Preference for a Cold Water Reg - Aqualung or ScubaPro

[pjdc1]

New Chicago diver here...

Being that I don't forsee myself getting out to

the " warm water diving" spots in the near future

I am looking into Cold Water Regs

for diving the many great spots in and around Chicago.

I've narrowed down my reg preferences to

Aqua Lung and ScubaPro.

Anyone have any comments??


I have also heard that I can get a " regular reg "

and buy an environmental kit for the first stage to

prevent freezing.

 

[WileEDiver]

Can't speak to the AquaLung, but you're correct on the ScubaPro, at least on some models. If you don't get an AF model (AF for Anti-Freeze) as in the MK25AF, your ScubaPro dealer can add the anti-freeze kit afterwards.

 

[jonnythan]

I hear about SP regs freezing and freeflowing all the time. They do sell the AF ones now though..

Or you could look into Apeks

 

[MikeFerrara]

I think the AF is the one I always see people having problems with.

 

[Laser]

I live in Chicago. Drop me a line if you want to get wet.

 

[docmartin]

scubapro and aqualung seem to have cornered the market. 3 threads about comparing the 2 in a week. now here's my question: having heard numerous times on this board that scubapro's mk25 may have some issues with cold water i would like to know what is considered cold? in other words, to what temperature would i not have to worry with a "normal" reg that is not specificaly designed for cold water use?

 

[Soggy]

Well...

I had my SP Mk25/S600/R190 in 38 degree water last weekend and had no issues whatsoever. I've also had a MK2/R190 in 34 degree water....no problems. I think a lot of people who have problems with regs in cold water are also dealing with cold weather...when diving in the winter, you have to be sure to not actually breathe the reg until the first stage is submerged. If you are concerned with "testing" the reg prior to the dive, do so at home, the night before so the moisture in the reg has a time to evaporate.

 

[matt t.]

I have an Aqua-Lung "Glacia" with the "Cousteau" first stage. I've never had a problem in cold water (Great Lakes) or even ice diving. These regulators are reasonably priced (under $300) and made for cold water.


Matt

 

[matt t.]

I have an Aqua-Lung "Glacia" with the "Cousteau" first stage. I've never had a problem in cold water (Great Lakes) or ice diving. These regulators are reasonably priced (under $300) and made for cold water.


Matt