Regulator Advice(newbie)

[Rachpreach]

Hey guys! I am starting to acquire my own dive gear and my last item I need is a regulator. I am kinda clueless as to what I need. I dont want to spend over $300 on one as I only dive at the most 1 trip a year. I need it to have a second stage. And what does everyone think of adjustable airflow? Any help would be great! Thanks!

 

[kelemvor]

In the sub $300 range you're going to have to sacrifice performance with a lower end regulator set or buy used. My preference would be to buy used. Keep in mind that no matter what you get you will eventually have to get it serviced, so check out what shops in town sell. Many shops will only service the brands they sell.

If you decide to spend a little closer to $400, I've heard these are good Regulators although I've not used one myself. The company has a good reputation. You'll have to mail a deep6 off for service or DIY as they don't have a huge network of dealers to service these. They are one of the few brands that actually encourage users to DIY (after you take their class). Service can get expensive, so that is a big cost savings over time.

Also, you're almost definitely going to also need another second stage (octo) and a guage of some kind on that regulator unless you have some other plan. There are lots of used regulators in the classified section of this website: Classifieds: Regulators I've had good experiences, but you'd be buying from some person, not from scubaboard so it could go any way (kind of like ebay or craigslist). Also, facebook has some very active used gear "groups". Here is one: SCUBA Diving: Florida Diver's Forum - Florida Diving there are many more groups. Lots of folks take up diving, buy all their gear when they sign up for class, then stop diving. A year later you see their barely used gear up for sale at deep discounts. Just keep in mind that if you buy used you should always pay a shop to have it serviced before you trust it to dive with.

If you have a scubapro dealer in your town, scubapro occasionally allows their dealers to sell "last year's models" at a substantial discount. I believe I got a scubapro mk25/s600 (relatively high end reg) for $350 this way.

Also check websites. I've had good experiences with diverightinscuba.com and scuba.com. I don't think I've used leisurepro.com for anything significant as I've heard mixed reviews - some say they're great.. others say they're not.

One of the "buzzwords" you'll want to look for is "balanced." You want a balanced regulator.

 

[Rachpreach]

what does a balanced regulator mean?

 

[kelemvor]

what does a balanced regulator mean?

Balanced vs Unbalanced Regs: Does It Make a Difference?

This site does a better job explaining it than I could.

 

[Bob DBF]

Sherwood Brut

I have found Sherwood regs to work well be quite reliable.


Bob

 

[Altamira]

Although I use ScubaPro regs, you might check into these, which appear to be good value for what you need. DGX Custom - Deep Six DGX Single Tank Reg Package. However, if diving only one trip a year, you also have to consider the cost of maintaining the regulators (unless you are willing to learn to service them yourself) verses the cost of renting. Also, keep in mind, that if you buy used, you are likely going to have to get the entire set checked and serviced before using the regs, and that is going to add to the overall cost of owning used equipment. Good luck in your search.

 

[Centrals]

If I am only have one diving trip a year, I won't bother with any equipment except the MASK.
If I am looking for a complete set then the package offers by DGX is very good.

 

[Dogbowl]

I also agree that it doesn’t make financial sense to buy your own regs if you’re only diving once a year. The service and parts costs can be high, depending on several factors. Unless your one trip consists of one month’s diving, I’d reconsider.

 

[divinh]

Depending on where you dive, equipment is either included or rented. My experience so far: Thailand and French Polynesia, included. Japan and Maui, about $30-50/day for a full set. If you're doing a lot of dives, it does add up, but there is the cost of maintenance and the effort involved in transporting it all.

As for understanding regulators, at least enough to make an informed purchasing decision, look up "Alec Peirce's Scuba Tech Tips" on YouTube. He has two videos on regulators. After that, there's plenty of info on scubaboard and various websites.

 

[uncfnp]

Here is a high quality first and second stage that Eric is selling. Said he could include free shipping to Louisiana. It is din though so you would need an adaptor for yoke tanks.

For Sale - Aqua Lung Legend LX Supreme DIN Regulator with ACD