Need Advice: Octopus/Reg

[azspecter]

Hey guys-
Wife just got me a new BCD for Christmas, and I am stoked. I am looking for advice on an Octopus/Regulator and not sure where to look. I've been reading the forums, but I'm more confused now than when I started! Here's some info...

The BCD I got has a backup reg built into it. I just need my main regulator (as well as guages), octopus/hoses. I have about 20-30 dives under my belt, and dive MAYBE 1-2 times a year.

I want something that's quality and for a decent price. Since I live in AZ, we travel to go dive, so it would be nice if it were somewhat lightweight (but not in exchange for performance). Considering I don't dive that often, I need something that'll last and still perform well.

I'm pretty clueless here- so I'm not sure what brand names are good- and most of all, where to buy them for the best price. I'd rather not just walk into Sports Warehouse and buy one that looks pretty.

Can someone point me in the direction of some decent brand regs for the price? Again- I think something better than an entry level, but less than a top of the line. Maybe a good mid-range would be good.
Thanks!

 

[Underwater Ogre]

My suggestion get an Aqualung Titan very simple and reliable.

Good Luck
U/O

 

[Slonda828]

I'm a little biased because I rebuild US Divers/Aqualung regs for a hobby, but I would suggest a Conshelf XIV regulator. They are all over the place, there's a ton of parts for them, and they are bulletproof. The Navy approves them to 198 FSW, and that's no joke. It uses a simple balanced diaphragm and unbalanced downstream second stage design that is really reliable and easy to service. Besides, it's not plastic, which means it won't snap into a million pieces when you drop it. Aqualung has been making this regulator in one iteration or another since 1965 and it has a reputation for reliability.

If you don't like US Divers, anything by Atomic is good (but expensive), the Mares MR12 is good (and Navy approved), and the Oceanic Alpha 8 is also a good, inexpensive regulator. They all received pretty good ratings from Scubadiving Magazine as well.

 

[Jorgy]

Second the Aqualung Titan, my son dives one, here in Central NY......for the money, hard to beat. This assumes that there is good Aqualung dealer/maintenance facility local to you.

In Maui, the rentals were Seaquest Pro QD+ BC's with Titan/AirSource regulators....nice simple setup.....

Hope this helps.......M

 

[Straegen]

My vote is the the Zeagle Flathead VI simply because it is a high end reg at a really good price. ScubaToys.com will match ZeagleExpress.com pricing which puts this reg at $350. Breathes great, inexpensive to service, quality design, great support and Zeagle has one of the more liberal online policies in the industry at least for a larger name brand. If you aren't diving cold water, the Zeagle Flathead XP which is essentially the VI only a tad lighter and breathes slightly better but isn't enviromentally sealed. It can be had for $300 from ScubaToys.com via price matching. Can't remember the place that had it for that amount but a google search should turn it up.

 

[Couv]

Hello AzSpecter,

Welcome to Scuba Board

I just made this post and I'm too lazy to even cut and paste it again.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/271215-best-regulator-money.html

good luck,

couv

 

[pollywogg]

The first thing to consider would be service. I'm not sure what the dive shop situation is in Arizona, but I would bet that there's slim to none there. Which means that you will prob be sending everything away to get it serviced/inspected before your dive trips anyway, which nullifies first concern. I personally like Zeagle regs. I dive an envoy deluxe and i have used a flathead 6. They both breathe like a dream, and you can find an envoy deluxe for about $250 online. This is just my humble opinion, and you will hear many. The bottom line is, dive what you feel comfortable with. Just remember, you, as a diver that dives just a few times a year, don't need all those beels and whistles, you need a sturdy, stable reg.