New Diver and Regulator Choice

[Dsrt]

I've read a few threads and I happen to fall into the catagory of keeping costs down.

I am a new diver who will be diving in the Puget Sound waters primarily (46-53 degrees, 20' vis or less usually). I also have no experience as of yet. For the time being I will be diving at 60' or less (basic open water cert only), but eventually I will be taking the advanced open water course as well.

I have narrowed my choices down to two and would like to hear what others have to say about either of my choices.

Choice #1 - Decor Eagle Sport Reg, Decor 1st Stage and Decor Eagle Octo.

Choice #2 - Tusa RS 130 Reg, Tusa Balanced Piston 1st Stage, Imprex Octo.

Like I said, any input is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[ShakaZulu]

I assume that was Dacor, don't skimp on regs bro, if you can't afford a good reg, then rent till you can. Dacor has problems with getting hold of service parts. Research a little more on this board, there is a lot of info regarding regs, ease of breathing, flow adjustment, nitrox, temp etc.

 

[Michael Schlink]

There are better regs than either of these and probably for about the same $$. Shop around a bit more and see what you can find. A good set of regs will last you a long time and are worth a little investment $$$. Talk with your LDS and then post more choices on the board with prices and let the opinions fly!!

 

[gchapman]

I'm finishing my Open Water tomorrow - so I'm pretty much in the smae boast as you -- but I'd like to offer my take on equipment.

The LDS I use has almost everything they sell in their rental pool. Some items you have to specificly request (i.e. not the 'main' pool), but they're there in case a client would like to take something for a test drive.

The best way to know if it works for you is to dive with it. See if you LDS is as accomodating with exposure suits and regs -- you won't regret it.

 

[Dsrt]

I talked to my dive shop and they only rent the basic regs. I don't much care for them. It's a small shop, so it's understandable.

 

[Quarrior]

I talked to my dive shop and they only rent the basic regs. I don't much care for them. It's a small shop, so it's understandable.

Find another shop that will. I had the same problem with mine, found a shop that rents what they sell, so, which one do you think is getting about $1000 from me this week?

Brian

 

[gchapman]

I talked to my dive shop and they only rent the basic regs.

At the end of the day, it's about you being comfortable -- so if you're cool with that and trust their opinion + your research, you should be fine.

Personally, considering it's one of my primary life support systems far away from a friendly environment -- I'm going with the test-it-first route.

Cheers,