Need Opinions on Oceanic's Present-Day-Status as "Best Entry Level Reg"

[diver 85]

Here's what I'd do-------get a (used) Mk 2(SP) with a SP R295 2nd stage--add a DR RG1215 octo......HEY in fact, did that last year, total cost (with SP 2" brass & glass SPG)...$200......breadown:

the SP 1st & 2nd stage with the SP SPG = $150(used with only had about 5 dives on it)
the DR RG 1215 octo...........................= $50(brand new from Cave Adventurers)
(out of my pocket)Total= $200(no tax & no shipping)

Bought this as a 'I gotta get something new(for me) diving equipment' whim....you don't have to spend too much for good equipment-------

Now, will I use this as my primary rig???...possibly not(right now I'm still using my 22 YO SP Mk 10/G200--tends to show my 'don't fix it if it ain't broken' mentality), but it's 'cute' as can be & I will take it to Cozumel next week as my backup/shore diving rig.......Who knows, it may come back as my #1 unit(almost did from our Dominica trip last summer---lol)......

 

[DoctorBob]

yeah, saw the alpha 8/px3 .... but didn't like the alpha 8 when i handled it in person .... the small exhaust t seems to bump up against your chin too, not to mention blow bubbles up your face looking at that Delta4/FDX10 setup, i see the blasted swivel hose connector again. my reasons for miflex are plenty, not least of which are abrasion resistance and ease-of-travel.

I bought the Delta4 with the swivel and I want to change the hose out to Miflex, too. Apparently you can get an adapter from oceanic which is the inlet coupling for the GT3/ Alpha8 regulator. I have asked my LDS to order this part for me. I will let you know if it works. Here is the thread that describes it:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/oceanic/162483-using-delta-4-fdx10-tech-long-hose-short-hose.html

 

[chironomidkraut]

go big get the fdx10 first stage and the EOS 2'nd stage, i love mine but very pricey..... I have the alpha 8 octo and no probs so far....

 

[diver 85]

go big get the fdx10 first stage and the EOS 2'nd stage, i love mine but very pricey..... I have the alpha 8 octo and no probs so far....

I put an Alpha 8 octo on my Mk10/G200 last year---works fine......

 

[rakpix]

i'm particularly intersted in setups with IDENTICAL 2nd stages, the same main and octo, so if i donate my main 2nd, my backup is will work the same in the same conditions. but about the "inlet coupling" with the delta 4 swivel: will this work on an EOS/212 2nd stage as well? if i understand correctly, this would give me the best of BOTH milfex and a swivel adapter!!!!

 

[sdiver68]

i'm particularly intersted in setups with IDENTICAL 2nd stages, the same main and octo, so if i donate my main 2nd, my backup is will work the same in the same conditions. but about the "inlet coupling" with the delta 4 swivel: will this work on an EOS/212 2nd stage as well? if i understand correctly, this would give me the best of BOTH milfex and a swivel adapter!!!!

My understanding is the EOS uses a different swivel adapter from the Delta 4 that is not so easily switched. This is based on multiple searches on the topic on this board. This is part of the reason I purchased the Delta 4 instead of the Delta 4.1 or EOS. I wanted the swivel, but did not want to be 'locked' into the swivel. You can also get the Delta 4 without swivel, the only downside is the FDX10 that comes with does not have DVT if that's important to you. Price is cheaper on the no swivel/no DVT configuration. Hollis has "equivalent" configurations for blow-out price right now...I figured (right or wrong) if they were the same why risk the Oceanic warranty/recognition/dealer network.

I found an excellent price on the Delta IV's from an authorized dealer and they still have more. So as not to turn this into an advertisement, if interested PM me for details...I bet they'd figure out something for you...

 

[DoctorBob]

i'm particularly intersted in setups with IDENTICAL 2nd stages, the same main and octo, so if i donate my main 2nd, my backup is will work the same in the same conditions. but about the "inlet coupling" with the delta 4 swivel: will this work on an EOS/212 2nd stage as well? if i understand correctly, this would give me the best of BOTH milfex and a swivel adapter!!!!

The inlet coupling that I was referring to will take the place of the swivel on the Delta4 2nd stage. The swivel is part of the 2nd stage hose, and does not detach. Not sure about the EOS, but from searching the Oceanic forum here, I think the inlet coupling for the Delta4 does not work with the EOS.