Please decide for me!

[mattcass]

Here are some options I've been looking at. I'm open to other suggestions but I'm ready to stop wasting time thinking about this, just buy a reg, and get diving!

What the heck should I buy? From cheapest to most expensive...

Apeks ATX40/DS4 + ATX40 Octo (new but old) = $550 + tax

Atomic B2 (no octo) = $630 + tax

Scubapro MK25/S600 + R395 Octopus = $750 + tax

For reference my budget is $1000 including reg, octo, and a pressure gauge.

k thanks!

 

[ScubaVideo]

Well it's not my money, but I would go with SP. I have a MK20/S600 and love it.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Which setup can be serviced locally by a good reg tech?

If all of the brands can be serviced locally, then you really can't go wrong with any of those choices.

Personally, I'd go with the Apeks setup, but that's just because I've had good experience with this brand. I service my own regs, and Apeks is fairly easy to work on. I'd recommend upgrading both ATX40s to ATX50s, though. Sure, it will cost more, but the inhalation adjustment knob is worth it IMO.

If you end up going with the Scubapro setup, I'd consider upgrading the R395 to another S600.

I have no personal experience with Atomic regs, but I hear they breathe great, too.

Another option is to go for a HOG brand reg. You'll save a significant amount of money going this route.

For an SPG, I recommend getting a no-frills brass-and-glass one. HOG makes a nifty one for $50-$60.

 

[laguna230diver]

where are you at matt? i know of someone selling an Genesis OZ reg WITH a zeagle scout (newer one too) for 350$

reg set is a first and second stage only. but if i buy it for you i can upgrade with the rest (octo and guages) let me know if you want me to talk to him

im selling some older apeks too if you want to try them out

 

[mattcass]

All of these can be serviced locally.

Other brands available locally are Sherwood and Aqua Lung. I considered the Sherwood SR1 but there were mixed reviews on this board so I dropped it as an option. It would have been ~$830 CAN, taxes in with an octo and pressure gauge.

I've read great things about HOG but there isn't a local dealer where I am. I'm not going to be ordering online.

I'm in British Columbia, Canada.

 

[knowone]

ATX has a half inch port. That's why it's still there.
H.O.G. is current Apeks but much cheaper.
Atomic and Scubapro new, will burn you another hole for no reason.
You put your last sentence, up and to the left a bit under your join date.

 

[ajduplessis]

SP or Apeks. If you intend diving in water temp lower that 50df, I would go for the Apeks. I own both SP/Apeks systems and they all work great, however I never dive in temps below 50. The Apeks is also a simpler design/setup. All my stuff is DIN.

 

[Paladin]

I don't know what model the Aqua Lung is or what they're selling it for up there, but the Titan is dependable, tried and true, bulletproof reg that can be serviced just about anywhere.

 

[herman]

Apeks it is a solid design and performs as well as the rest, my choice of the 3. Atomics tend to be overpriced and are harder to get serviced (fewer dealers). The SP is not a bad reg but again it will not perform or last any longer than the Apeks, might as well save the $200 and put it twards a BC (Zeagle ETs are in the $250 US range).

 

[Fishpie]

Another vote for Apeks.
Gas flow performance is as good as any other top line reg.
Good for water temps below 45 F (10 C).
Reliable and will stay in spec for years.

The Hog DI and 2 are a superior Apeks clone that I am swapping out my Apeks regs for (both student regs and my own personal ones)



.....btw the ATX is the older model, not that it makes any performance difference but it could be a factor when negotiating a price.