How good are TUSA regulators?

[Dark Abyss]

Greetings!
I'm very pleased to meet all of you. I'm new to this board, I just signed up yesterday! I apologise if it is a bit inappropriate to introduce myself in the "regulators" section.

I'm very new to scuba diving, and I just got certified a couple of months ago. I'm currently in the process of buying my own equipment ( I have been borrowing my mom's diving gear for the open water diving course ). I'm on quite a budget, and can't afford really expensive diving equipment at the moment. I've found the Tusa RS-230 platina regulator at a good price online, and I was wondering if it's any good. I'm not looking for anything extremely fancy, just something that's comfortable, light weight, and reliable. I would love to hear everyone's opinions on it , and what they thought of it when they used it during diving!

Thanks

 

[CAPT HOOK]

Wife has been using a Tusa Impirex (?) or some such for over 4 yrs.' 110' and 55* (not on the same dive!) She's happy with it.

 

[redacted]

as a manufacturer for Scubapro regs. Funny how the TUSA TR-400 Imprex 1st looks just like the old Mk5.

But before you jump on a great online price, make sure you can get service support locally.

Many manufacturers make perfectly adequate regs so you might want to look around at your LDSs and see who you would be most comfortable with getting service from. In fact, a good indicator might be to talk to them about price differences between what they offer and online sources. While they usually have a hard time going head to head with leisurepro, they should be able to do something price wise, maybe a package including service incentives, to get your business. It should also become quite apparent which ones you don't want to bring your online acquisition to for service. A few may refuse service, while others may charge you a "punishing" price for that service. BTW, always settle on service prices before you hand over the regs. You have alternative, to include a number of online service options.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The Tusa (Tabata USA) Imprex 400 first stage was a Mk 10. It actually shared the same parts and part numbers as the SP Mk 10, and had only minor cosmetic differences. TUSA used the earlier reversible seat, which was in my opinion more durable and had the advantage of being reversible if one side wore out.

As far as I know Tabata still makes the Scubapro regs.

I agree that the primary consideration should be the local service and support that is available rather than strictly what brand you feel is best.

 

[erwin]

That's true the TR400 Imprex first stage is based on the Scubapro.

I have been using this particular regulator for some years now and find no reason to replace it. This despite the fact that I own several other high-performance regs. The conclusion arrived here is that Tusa produces good-low priced regulators.

The problem herein lies in the serviceability of the particular regulator you are seeking to purchase. There is no guarantee that there will be interchangability of parts with the new Scubapro regulators! I used to sell and service both Tusa and Scubapro regulators and as far as I remember we never exchanged parts between them.

Therefore check with your local dive store with regards to the brands that they carry and what regulators that they service and then choose from the range that they carry.

You will find that most manufacturers also carry so-called lower end regulators that are quite suitable for general recreational diving and will provide enough air for you at the depths that you generally descend to.

 

[Dark Abyss]

Thanks so much for your opinions everyone!!

I agree that that would be a concern whether or not the local dive shops would provide good service for TUSA regulators. But,
i'm pretty sure that there are a few around here that do.

Next week i'm going out to WI to go diving, I have to pick up a wetsuit before I go, so i'll ask the lady who works at the dive shop about it.