I really can't believe I'm saying this but the standard recreational reg set up is not a padi set up. It is IMO a sub optimal set up when compared to one where primary donate is the preferred method. However it is common to every agency except gue and utd. As is the jacket bc. This is due to decades of manufacturers dictating what divers and shops should use. That has translated into instructors who are only familiar with this rig and see anything else as odd, scary, complicated, etc.
When it comes to regs, no one makes junk. They can't afford to with the hungry lawyers out there looking for people unwilling to be responsible for themselves.
Personally I only dive sealed regs. The term "cold water reg" is actually not correct. Environmentally sealed is the proper term. It not only reduces the chances of free flows but also keeps sand, silt, vegetation, critters, etc out of the internals making care and servicing easier. Most recreational use regs do not need annual servicing. Even every two years may be unnecessary for regs that see light use and are well cared for. An inspection, cleaning, and adjustment (maybe replace the lp seats in the seconds) may be all that's needed.
I also look for seconds that are equal in performance and use the same service kits. I don't want some cheap octo that doesn't breathe as well as my primary.
As for service, just because you can get a reg serviced locally does not mean it'll be done right. A number of on line dealers provide better, and sometimes faster service than a local shop. I have customers in Hawaii and Okinawa for example that send me regs for service.
When it comes to regs, no one makes junk. They can't afford to with the hungry lawyers out there looking for people unwilling to be responsible for themselves.
Personally I only dive sealed regs. The term "cold water reg" is actually not correct. Environmentally sealed is the proper term. It not only reduces the chances of free flows but also keeps sand, silt, vegetation, critters, etc out of the internals making care and servicing easier. Most recreational use regs do not need annual servicing. Even every two years may be unnecessary for regs that see light use and are well cared for. An inspection, cleaning, and adjustment (maybe replace the lp seats in the seconds) may be all that's needed.
I also look for seconds that are equal in performance and use the same service kits. I don't want some cheap octo that doesn't breathe as well as my primary.
As for service, just because you can get a reg serviced locally does not mean it'll be done right. A number of on line dealers provide better, and sometimes faster service than a local shop. I have customers in Hawaii and Okinawa for example that send me regs for service.
