Regulator Purchase - Big Brand vs Boutique

[Rubicon Rob]

I'm getting ready to purchase a couple of regulators and I've been doing tons of research. I'm curious as to the pros and cons of buying a big brand (Scubapro, Aqualung etc.) vs. something from one of the smaller brands (Dive Rite, Hog, Deep6).

I'm a gear nerd at heart and in my other hobbies (Jeeps and backpacking) I've always gravitated towards smaller cottage manufacturers. I appreciate the value you can get and I like that they are generally more actively involved in the community. So naturally I'm doing the same with dive equipment.

The only real apprehension I have is with regulators, mainly due to the service they will need. I've seen a lot of advice on getting something that the LDS can service as well as any shop you'll come across while on vacation, which makes sense to me. On the other hand, sending them in every 2 years or so doesn't seem too bad and if something goes on the fritz while down in the Caribbean, I can always grab a rental and figure things out when I get home.

Are there any other factors in this decision I might be over looking?

How often do most of you find you're having to get regulators looked at outside of the manufacturers stated service interval? I'm probably looking at a realistic ~50 dives a year so I'm not going to be putting heavy use on them.

I'm also not opposed to DIY service. I'm fairly mechanically inclined and enjoy learning about my equipment. But at best, that is still a couple years off.

 

[happy-diver]

Mate I've never had to chisel off that bucket shaped concrete block from my foot having stepped in
the name brand bucket of concrete, by servicing all my gear myself from the very beginning of time

I'm with you, do it sooner rather than later

https://www.deep6gear.com/PDFs/Deep6_Signature_Manual_3_2_Final_WithSchematics.pdf

I mean there's nothing in there I mean there is something in there but there's really nothing in there

 

[thomschoon]

I have both, HOG, which I love as it breaths easy and service has been no issue. But I also have a Apeks addiction, also a great regulator from the XTX50/ATX200/MTX that I own and use. Personally I think there is nothing wrong with a generic small brand as they probably mostly come out of the same Taiwanese factory, I just had a bunch of spare cash and indulged myself in retirement.

 

[runsongas]

carrying spare kits is an option for emergency repairs, but then it is up to the shop whether they will service a brand they aren't a dealer for

mailing out isn't a big deal vs LDS unless if you are adamant on local service

the other thing is that pricing in the EU is generally cheaper that you might find a deal on a big brand there that is competitive with DR/D6 here as long as you can get it shipped to you (or pick it up while there on vacation)

 

[MidOH]

Jeeps and backpacking is a good clue actually. I do the same, and prefer gear that walks the walk.

Get a sealed reg from Dive Rite or Hog.
Dgx makes a delrin cap that seals them up for rinsing. I just hang them in the shower.

I run a Hog D1 yoke, with a pair of Dive Rite xt4's on my singles rig.

My doubles rig is Dive Rite Xt2's and Xt1's.

I don't know anyone that sends them in every 2 years. We take care of them and check the IP from time to time. We ain't cave diving. I'll likely get a reg service card, before mine really require service. Always stored unscrewed.

Regs are a place where too many divers dump a ton of cash, and get nothing but snake oil in return.

 

[mattfish]

I haven’t had any trouble getting my Dive Rite regs serviced at my 2 LDS here in Georgia. I was at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire, and they are entirely Dive Rite. It was actually kind of funny, because I’m usually the only one on the boat with DR regs, but at Buddy, it was almost a challenge to tell my stuff from the rental gear

 

[hilljo88]

To add to your list: I recently bought a second stage from Deep Six. 20 dives later I’m very happy with the quality. No experience yet with servicing, but there are some threads you can search out here on SB.

 

[mr_v]

Ok, if you're Jeep guy, you know the answer.

Out of the regs mentioned here, Deep6 is the best in terms of quality. Deep6 management also actively participates in this forum's discussions. Deep6 service kits are available.

Service regulators when they need service. Frequent unnecessary service may lead to more issues, as freshly serviced or new gear may be prone to failures. To figure out whether your regs need service, you will spend an extra $150 or so on the following critical items:

- A small tank
- An IP gauge
- A bucket
- Regulator Savvy book

Here is your 10 minute test procedure:

1. Put the reg on the tank and try to breathe out of the reg. If you cannot breathe - good.
2. Connect the IP gauge to the BC hose, turn on the tank and breathe out of the reg. If the IP does not creep and recovers quickly - good.
3. Take the IP gauge off, submerge the tank in the bucket, observe bubbles. No bubbles - good.

Do this before every dive and you'll be able to tell whether your reg needs service. No need to follow the 2 year interval blindly.

 

[Rubicon Rob]

Thanks everyone for the great replies.

 

[Quicksilver II]

I haven’t had any trouble getting my Dive Rite regs serviced at my 2 LDS here in Georgia. I was at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire, and they are entirely Dive Rite. It was actually kind of funny, because I’m usually the only one on the boat with DR regs, but at Buddy, it was almost a challenge to tell my stuff from the rental gear

I just got a set of Dive Rites and love seeing how much people love them. Not sure I'll dig the under arm setup but no one complains about it, so it must be just as easy and comfortable.

Love how it came with all the accessories and the regs are identical too. That company is doing **** right.