Need opinion: Cressi-Sub XS2

[neve]

Hi folks,

There's a promotion going on for this reg (1st & 2nd stage). It's going for USD135. The price is really tempting, but I'm a bit apprehensive because the guy at my LDS said only the 1st stage is balanced, the 2nd stage is unbalanced. (1st stage is balanced piston). He said this will not make any difference if I'll just be diving for fun (less than 190ft). I'm not planning to go technical, btw.

My questions:
1. Do you think this is a good reg/wise investment? Any other Cressi-Sub users here?
2. The octopus is selling at a whopping USD105. Is it OK if I buy something cheaper, probably from a different brand?
3. I was planning to buy Oceanic SP4 and Alpha 7 before. Should I go for Cressi or Oceanic?

Thanks for your comments!

 

[BSH]

Neve,

I would consider Oceanic. Good performance for a reasonable price. I still have an XS1 (learned that XS2 is a simple piston. Better check) and poor performance is all I can say.

I just got a new set (SP MK25/S600) and I am considering an Oceanic for my wife.

Also, the review of Divers Mag wasn't good for the old Cressi regs. Better check at www.diversnet.com.

Hope it was helpful.

BSH

 

[neve]

Thanks BSH.

I looked at the articles in divernet and I'm now convinced that the XS2 is not a good reg. I understand that the later versions (Cressi Airtech and the XS2Plus) are much better, btu I think I'll go for Oceanic instead.

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[BSH]

Neve,

Tell me about the Oceanic reg. later.
Thanks
BSH