Oceanic GT3 vs EDGE EXP (budget reg purchase)

[bbfifas]

Hello,

I am a warm water diver here in east coast Florida. Like to dive for lobsters and pleasure in 20-90' of water. Im also thinking about getting into spear fishing. I have found the following reg sets at Divers-supply.com. I am trying to put together a budget friendly set up and it seems getting the 2 gauge console and octo with the reg saves ~$100. Both reg sets come with a cheapo Sea Elite OCTO and a 2 gauge console. My options are:

Edge EXP - $299
Edge EXP Regulator Package @ Divers-Supply.com

Oceanic GT3/CDX-5 - $369
OCEANIC GT3-CDX5 PACKAGE @ Divers-Supply.com

I am thinking about pairing with a back inflate BCD. I have only used jackets but keep reading good things about the back inflate and I am willing to try it.

EDGE Stealth 2. $225
Edge Stealth 2 BCD @ Divers-Supply.com

I am trying to keep my cost under $600 for my reg set, gauge, and BCD and these seem to fit the bill. I am OK with sending away for service, my local LDS sells Sherwood and is super expensive. The 2 year service interval on the EDGE is attractive but the tried and true GT-3 combo is as well. Any opinions or other options is greatly appreciated? Thanks so much.
-Brendon

 

[eelnoraa]

GT-3 is so called mechanical balance. The way I understand it is actually NOT balance. Edge 2nd stage is pnuematic balance, this is what we usually refer to as balance. So 2nd stage alone, I would say Edge will out perform GT3. No personal experience with Edge, but I use HOG. If they 2nd stage is basically same, which I believe it is, then performance on Edge should be 2nd to none.

As for built quality, I can sure say Edge 2nd stage is a level higher than GT3, or anything I have come across from Oceanic/Hollis/Aeris.

 

[GillScales]

You might also check eBay, for a used but higher end reg set. No few number of snobs will let go of their 2-3 yr old gear just have the latest and greatest marketing wonder in their dive bag. Look for something used in freshwater or just a few times on vacations.inknw you can't always tell from the pictures, but the real dogs will at least be obvious.

 

[krawlings]

Hello,

I am a warm water diver here in east coast Florida. Like to dive for lobsters and pleasure in 20-90' of water. Im also thinking about getting into spear fishing. I have found the following reg sets at Divers-supply.com. I am trying to put together a budget friendly set up and it seems getting the 2 gauge console and octo with the reg saves ~$100. Both reg sets come with a cheapo Sea Elite OCTO and a 2 gauge console. My options are:

Edge EXP - $299
Edge EXP Regulator Package @ Divers-Supply.com

Oceanic GT3/CDX-5 - $369
OCEANIC GT3-CDX5 PACKAGE @ Divers-Supply.com

I am thinking about pairing with a back inflate BCD. I have only used jackets but keep reading good things about the back inflate and I am willing to try it.

EDGE Stealth 2. $225
Edge Stealth 2 BCD @ Divers-Supply.com

I am trying to keep my cost under $600 for my reg set, gauge, and BCD and these seem to fit the bill. I am OK with sending away for service, my local LDS sells Sherwood and is super expensive. The 2 year service interval on the EDGE is attractive but the tried and true GT-3 combo is as well. Any opinions or other options is greatly appreciated? Thanks so much.
-Brendon

I have both the Edge and the GT3 they both work real well i think the GT3 breaths a little better at depth. But not a huge difference . both are good regs you wouldn't go wrong with ether one. good luck with your new regs that you choose