Poll -- Flathead VI vs. ScubaPro vs Oceanic DX4

[DivingDoc]

Question -- which is the best breathing, most stable and trouble free reg for general recreational/sport diving?

 

[MikeFerrara]

When Zeagle had apeks thats what I used. In fact I still have two of them. When Zeagle introduced their own line I tried them. I love them. I have a flathead and several ds4s. They are much like the Apeks but have some improvements.

 

[TRUETEXAN]

Apeks used to make Zeagles regs for them, but Zeagle makes their own regs now which are still very similar to the Apeks except for the fact that Zeagle has made some impovements. I have an Apeks tx50 ds4 and it is a great reg, I also have the new Zeagle Flathead VI and it is the hands down winner in your group and any other group as far as I am concerned. I will say though that he ScubaPro reg is a great reg too.:mean:

 

[MNScuba]

In tests, the Scubapro outperformed the equipment used to test it... it's simply the easiest breathing regulator.

 

[Walter]

I use a Scubapro MK 10/G250. It wasn't one of the choices, so I didn't vote.

DSSW,

WWW™

 

[pipedope]

Gee, my Conshelf is not on the list.


Hmmm no Kirby band mask, no superlight 17b
OOPS you did say recreational, sorry.


michael

 

[Tavi]

.......so I didn't vote.
Saw your other thread so here is my vote.

Apeks Tx-50 with Tx-40 octo

 

[devjr]

Most brand name regs would be suitable for "general recreational" diving. The ones you have selected are among the more expensive and sophisticated breathers on the market, and designed for diving far beyond recreational limits.

However, in spite of the complexity and tricky engineering required to achieve this performance level they should all be sturdy and reliable. They use absolutely first rate materials and quality control. All of them.

I vote for the Zeagle based on the slightly more conventional design, the price, and in view of recommendations and statements from Rodale. In addition, it is made in the USA. Note that Zeagle is due to offer a lower priced regulator sometime this month.

Disclosure: I use a MK20/G250HP. It is a very impressive unit.

 

[Matt]

Well if we are looking at best all around reg's we have to look at a few considerations:

Ease of Breathing
Servicing
Cost
Diving Environment

Mares Abyss would be the "Best" choice. While its not the best regulator for technical, for recreational diving it is the best all around reg.

It breaths better than any of the typical recreational regs (Oceanic, Sherwood, Dacor, Genesis, USD)

Its better in Coldwater than Genesis, USD, Oceanic and equal to Sherwood.

Its got a lifetime warranty, parts are cheap, while it pails in comparison in Performance to the S600 the average recreational diver won't spend the $$ The Abyss is $300.00cdn less than the MK25/S600.

If you want the BEST performing regulator in the Industry you'll get the Scubapro MK25/S600.

The Oceanic is a good all around reg. The Zeagle (in Canada) parts are harder to get, and its not as nice a performer as the SCubapro or Mares.

So does a recreational diver who isn't going tech need the best??

If a reg that normally wouldn't configure for technical hose routing isn't needed is that a problem??

If they aren't diving in contaminated water is a drysealed first stage an issue??

The Abyss is the Best all around reg for the $$. The other option would be to buy the MK16/S550 from Scubapro which has the same first stage configuration as the Zeagle, lighter 2nd stage, breaths better than any reg's listed here, has a drysealed first stage, and is great for ice diving.

Good luck!

 

[devjr]

I agree with all points about the Mares. However, Rodale says that Mares uses a "stiff regulator hose" which is a no no.

Divingdoc: there is a dive shop in Richmond owned by a guy named "Jim". He has been in the business for over 20 years. Go see him and ask.