Need help newbe regulator choice

[snook1e]

Hi Guys
Who better to ask than you pros. I am just ending my scuba class and want to buy my gear?
Choices I have looked at.

Scuba pro mk25/s600 vs. Oceanic delta 4 fdx 10.

Any other suggestions of other manufactures.

I have been told that scuba pro is great but over priced. And that there would not be any noticeable difference between these choices? Any suggestions.

Also the oceanic has that dry valve technology. The one shop said that affects its performance? Does it? Should one not select this option.

I would like to dive once a month and on trips max depth 100
I live in Florida no need ever or cold water concerns and I am 58 years old would like to make things easy.

Thanks for your time
Snook1e

 

[Web Monkey]

Hi Guys
Who better to ask than you pros. I am just ending my scuba class and want to buy my gear?
Choices I have looked at.

Scuba pro mk25/s600 vs. Oceanic delta 4 fdx 10.

They're both fine. Get the brand that's sold by a successful shop with a clean, professional service department, staffed by people you like, that's near where you live.

Your regulator requires service every year (except for Atomic Aquatics, which is a fine reg and has a 2 year cycle). It may also sometimes require adjusting. This is all much easier if you bought it from a nearby shop that you like and that does good work.

Terry

 

[Saudi-Diver]

Yes both fine regulators, buy the one with the best support in your area. But if you fancy a little on line research

Divernet - Diver Magazine Online | SCUBA | Diving | Dive Shows | Gear Tests | Travel | News

and click on dive gear tests there is a section on regulators.

 

[vixtor]

As long as you don't care about cold, MK25 is fine, but I would still go for a MK17 (or 19 if you want the rotating head), because I like the idea of a sealed environmental chamber. MK25 has higher flow rates than MK17/19, but you really have no need for them (maybe only if you plan to use a single regulator together with 3-4 buddies at once ). You may also look at MK11 - a MK17 without the sealed chamber, if you want to decrease costs, and at S555 - an S600 without the breathing resistance knob, again, for the same cost reason.

As for the second stage, from the Scubapro range I like G250V better. Again, excluding the cold water issues, S600 blows exhaust air into my hood, and G250V doesn't. G250V also has a larger diaphragm

I never used Oceanic items (except for a Geo computer), so I cannot compare your two choices.

My last advice is that you should wait a little more before choosing your equipment, to get some experience and have a better idea of what you need.

 

[don Francisco]

For your purposes either reg is more than adequate. As others have said, the choice of dive shop could be the determining factor. You might also compare the cost of annual service, and if there's a difference factor a few years service into a total cost comparison.

My only comment is that you're probably spending a bit more than necessary, and before committing might want to consider your total equipment budget, and how much of that you want to spend on the regs. If the $$$ are OK, you'll be happy with either.

 

[Stu S.]

If you are in Florida, do you live close do a Diver's Direct store? They have multiple regulators on sale right now. For Florida diving, I like the Oceanic Alpha (8) regulator. It is simple, robust, and an easy breather. My daughter has one, and it is every bit as good as a regulator I paid twice as much for. I have had it below 100 feet with perfect performance.

The Oceanic Delta is great if you do cold water. Our local instructor did a sinkhole dive last year to 285 feet using the Delta. Well... that's not me. I have been diving since '77 and the Alpha is my favorite.

 

[rstofer]

Both regulators are excellent. Both are obscenely overpriced.

You can get a perfectly adequate regulator including octo for $300 Edge Epic Balanced Regulator Set w/Octopus and Bag You might want to see if you can get these serviced in your area.

I bought this set for my grandson and I expect they will work very well and last a long time.

If you really want the ScubaPro, I would probably go for the Mk17/G250V. For the Oceanic I would probably go for the Delta 4 FDX10 non-DVT at around $400 Oceanic Delta 4 Non-Swivel FDX10 Non-DVT Regulator Personally, I am staying away from DVT from either brand.

I actually use very old Oceanic Omega II's so it's clear that I'm not very picky. I just like the ambidextrous nature of the regulator and they way it handles exhaust.

Richard

 

[SkipperJohn]

I am in probably pretty much the same position as you are in but I've been doing a ton of shopping and research and am a few days form pulling the trigger on this:
Sherwood Oasis Regulator,
The Sherwood Oasis for $277 new.

 

[Web Monkey]

I am in probably pretty much the same position as you are in but I've been doing a ton of shopping and research and am a few days form pulling the trigger on this:
Sherwood Oasis Regulator,
The Sherwood Oasis for $277 new.

This really all depends on what kind of service you have nearby.

A good price is nice, but not at the cost of having to box it up and ship it away for two weeks every time it needs service or adjustment.

Terry

 

[tfsails]

The DVT on newer Oceanics and Aerises can make an odd noise when you breathe on them. I've attributed it to the mechanics of the DVT's spring-loaded plug.

When you mount a DVT reg on the tank and open the tank valve, air pressure from the tank overcomes the spring keeping the plug tight against the opening, and air flows into the reg. When the first stage locks up and air flow ceases, pressure equalizes on both sides of the plug and the spring can close the plug again, which it does.

You inhale on the reg and that creates a pressure imbalance on the back side of the DVT plug, which forces the plug to open and air from the tank to flow into the first stage again. This all makes a unique hissing sound that I've only heard on Aeris and Oceanic DVT regs. There's nothing wrong with it, but it can be disconcerting if you're underwater and hear it without knowing what it is. The sound seems to continue for 1/2-1 second or so after you finish inhaling. At this point the first stage has locked up again ready for your next breath.

Hope this helps some.