My Head is Spinning! Need Help Picking A Regulator!!!

[Doug - aka "Dogfish"]

"My Head is Spinning! Need Help Picking A Regulator!!!"
I don't have the experience to suggest a reg, but I have learned that if you mount your tank higher it will keep your head from spinning...............

 

[halocline]

In regards to unecessary service, I have to question that statement. Are you refferring to something other than normal annual service or whatever service interval the manufacturer recommends? I was reading a thread earlier about servicing your own reg's. I believe you replied to that thread as well IIRC. Is that something you would recommend for someone such as myself starting out? I am looking for information pure and simple. Thanks for all the insight given.

For the amount of use that most recreational divers give their regulators, annual rebuilds are unnecessary, as long as the reg receives decent care in use and storage. This policy is simply a way of getting customers in the shop on an annual basis, and I suppose, guarding against liability.

I couldn't recommend for or against you personally servicing your own regs. For me it was an easy decision to make; I'm mechanically inclined and the local tech at the time was expensive and only marginally qualified. But your situation might be entirely different.

 

[crispix]

Why ship your gear from SD to Texas & have ScubaToys service your regs when we have 2+ great LDS's right here in town that both service in house & are authorized dealers for Atomic..
Am I missing something?

Who's the second San Diego Atomic Dealer? I had a heck of a time finding a place to service my regs last time around after my favorite Atomic dealer had gone out of business. I have had problems with you-know-who, let's call them Voldemort Scuba, and I don't like to give them my business. I couldn't find another local Atomic Dealer, and I called around a bunch.

(sorry, slight thread hijack, but seems silly to start another thread)

 

[Doug - aka "Dogfish"]

This is from the Atomic site.
phpDealerLocator

 

[crispix]

This is from the Atomic site.
phpDealerLocator

Ah, I remember now. I called most of the shops on that list. OEX refused to service my regs -- even though they're listed as a dealer they flat out said "no, we don't do that." Some are a bit far for me. I gave up and sent them to TX because at that point it actually seemed easier, and I like/trust scubatoys.

(ok, this is really off topic now. I'll stop.)

 

[Thalassamania]

...

Any less expensive ones that I should be looking at that would not dissapoint?
Thanks for any insight that may help me decide...

HOG D-1 or Edge Epic cold. Either reg will serve you very well. Proven designs, will not empty your wallet, 2 year rebuild interval, kits are readily available, and although the HOG is only available in DIN a singles kit comes with the 1st, 2 identical seconds, hoses, adapter, and I can add an spg for you and you'll be right around 500 bucks for a complete reg set. Not just a single first and second stage with a hose that may be the wrong length. The Epic would be in the same range.

Since you are open to other alternatives I agree with Jim.

 

[halocline]

So, if most people are saying that most all reg's will perfrom well for the average diver without issue then what is a person supposed to use as a guideline for purchasing? I get that much of it is personal preference. I have been looking at it like, "my life depends on this equipment" so I want to buy good quality gear but like many others, I am not rich and will need to peice together my gear.

The guideline is really a matter of preference and what you are willing to pay for performance. There's no doubt that a top end reg will breathe more effortlessly (well, when it's been serviced well) than an entry level reg, but the difference is usually quite subtle from the perspective of a new diver. Forget about the "my life depends...." nonsense. There is ZERO safety difference between high end and entry level regs, and your life depends on your dive behavior, judgement, and training. NOT your choice in regulator. Until you realize that, you are likely to have a fairly high degree of anxiety about your reg, and that's just what unscrupulous dealers want you to have.

Fear and sex are two of the most effective sales devices known.

 

[Slater]

Who's the second San Diego Atomic Dealer? I had a heck of a time finding a place to service my regs last time around after my favorite Atomic dealer had gone out of business. I have had problems with you-know-who, let's call them Voldemort Scuba, and I don't like to give them my business. I couldn't find another local Atomic Dealer, and I called around a bunch.

(sorry, slight thread hijack, but seems silly to start another thread)

Well DiveShack in El Cajon sells & services Atomics, they claim to be an authorized dealer but as i see now... Not on the list..

 

[travelrider]

What is "a fortune"? ScubaPro MK25/A600 or MK25/A700 - is that too much to spend for rec diving?

Almost anything will work well. As mentioned, the aqualung titan is a perennial best buy. Scubapro MK11 with the new C300 (I think that's the number, its a new model) looks very interesting for a good mid-priced reg. Don't spend a fortune, you won't even be able to tell the difference between a top-end and mid-range reg in the water.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Not sure of the exact price of those two but I know you can get a complete reg set with SPG that the average recreational diver could not tell the difference from the ones you noted for less than 500. Balanced, coldwater sealed 1st with balanced and adjustable primary and balanced octo. Price is no indication of equal performance or quality. And the Mk25 has some reports of not being the greatest for very cold water. Some items you pay for the name almost as much for the item itself.