How Expensive a Reg Should I Get?

[Scuba Do]

I think I have gathered from other posts that if I splurge anywhere on my equipment it should be on the regulator. My question is at what point is it no longer productive to go up in price. I can get an Oceanic Delta IV (many people on this board rave about it) from my LDS for $510 and a ScubaPro MK25-S600 or an Atomic B2 from another LDS for about $680 each. Are the ScubaPro and Atomic (some on the board say they are the best, but can't get them serviced worldwide) worth an additional $170? I am new to diving, probably won't get to dive that much, and it will mostly be Mid-Atlantic, but not real cold (probably not below 40 degrees). At least for now, strictly rec.

 

[Rainer]

Um, you could pay that much for those regs. Or you could pay hundreds less. Shop around. As for how much to spend, only you can be the judge of that.

 

[pupdiver]

I agree with Rainer. Those prices seem high. Make some phone calls.

I think you should figure out how much you can afford to spend and then get the best reg in that price range. If you really are willing to spend it, I think you can can better regs than those you list for $700.

 

[jpcpat]

Strictly for rec, I'm not sure you will notice the difference between them in actual use. All 3 are great regs. I own the Delta 4 and love it. For me the DVT has saved me a time or 2.

How much service costs locally may also be a factor, as well as your relationship with the various dive shops. Assuming you will also be buying an spg and octo, maybe pricing them as a package will tell you something.

 

[EvaL]

Hi, I second what jpcpat said - they are all excellent regs and most divers probably can't tell the difference between them performance wise.
I would shop around for better prices. You can get the Oceanic Delta IV from several dive shops for $400 or less (PM me if you need more info). I recently got the Atomic B2 for $470 at my LDS during their annual 20% off sale - even without the 20% off, it would have been around $580, well below the $680 your LDS quoted you.
And factor in the annual service cost. I know Oceanic has a program that charges you only for the labor if you maintain the reg annually. Atomic only needs service once every 2 years. Not sure about ScubaPro.
As for parts, Oceanic and ScubaPro are generally widely available, but not for Atomic.
Good luck and happy shopping.

 

[Scuba Do]

Strictly for rec, I'm not sure you will notice the difference between them in actual use.

That is my real question. Will I notice a difference, or at least a $170 difference. You've really answered my question. Thanks. And, I guess, I need to find better LDSs as mine, apparently are way over-priced.

 

[Scuba Do]

Strictly for rec, I'm not sure you will notice the difference between them in actual use.

I think that answers my question. Really just wanted to know if whatever higher quality the ScubaPro or Atomics regs have will be worth the extra cost for a standard rec diver. Sounds like it won't be.

On the cost thing, so far, the best price I can find for a Delta IV is $479. Anyone know a better one? (Or for the ScubaPro or Atomic for that matter). Thanks.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Try www.scubatoys.com. Excellent prices and advice.

 

[Scuba Do]

Try www.scubatoys.com. Excellent prices and advice.

Thanks, but I already did. Delta IV for $479.95. Didn't see ScubaPro.

 

[redacted]

Thanks, but I already did. Delta IV for $479.95. Didn't see ScubaPro.

As a scubaboard member, I think they will provide an additional 10% discount if you give them a call. Plus you could talk other options like a Delta 3.