Newb Reg Question

[Kingpatzer]

Ok, I'm a relatively new diver who is tired of occassionally getting a leaky reg. when renting, so I want to buy regs for my wife and myself.

We live in Minnesota and dive local lakes and quarries. Even when it's warm out, the water can be only in the 40's.

I will do the occassional ice dive, but as of now, I'm not into tech diving, wrecks, or caves. Since I do get a bit claustrophobic, I'm not sure that I'd ever do more than "swim throughs" on wrecks that have clear, unobstructed openings to open water . . . I don't see myself or my wife ever doing any real penetration dives.

I might learn to do doubles someday, and maybe deco stuff to extend bottom time, but certainly not in the next couple of years. 4 Kids means little money for the classes and equipment that would cost me . . .

So I'm looking for a basic reg that will do well in colder water, that can handle the occassional ice dive. I don't want to spend a ton of money since I need two of them.

I'm a big guy (6'3, 240#) so I pull some air. I do do a lot of swimming and after working out and losing 30# in the last year, I'm getting better -- but I still draw a lot of air per breath . . .

Will something like the Aqualung Titan (w/ Free Calypso Octo) meet my needs? I'm not asking if it'll be the best regulator I'll ever see, I'm asking if it will do?

They can be had for about $250 each which is about my price range.

If there's good reason to not consider this reg, does anyone have any suggestions for regs that I can get into and diving with (including octo and pressure guage) in the $500-$700 range for a pair?

 

[johnny_bravo]

Get a Sherwood Blizzard. Go dive.

Rock-solid, easy to service, workhorse, cold water reg...

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[Kingpatzer]

I'm sure the Blizzard is a great reg -- but it's way above my price considerations.

The best price I find would cost me over $700 (my max) for just the first and second stages -- no octo, no pressure guage . . .

 

[Web Monkey]

Ok, I'm a relatively new diver who is tired of occassionally getting a leaky reg. when renting, so I want to buy regs for my wife and myself.

The Atomic Z1 or Z2 with the envionmental seal kit should do just fine. It breathes like a dream at any depth, and is as freeze-proof as the M1 or anything else on the market.

If you look around, you should be able to find it for less than $500 if you check around.

Terry

 

[stever2002]

I was going to point you to a post I made when I purchased my Dive Rite RG2500-ICE, alas the post must have landed in the bit bucket as a result of the recent SB crashes.

This was my first reg purchase as well. Suffice it to say, that the reg breaths well, can handle cold, and is competitively priced. Worth checking out.

...steve...

 

[johnny_bravo]

I'm sure the Blizzard is a great reg -- but it's way above my price considerations. The best price I find would cost me over $700 (my max) for just the first and second stages -- no octo, no pressure guage . . .

You are getting 'hosed' my friend...ScubaToys lists the Oasis (same reg same price as blizzard) for $360. There are several octos listed for $70-100 and throw in another $100 for a console gauge.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=SherwoodOasis

They are a real scuba shop and you can talk to them on the phone and they have full warranty on this item.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[hunter991]

I have sold a good many of the Dive Rite RG2500 ice regs to scuba board members at a good deal. The first and second stage at full retail is 450. You could also get the hurriane which is designed for cold water diving. PM me if I can help you with anything, I have decent pricing on those regs.

Brent

 

[Offroad]

http://www.divers-supply.com/OCEANIC-GT3-W-CDX5-p/oce0003.htm