New reg, $600 budget

[Cyclops_Diver]

Another vote for Scubapro here.

I started out with the Titanium line from Atomic...hate them! For me they breath wet, not really O2 friendly, and I didn tlike how the T2 breathed at 100ft.

So I read up on here...much like you...and stumbled on Scubapro threads and the G250 regulator. Funny thing, I discovered a G250 and Mk10 in my Dad's basement. Had them serviced (no clue how old they are...he hasnt been diving in decades!) and took them out. It breathes smoothly, my dry mouth problem was solved due to the metal air barrel...a process I didnt discover until AFTER I dove the reg and found one of DA Aquamasters informative posts on here. I didn't know why the dry mouth went away...just that it did.

Another reason I enjoy Scubapro is their support for regulators lasts a long, long time. Now with the G250V (V = Vintage = Basically same reg as the old G250) out on the market, which is essentially the same as the old tried and true G250 and thus uses the same parts kit...parts for these regs should be available for a mighty long time now!

G250's and R190's can be had on Ebay...I've bought several recently for backups and stage regs. Just keep your eyes peeled. Some great deals could be had!

Either way...Best of luck to you and safe diving!

 

[PerroneFord]

Given your factors, I'd also say the SP Mk17 G250V. Parts should be around a LONG time, reg was built specifically to handle colder water.

I like the Apeks units as well so consider them.

 

[D_B]

From reading here on ScubaBoard I've found that my first purchased regulator set is one of the best breathing regs for the money (Mk18/G250HP) and that all earlier models can be upgraded with new/current parts.
I would definitely look at the G250V

 

[superstar]

If my wife were to let me spend my half of the government check I would buy the Zeagle flathead VI regulator from a new LDS that opened up. The new LDS that sells Zeagle products also will sell me technical information and parts so I can service my own regulator. I was on a research vessel last summer that used Zeagle regs and I was very impressed on how rugged they were.

 

[jjardin]

I have apeks and scubapro. My oldest & favorite is the MK10/G250--this was my brother's reg when he was in 7th or 8th grade -- that was about 18 years ago. I know scubapro has been putting plastic where metal used to be (e.g. gauges) I don't know if the new regs they make are as good as the old in a durability sense. I don't think you would go wrong if you went with the G250.

 

[Rhone Man]

I just picked up a new Sherwood Brut with octopus, computer (profile - not air integrated) and inflator hose for just under $600 (bought it online). I know the Brut is not regarded as a cold water regulator, but unless you are actually ice diving (when I understand it tends to free flow), it hits all the performance review milestones for cold water diving.

I have always been a big fan of Sherwoods because (a) they are so tough (still got my first ever regulator, 26 years old and still works - although the SPG casing is held together with duct tape); (b) they are very easy to service yourself if you can get parts - a 12 year old child can be taught to disassemble and reassemble a Sherwood 1st and 2nd stage in a couple of hours (IMHO); and (c) because of the way the second stage is built, they don't suffer from the problems that some more sophisticated models do whereby it is harder to breathe if you are upside down or face up.

Everyone has their favourites, but you couldn't pry me away from Sherwoods with a crowbar.

 

[Couv]

OK, I'm not going to vote on a regulator, my vote has been posted by a few times by others. But, before you retire that Dacor, do a search in the regulator forum with the key words: "Dacor" AND "service"

couv

 

[shoturtle]

for 600,
oceanic EOS
Mares ABYSS 42
Mares Protron Ice Extreme

 

[johnny_bravo]

Atomic.

 

[squidster]

Oceanic has there latest greatest , called the (EOS) scubatoys has it for less than 600.00