Reg for aspiring Divemaster and Photograher

[xagudo]

Hi,
I´m currently updating my regulator setup which I bought used and now I´m ready to get a new one. Although I don´t have a big budget, I´m looking for something functional enough having in mind I´m an aspiring Divemaster and Photographer. Therefore features like "side-exhausts", durability, etc would be a plus. I understand the Sherwood series from the Magnum up have some of these features like less bubble interference, I´m not sure, but I think the Aqua Lung Titan LX does the job as well. How about the Scubapro MK2/R390. I would appreciate some comments on this taking in consideration the "ball park" budget of the regs mentioned above...Thanks...

 

[rescuediver009]

you might want to consider a trade in program if one is offered near you. this gets rid of your old rig and a new onein your hands for a smaller cost. Titan LX is nice, depending on where you dive, the "supreme" option may better suit your needs. Sherwoods are also excellent at reducing bubble interferance, easy to maintain and cheap to service.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The larger cased Scubapro regs like the R190 and G250 are better in terms of bubble interference as they have larger exhause T's. A Mk 2 R190 or for a little more money a Mk 16 R190 or, for a little more money, a Mk 16 G250HP would serve you well. The R190 and R390 are mechanically identical. The smaller case of the R390 is a cool marketing tool but offers no practical advantage. The G250HP is a balanced second stage and is the mechanical twin of the S600 except the S600, like the R390 has a smaller case.

Of course, a double hose reg like a Mistral or DA Aquamaster is ideal for photography as all the bubbles are behind your head. (and it is amazing how close fish will swim up to you with the bubbles back there). But a Mistral or DA in good sound serviceable condition with new valves, mouthpiece and hoses does not normally fall in the budget category.

A trade in is a great way to get around the Scubapro price restictions. A dealer can give you a generous trade in allowance on your old reg as a means of giving you a steep discount on your new SP reg.