops have in your area. The reason this is important is it can become tuff to get service when you don't have a local authorized dealer in your area.

hope this helps

 

[Nuckery]

Thanks for the help! I will definitely do some research on the regulators y'all mentioned.