Good Travel Reg

[drjrt]

This is all great input. I can see my kids using my equipment and not being
as responsible as I for cleaning/maintenance which seems like another good
reason for a sealed system.

I was going to check into the APEKS Flight.. However,

My LDS can give me a pretty good discount on the MK17/G250V (I assume
it is the 2009 model) and some day I can add the MIFLEX hoses. It is more than
I had anticipated spending but I assume it can last me through just about any
type of diving I may choose to do in the future and can be serviced locally
by the dive shop where I will dive in the summer. I'm going to run the numbers
but I'm leaning in that direction right now.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

If you're considering buying Apeks, I'd look into purchasing the reg set over at scubastore.com. The Apeks XTX50/DS4 is selling for a little over $300. This price easily beats any being offered at an authorized Apeks US dealer. Keep in mind that scubastore.com is located in Spain, so if there are any warranty issues you'll probably have to send it back there. Also, the free-overhaul-parts for life deal is not valid.

The good news about buying outside the regular US retail channel is that Apeks regs are quite easy to learn how to work on. Just a couple tools is all you need. If you can find a source for the overhaul kits and you have the time/patience to figure out how to do things, I highly recommend DIY self-servicing your regs. It's educational and might save you a few bucks in the long run -- especially if you have several identical reg setups to maintain (your kids).

The MK17/G250V is highly regarded. I suspect you'll really like it. I believe that scubastore.com sells the MK17/250V for a little over $400.

FYI, scubastore.com sells the Aqualung Titan LX for $240. Geesh! At that price, I'd purchase 3 sets and learn to overhaul them myself.

 

[drjrt]

At $240 I can buy 2 and just throw out one if it mis-behaves!

Thanks for all of the input, this has been very helpful....

 

[Bubbletrubble]

At $240 I can buy 2 and just throw out one if it mis-behaves!

Thanks for all of the input, this has been very helpful....

You could dive them, take good care of them, and then sell them before it's time to have them serviced. In fact, I think that's what some people do. Seriously.

If that's what you plan to do, it might be worth it to learn how to overhaul/repair them. Here are a few good links to get you started:
Download the technician reg repair manual here.
Order Vance Harlow's Scuba Regulator Maintenance and Repair book from Airspeedpress.com.
Order the appropriate tools from Scubatools.
Check out the DIY Repairing Your Own Gear forum here at ScubaBoard.