Need a good regulator setup for the wife

[Z06Boricua]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me out. I pretty much have my own gear purchased and on the way or picked out, so I'd like to focus on the wife. We're brand new to the sport, and we're going to definitely start out easy, but I know I will eventually move over to the more technical side. The wife has also expressed interest in going the technical route in the future, so I'd like to spend a little extra than normal for a basic, first regulator.

I'd like to find her a good, reliable, easy breathing reg setup that will last a long time and will be suitable for recreational warm water as well as more technical stuff in the future. I've been looking at the Oceanic Alpha 8 primary 1st/2nd stage along with an Alpha8 octo, as it seems like a good compromise between cost and quality.

I'm all ears, err eyes, so hit me with your best recommendations!

Thanks,
Jose

 

[Nismo]

My wife and I use Zeagle DS/V First with the ZX second. Will do very well. A few others here use them as well for tech, which we have not gotten into. Both have been at the limit for recreational depth and breath great at 15 or 130 feet. I used both of our regs since I just had the annual service done in 46 degree water at 83 feet and it flowed great. My LDS owner uses the Flathead VI and said there would be no noticeable difference between the 2 until over 200 feet and even then it won't be a noticeable difference. My reg is only 1 or 2 models down from the top and I thought a good value. All Zeagles exceed the requirements for the US Navy.

Don't know anything about the Oceanic, but all the major brands seem to be fairly equal at a certain price point. Go with whats easy for you to have serviced, I'm sure what you have picked will be fine.

 

[Jimmer]

I have both the Zeagle ZX-DSV (2 actually) and a couple of Alpha 8's for single tank use, and the Alpha's are nice, but not in the same league as the Zeagle. The Zeagle breathes more naturally, has longer exhaust Tee's so the bubbles dont go up over your ears as much, and if you do decide to get into tech, the DSV is more than capable.

 

[El Orans]

[hijack]That seems like a good trade. [/hijack]Seriously, have a look at Apeks.

 

[Z06Boricua]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I'll definitely take a look at the Zeagle stuff. I'm actually looking at a Zeagle N2ition dive computer for myself, they seem to make quality gear and price it competitively. It seems like Scubatoys is the place to buy stuff from with their handy 10% discount.

As far as getting things serviced, that'll be a problem for me no matter what route I go. There isn't much going on here with diving in Kuwait. Once we leave here for good however, we're planning on heading for Florida. Things should be much easier then!

Jose

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Two companies are well known for long term product support and large dealer networks - Scubapro and Aqualung. Both provide excellent support for discontinued regulator models.

Whenever possible, Scubapro incorporates updates and features in newer models in older models by making the new parts backwards compatible.

I'd recommend either company in a situation where you want to get it serviced almost anywhere and/or where you want a reg that will still be a top performer 10-20 years from now.

 

[Z06Boricua]

After serious consideration, I think I'm going to get her an EOS. It's a bit pricey, but I know it's something that will last for many years with regular service. Besides, I'm kind of attached to her, so when it comes to devices that allow her to breathe underwater, I want her to have the best.

Now I just need to find her a good BCD and computer!

Thanks again!
Jose

 

[Jimmer]

Good choice, I have a couple of Oceanic regs as well, I like them quite a bit. You'll have to post a report about the EOS sometime, since it seems to be getting rave reviews about how easily it breathes.