Opinions....

[talon4477]

Preface:
Snorkel, swim, freedive.
Spring or summer '06 will cert. O.W.
While in California last year, had all my snorkel gear stolen.
Will re-buy same Mask, Fins, Gloves, Booties, Belt, knive & Bottom Timer I had before.
Will change to stowable snorkel for scuba.
One of my next, "new territory" purchases will be Reg.

Been reading, lurking, listening, thinking of type of diving I want to do, and what Reg.s would best fit me. I will show my short list, and hope all entries will get some comments. Thanks in advance.

Here they are, not in any particular order:

Kirby Morgan-Superflow 350 2nd, with Apeks-DS4 1st
Kirby Morgan-Superflow 350 2nd, with Kirby Morgan-superflow 1st
Apeks-TX/ATX 40/50 2nd, with Apeks-DS4 1st
Atomic Aquatics-M1/B2 2nd, with Atomic Aquatics- ? 1st
Mares-Abyss 2nd, with Mares-MR22 1st
ScubaPro-S600 2nd, with ScubaPro-MK25 1st
Zeagle-Flathead VI 2nd, with Zeagle-Flathead VI 1st

My first primary buy, hopefully will carry me a ways into my goals.

My goals: rec/tech/nitrox/trimix/300ft/possibly some cave as well.
Warm & Cold water/Fresh & Salt; Translates most likely to:
Cold or moderate fresh water lakes & possibly caves at some point.
Warm or moderate salt water ocean dives, possibly wrecks at some point.
Pretty lofty goals.....

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Gear stolen? That blows! Looks like your doing your homework-Good Luck!

 

[Brandon]

So, more or less, you want a regulator that will do anything?

Zeagle Flathead VI 1st stage with ZX seconds.

Next to having gills, it's one of the best ways to breathe underwater.

Why Zeagle over Scubapro/Aqualung/Apeks? I dunno... I just like that they're made in the USA, the company is extremely customer service oriented, and that Scott puts up with us pestering the heck out of him on the board!

Oh, and there's at least one really great source for them online.

Did I mention they always score at the top of the performance charts?

-Brandon.

 

[talon4477]

So, more or less, you want a regulator that will do anything?

Zeagle Flathead VI 1st stage with ZX seconds.

Next to having gills, it's one of the best ways to breathe underwater.

Why Zeagle over Scubapro/Aqualung/Apeks? I dunno... I just like that they're made in the USA, the company is extremely customer service oriented, and that Scott puts up with us pestering the heck out of him on the board!

Oh, and there's at least one really great source for them online.

Did I mention they always score at the top of the performance charts?

-Brandon.

Thank you Brandon, I researched at least 50 reg.s, and just didn't include Zeagles in the mix. I will add them right now in post, and start to research them tomorrow.

 

[pt40fathoms]

If you are planning to eventually dive Tech, you'll need more than one reg.

For an all round reg, that needs nor offers adjustments, go with the Mares. Later you should look at the more expensive Apex ATX200 as your primary for Tech or Cave, with the Mares serving as a backup on your twins setup. But to get you started, the Mares would be my choice as a first reg. that gets you from recreational to an intro into Tech.

 

[talon4477]

If you are planning to eventually dive Tech, you'll need more than one reg.

Yes, thats why I said, "My first primary buy"
I will buy as I progress, but from the start would like to make wise choices for the direction I wish to go.

You say the Mares, due to its simplicity?

 

[Puffer Fish]

Yes, thats why I said, "My first primary buy"
I will buy as I progress, but from the start would like to make wise choices for the direction I wish to go.

You say the Mares, due to its simplicity?

I would vote Zeagle flathead/ ZX. Great breathing regs (but there are a number of those) and you can easily get the Maint. manuals - great way to understand regs.

 

[Brandon]

The Flathead VI / ZX is only about $125 more than the Mares setup, and you won't have to replace it as you progress on down the line.

-Brandon.

 

[talon4477]

Hmmm, can I hi-jack my own thread?
When you guys or gals, give your thoughts on the best in my criteria, what factors are most important?
Ease of breathing?
Durability of construction?
How wet they might breath?
Track record?
Cost $$ Bang for buck?
Customer service/Parts?
Or?????
Probably all of these factor in, but I'm wondering how you come to your conclusions.
I have only researched data(joules per liter etc..), reviews, ads, forum posts, etc...
I hope some have tried many, and have a more even handed opinion, not just because it's the only one you've bought. I do realize the Ford versus Chevy battles will be in scuba gear also, and there's always the queen for this day products, that catch on, and everyone has to have it. I will try and trust your judgment, as you have the experience that I don't.

 

[Brandon]

On Ford vs Chevy... pretty much all of the top end regulators have similar performance, it's just a matter of what particular brand appeals to you.

One thing that greatly influenced my decision, was that Zeagle offers the best bang for the buck, IMHO. When compared against the ATX200 and Scubapro MK 25/X650, the Flathead scores just as well, if not better, and those regulators cost $200-$400 more.

http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulators/class_of_2004/3/

Zeagle also doesn't play games like the bigger manufacturers(with regard to parts availability, internet sales, etc.), and I like that. Makes me feel like I'm "stickin it to the man".

-Brandon.