Need help choosing a reg.

[Trampmastafunk]

I'm new to the sport, and I am in need of a versatile regulator. I live in Cocoa Beach so most of my diving takes place in the Atlantic or in springs. My Brother, also a diver, lives in Lansing, Michigan, and since I am up there quite a bit I would like a reg that is able to perform in a wide range of environments. I've had the LDS try and push ScubaPro piston regs on me, and I realized I did not have enough information to make a decision, so I come to you guys.

Its hard to find a place that will inform about regulators without hyping up a certain manufacturer's product. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[c5diver]

i live in michigan as well. if you want to go scubapro i would go with the mk17 over the mk25 it will get you diving in any water warm or cold that is the same first stage both my kids dive. my wife and i both dive mares mr42t first stage her second is a proton metal mine is a carbon both breath about the same. the water here at depth can be in the 40's all year. i perfer diaphram regs but people dive piston regs in the cold to so its up to you. if you plan to use your LDS to service your regs and they are a scubapro shop you may want to stay with scubapro.

 

[master00sniper]

I would like any information about regulators more experienced divers could give me as well. My next purchase will be a regulator first stage and second stage, and I will need an octopus as well. I dive mainly cold water, 50+ degrees. Any suggestions? Don't need anything super high quality, but I don't want something too low end either.

 

[Brewski]

Don't worry about brands so much as design. get a good balanced first stage. Adjustments on the second stage are a nice touch, but in my experience not necessary. see if you can rent what you have available and test dive them before breaking out the cash.
I own a Scubapro Mk 25 first stage with an S550 second stage. I also own an Aqualung Legend LX.

Both great regs and I have no real reason to choose one above the other.

 

[ChrisB [\]]

I'm in the same boat...new diver looking for reg. Also from east coast, so cold water applicability is a must. The 2 regs that caught my eye are the Cressi Ellipse MC9 SC and the Apex ATX40. Both are sealed first stage and have heat exchanger. Cressi is over balanced first stage and balanced second stage. It also has a diaphragm (vs. piston) wich is good for cold water environments. Also, keep in mind servicing is a critical factor on what you purchase. There is only 1 Cressi authorized dealer within 30 mles of me. If they go out of business....the hunt is on.
Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[DrunkenParrot]

Check out HOG........

 

[knowone]

EDGE. Oink Oink.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

To the OP............I use ScubaPro regs exclusively. I dive cold waters fot the most part. Here is what I own:

1). MK25 - A700 for my primary reg. It's a balanced piston reg, open to the enviroment. If I try really hard, it may have the potential to freeze. I would have to work at it. The first stage has worked flawlessly in 40 degree water for 125-200 dives this year. I did four dives in North Carolina this year. Other than that, I take it to 100 feet in Dutch Springs. It's COLD! The A-700 is a dream.

2). I use an MK10 - G250 as my octopus on the second post of my isolation valves (I dive doubles only). Once again, I can not get this reg to freeze. It works flawlessly. The reg is 20 years old, and I care for all my life support equipment with great care (well, I care for all my SCUBA gear well - large $ investments). This reg bench tests just like I took it out of the box in 1990.

3). I use an MK2Plus - R295 for my 30 cu.ft. sling bottle. It's a good reg, but does not have a VIVA control. My cracking pressure must be set at the shop. I keep it a little stiff so it won't freeflow during my dives.

The MK-17 is a really great first stage, diaphram regulator that is closed to the enviroment. I don't use them, since I like balanced pistons for my primary regs. But that is not to say that if you feel comfortable with this, I would highly recommend them.

Other regs out there are Apeks, Posiden, Mares, Cressi, etc. that are quality regs. I'm just a ScubaPro nut and I will never change. As I mentioned, if I can get 20 years (and still going) out of a properly maintained reg, I'm in. Do ALL your yearly service (more if you dive like me). I soak my regs for a few hours when I get home. If I'm traveling, I rinse them good in the tub water that is running, but I would never put my regs in a hotel tub (ughhhh............I'm too much of a germaphobic!). Good luck making your purchase.

Safe diving to you.

 

[master00sniper]

One that was recommended to me was the Mares Abyss MR22. My LDS carries this for 450, but has Oceanic regs for cheaper. Opinions?

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

One that was recommended to me was the Mares Abyss MR22. My LDS carries this for 450, but has Oceanic regs for cheaper. Opinions?

I own (and service) two MR22 Abyss regs. They are good, solid, established, "workhorse" regulators. The first stage is a balanced diaphragm, 2nd is an unbalanced, classic downstream design, without external adjuster knobs. The lack of external adjustments puts some people off, but the Abyss 2nd is a VERY good reg. If properly tuned by the tech at time of service, it will breath as well (or better) than regs costing 2-3x's as much. $450 is a decent price for this reg.

You might also want to consider the new HOG regs (at about 1/2 the price of the Mares Abyss) or possibly a new "old stock" Zeagle Flathead VI (for about $360). Zeagle Express and I think Scubatoys may still have some Flathead VI's remaining in stock. I have two Flathead VI's I bought on ebay and rebuilt, and they are terrific regs.

Have fun with whatever reg you choose!

Best wishes.