New Diver First reg purchase

[twofor2]

Hey I recently became a new diver and want to purchase my new reg. I was looking into the
Aqua Lung Calypso or the Oceanic Alpha 10. I also was looking into the Delta 5 but that would really push my budget. Thoughts?

Budget is preferably $300 but could push to $400 if something really stands out. (also very interested in regs with side exhaust)

 

[noj3333]

With that budget I'd look at one of two things...
-Deep6 Regulators (I'm sure you'll hear a lot about them, and you can search them out)
-Used regulators... that may still stretch your budget (with a service) but you maybe able to do slightly better buying lightly used regulators that are used and serviced (maybe try to buy a used set directly from a shop).

 

[runsongas]

Hog d3 zenith isn't bad and is on sale right now for BF

Deep 6 has a reg on special ATM too

Dris has their house brand reg pretty cheap

You could look at a used poseidon set too, but getting them serviced and tuned may involve mailing out though.

 

[saxman242]

Hey I recently became a new diver and want to purchase my new reg. I was looking into the
Aqua Lung Calypso or the Oceanic Alpha 10. I also was looking into the Delta 5 but that would really push my budget. Thoughts?

Budget is preferably $300 but could push to $400 if something really stands out. (also very interested in regs with side exhaust)

What is it about the Calypso and Alpha 10 that draws you to those?

 

[twofor2]

I've heard good things about breath-ability from both as a starter regulator. One thing that had always bothered me is when breathing or purging bubbles in my face would be distracting so side exhausts do really help.

 

[diversteve]

While Deep6 is the current darling here be sure to read and understand their service model as they are optimal for self-service and never plan to have a dealer network. They do provide a free service kit or options to mail it back to them in GA for service but do you want to do that periodically?

If you can stretch to $440 for a 1st/2nd stage only - I'd look hard at an Atomic Aquatics Z2. Breathes the same as their $1600 T3 and has a 2 year/300 dive factory recommended service interval. Atomic Aquatics Z3/Z2 Regulator

Z2 Regulator - $439 - Dive Right in Scuba

the difference between the Z23Z3 is the 2nd stage swivel hose.and about $100

I/ve been diving various Atomic's for about a decade - they just work Effortless breathing.

A solid, reliable side-exhaust is the Poseidon Jetsteam. It's double your budget new. I've used one - they're as good as my Atomics - just a little "pushier" at depth since they use a servo assist design.

Oceanic offered a side exhaust a few years ago but no longer offer it on their website - have to wonder why?

Even if you could find one cheap, I'd guess 2nd stage parts are proprietary to the design and hard to find.

 

[diversteve]

Or maybe the Oceanic was only offered by Hollis - their "tech" diviision. It's $600 list.

Hollis 500SE DC7

 

[chillyinCanada]

Hey I recently became a new diver and want to purchase my new reg. I was looking into the
Aqua Lung Calypso or the Oceanic Alpha 10. I also was looking into the Delta 5 but that would really push my budget. Thoughts?

Budget is preferably $300 but could push to $400 if something really stands out. (also very interested in regs with side exhaust)

Where do you expect to be diving?

 

[twofor2]

Where do you expect to be diving?

Plan on diving in mostly in New Jersey area as well as any trips to more tropical waters.

 

[JackD342]

@twofor2
A couple of items to catch up on here:

You mention your budget is about $300, and Calypso is considered one of your options. Since the MSRP for the Calypso is $299, I want to be sure you know what you get for that price. That is for the 1st stage and the primary 2nd stage. You will still need to add an octopus, an inflator hose, and some combination of gauges/computers to go diving. So hopefully your budget doesn't really cap at $300. (if you are also shopping for a BCD, the inflator hose almost always is included by the manufacturer)

Can I also assume that diving in New Jersey means you will sometimes be diving in water colder than 50° F?
If so, then you need to be sure you get a cold water rated regulator.
I don't see any mention of that in the Alpha 10 specs, although it might be an oversight. I do know for certain that the current Calypso version IS tested and approved for cold water, even though Aqualung does not play this up on their website. I also see that the Alpha 10 says the average Work of Breathing is 1.23 joules/liter, while the Calypso is 1.0 joules/liter. I would characterize that difference as "okay" versus "pretty darn good." No guarantee that they both set their ANSTI machine to test the same, but I know that the Aqualungs tests use the EU CE testing standards as their benchmark, and so do not provide a misleading low number using liberal non-comparable settings. I suspect Oceanic uses the same settings, and would very surprised if they instead used tougher standards resulting in the higher WOB.

Obviously I am far more familiar with Aqualung than with Oceanic, as I am only a dealer for the first one. But I know that the Calypso is a surprisingly good value, and see nothing listed for the Alpha 10 that assures me it is comparable.

Addendum: If you do get the Calypso and will use in cold water, do NOT get the slightly cheaper ABS octo. Get the Calypso/Titan octo, as that will also be coldwater rated.