Lot's of ?'s about Reg Choices

[Jeffro_TBS]

Hi,

Been looking to get my first Reg but the more I search the more questions I seem to find. A lot of the threads suggest that any mid-range brand name reg will be fine, but then there’s plenty of opinions for/against a lot the regs as well.

First a bit of background – Most of my diving is during holidays, usually in warm tropical waters. I do some diving locally in Sydney, but not really a fan of the cold so probably wouldn’t be below 13C, 55F. I’m just a rec diver, not intending to do anything technical, although there’s a possibility I’d look at nitrox at some point in the future. I probably only get 20 or so dives in a typical year, so service intervals and cost is a consideration. My budget isn’t unlimited, but I’m happy to spend a bit more if it’s really worth it. I’m also looking at BCDs at the moment, likely to get the Mares Hybrid.

I’ve got a few basic questions;
Is a second HP Port worthwhile or not really needed for a casual diver?

Air 2 vs. Octo – I guess there are a lot of for/against issues here and just a personal preference in the end ( I haven’t made up my mind) – but any comments are welcome.

Should I look to upgrade the hoses to braided/flexible ones or is it not worth the extra cost?


So, here are the regs I’m looking at, the (A$) prices I’ve found at the moment, and my thoughts – Any opinions or recommendations would be welcome.

Apex FSR XTX200, XT40 Octo $699
At the moment this is the option I’m most strongly considering. It looks to be good value for a top reg and the comments regarding Apex have been very positive. One question I have is that the product description says ‘4 Medium Pressure Ports’. Does this mean they’re different from Low Pressure Ports, or just a different term for the same thing?

Zeagle Flathead, Z 2^nd Stage $760
I didn’t really know anything about Zeagle when I started looking at Regs, but I’ve seen a number of positive reviews. They’re a bit more than the others so I’m not sure there worth it. The service cost and interval looks attractive, so that may offset some of the intial cost.

Aqualung Titan LX $530
Although I’m leaning toward one of the two above, I wonder if they’re a bit more than I need given I’m really just a casual diver. This looks to be a good value mid-range alternative.

Aqualung Micron $525
Since a lot of my diving includes travel I’m considering the Micron. I’ve heard the Apex flight has non-standard hoses, so I’ve ruled that out. I’ve heard that the Micron has some issues with bubbles. Also, is there really much difference in size (vs. say the Titan)? I’d probably take my regs as a carry-on so I don’t know that the possible performance trade off is worth it.

Finally, the above are from online sources. I’m not against the LDS, but one is Mares and one Oceanic and I haven’t seen good reviews for those brands. I think I could find local service for the Aqualungs, but the Apex and Zeagle I’d probably need to post in the mail.

Thanks again for any comments/recommendations.

 

[gcarter]

Aqualung owns Apeks, so your local service option should work for both.

 

[ams511]

A lot of tech divers swear by the Apeks XTX50 with a DS4 or a DST. If it is good enough for them it should be good enough for the kind of diving your doing. Even and XTX20 with a US-4 is good enough. Same with the Zeagles, the Flathead is a great reg but so is the Envoy.

A second hp is usually just for better hose routing so I don't think that is a huge benefit for single tank diving.

Most divers still use regular hoses so I don't see a huge benefit here either. Look at the threads on the miflex hoses. Many divers do not seem happy with them.

Octos are not personal preference items. If you choose to use a combo reg/inflator you are deciding in an out of air emergency that you will donate your primary reg and breath off the inflator/reg. Also these and and slim line octos breath crappy. Do yourself and your buddy a favor and buy a real octo not a combo or a slimline.

 

[D_B]

if you do go with a combo reg/inflator .. get a longer hose for your primary (remember, that's the one you'll be donating) that stock 30" hose is not long enough for anything other than literally face to face (straight arm and your pulling the reg out of their mouth) ... I use a 42"hose routed under my arm ... I will eventually change to a regular set up cause the combo is on longer inflator hose and hangs down too far and any prgression in my diving will call for it

 

[Nwcid]

I am totally new to this but you might look at the HOG sets. They are more set up for Tec but will work for Rec and that is what I have decided to go with.

Great reviews, 2 years between service, good price, good service, reasonable price for service. I have not seen anything not to like.

Plus they are having a big sale the end of this week so be ready Wed at midnight.


I also like the 2 dedicated regulators vs Air 2 (used in class).

 

[ams511]

The only thing not to like about HOGs is the DIN connection if you do not have access to DIN tanks.

 

[halocline]

Any of these regs will work great; the aqualung titan is a perennial 'best buy'. But, you might want to re-think the Mares hybrid BC. Actually, BC choice will make a much ore noticeable difference in your diving comfort than regulator choice, unless you have a clearly inadequate regulator. Before you purchase a BC, I recommend you try diving with some different types of set ups including a rigid backplate with a minimal webbing harness. Less is more with BCs, especially in warm water.

 

[CPH]

I am a ScubaPro fan but you can't go far wrong with the DS4 ATX40 sets. Tough as old boots and cheep as chips.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

The only thing not to like about HOGs is the DIN connection if you do not have access to DIN tanks.

The HOG single tank set ups come with DIN-Yoke adapters. I have DIN and Yoke tanks and except for the reg my GF uses all of my regs, 10 of them now, are DIN. And if you really want yoke go with an EPIC first stage and HOG seconds. Performance is as good but you no longer have the 5th port option.
If you went with the Epic set instead of HOG's the braided hoses are standard. And BTW I will ship to Australia, no problem via priority mail. Lots cheaper than UPS.

 

[gcarter]

I am a ScubaPro fan but you can't go far wrong with the DS4 ATX40 sets. Tough as old boots and cheep as chips.

Quite happy with mine