just got into diving would appreciate some help

[Texas_Aggie06]

I am brand new to diving and trying to get my own equipment. I live in Texas, so no cold water diving for me. I want something that will last me a good while and will allow me to move on to Nitrox if I desire. I also do not have a limitless budget. I prefer to get it from my lds as they have been extremely friendly and have a great rep as far as maintaining diver's equipment. My lds carries Mares, Scubapro, Tusa, Dive Rite, Poseidon, Aeris. No Aqualung/Apexs or Atomic.

I can search on my own and look at them online, but I don't know what things are really important and what is fluff/advertising crap.

TIA

 

[Bubble Junky]

If there's no Apeks, I'd go for Scubapro.

 

[johnny_bravo]

Why don't you give the guys at ScubaToys (they are a Texas LDS after all) a call? They help tons of people on this board and they will talk to you on the phone.

I usually recommend Atomic, Scubapro, Zeagle, Sherwood, and Apeks...I hear Oceanic regs are somewhat well regarded as well.

What exactly is your budget?

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[jeckyll]

Texas_Aggie:

This is an incredibly tough discussion, because there are so many options. People will often simply recommend the regulators they own (because they bought them after all). And there are not that many people that truly have experience breathing and owning regs for a long time.

So, having said that, talking to a reputable shop may be your best option (I'd second scubatoys, especially if you are in TX).

Best of luck.

Bjorn

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

I'm trying to keep it around 400-450 dollar range. I just want to try and eliminate some of the choices. Take Scubapro for instance. I believe I read that they allow a ton of combinations as far as pairing a first stage with a second stage. Honestly, what is more important the first stage or the second stage?

Or Sherwood. I have been reading they are a great low maintanence reg, but a lot of people do not like the dry bleed system. I am not sure exactly what that is or what part of diving it affects.

 

[Bubble Junky]

Honestly, what is more important the first stage or the second stage?

Both are very important - try diving with one but not the other !!
If you're not keen on Scubapro though, Poseidon are well respected too.

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

And what is environmentally sealed? Is that just for cold water diving?

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Are you trying to outfit yourself completely including suit, bc, regs, etc.

Scubapro, dive rite, halcyon, OMS, and many others make grat gear. no one company makes everything and no one company makes the absolute best quality of the things they do make, IE scubapro makes great regs but they no longer make back plates or wings and I dont care for the scubapro SMB's and other trinkets.

 

[Bubble Junky]

And what is environmentally sealed? Is that just for cold water diving?

It's to prevent things freezing up, causing a freeflow situation.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

you wont need a sealed reg if you only dive warm water but you do need a 1st stage and a second stage.

Regulators are comparised of a first stage on your tank and a second stage in your mouth. If you are only looking for regs look into the scubapro MK17/S600 or MK25/S600. I own both and dive both regularly.