Need recomendation for new reg

[bcsean]

Hey guys, I'm new here. I've been diving off and on for about a year and a half. I've got all my gear except for my regs. I live in BC, and am doing cold water diving. I plan on doing some ice diving soon. I have no issue spending the cash to get a good reg.

My local dive shop I've been dealing with is pushing the apeks atx200 or zeagle flathead, same design. I want to know if these are what I should be looking at, or if there are other great options. I've also been told about the Mares Proton Ice.

I'm selling my car right now and as soon as it's sold I'm puchasing regs.

Help me please.

Oh, and I've already purcahsed a zeagle octo + for my backup.

 

[pufferfish]

Hey guys, I'm new here. I've been diving off and on for about a year and a half. I've got all my gear except for my regs. I live in BC, and am doing cold water diving. I plan on doing some ice diving soon. I have no issue spending the cash to get a good reg.

My local dive shop I've been dealing with is pushing the apeks atx200 or zeagle flathead, same design. I want to know if these are what I should be looking at, or if there are other great options. I've also been told about the Mares Proton Ice.

I'm selling my car right now and as soon as it's sold I'm puchasing regs.

Help me please.

Oh, and I've already purcahsed a zeagle octo + for my backup.

Your dive shop is pushing a good reg for cold water diving but if money is tight lots of folks say the ATX50 is also very good.

Your best bet here is to do a search on 'free flows or 'freeze' and you will finds a ton of info on cold water regs. Go over to the general tek forum and there is a good thread on risk factors for cold water freeze ups, one of which is regulator design.

Good luck

 

[Boogie711]

Mares Proton Ice isn't for cold water use - the "Ice" designation is a colour, not a dive environment.

If you're looking at Apeks, go DS4/ATX50 - fantastic performance and less price than an ATX200. I just picked up a pair of DS4 first stages for about $360 CDN, or $280 US.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Another vote for the Apeks...great reg for cold water.

 

[bcsean]

I realize the Ice is for color, but I was also told it was a good cold water reg. I have no opinion here cause I know nothing about the reg. Money isn't a problem right now. I'm buying my gear, and doing it right the first time. I'll probably get the atx200 at this point.

Thanks guys for the input so far.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

I believe the Apeks are a much better cold water reg than the Mares Proton Ice. The Apeks (50,100,200) have an environmental seal built into the first stage. The Proton Ice you would have to add this to it, and its messy (silicone oil).
Good choice on the 200. I own two of them, and they work very nice.

 

[Former FLL Now MSP Diver]

I'm selling my car right now and as soon as it's sold I'm puchasing regs.

Look at something other than Apeks and you may not have to sell your car car to buy it.

Marc

 

[jonnythan]

Look at something other than Apeks and you may not have to sell your car car to buy it.

Marc

You know, you're right. Paying $260 for an Apeks regulator is highway robbery.

Everyone would be better served by saving their $85 and buying a TUSA Platina from LP.

 

[bcsean]

I'm not selling my car to buy it. I just happen to be selling my car, and with the money coming in, I'll easily be able to afford a sweet reg that's good in all possible conditions. I plan on getting into diving, and don't see a need to buy cheap now and upgrade soon after.

jonnythan, is the TUSA Platina a good reg in ice? Is it environmentally sealed?

I've been recommended by a few the atx200 or zeagle flathead, which I was told was virtually the same. This is why I'm leaning this way now. I'm more then welcome to cheaper equivalent alternatives.

 

[bcsean]

Ok, so now after getting a bit of info, what is the actual difference (functionally) between the atx50 and atx200? I've been looking into it, and I can't see a noticable change. Please enlighten me before I go buy the expensive one for no reason, or buy the cheaper one and regret it.