Regulator purchase?

[jcrews5508]

Hey everyone,

Need some help. I am in the process of putting together my first set of gear. I have purchased all items but a Reg. Can anyone recommend a good Regulator set up, I tend to buy ScubaPro due to the warranty but if there are other companies that offer similar warranties they would be fine to. I will be doing almost all diving in warm water(Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico)Thanks in advance.......Jason

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Can anyone reccommend a good Regulator set up, I tend to buy ScubaPro due to the warranty but if there are other companies that offer similar warrantes they would be fine to.

What kinds of "issues" does the Scubapro warranty cover? Are you referring to the free-overhaul-parts-for-life policy so long as you get the reg overhauled every year?

For warm water recreational diving, pretty much any regulator will be adequate.

What's your budget?
What brands/models have you had experience with?
What did you like/dislike about your reg experiences?
Do you have a trustworthy reg repair shop in your area where you'll be getting your reg serviced? If so, what reg brands do they work on?

 

[jcrews5508]

Bubble,

In regards to the warranty, I was referring to the free parts for life you mentioned. I've used mainly scubapro and have liked them for the most part. Really do like regs where I can adjust the air flow. As far as budget would like to spend under 700. I live in New Orleans and most shops here are Atomic, Dive Rite, Scubapro, Aqua Lung and Zeagle.

 

[Davidstealey3]

zeagle has the parts for life program. and you can get some nice gear from them for under the $700 you are looking to spend.

atomic and dive rite are also good equipment too. i am not sure about the warenties on them though.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

zeagle has the parts for life program. and you can get some nice gear from them for under the $700 you are looking to spend.

atomic and dive rite are also good equipment too. i am not sure about the warenties on them though.

I'm a Zeagle fan, largely because of their good quality, good customer support (in fact, Scott Zeagle will often answer questions on this board), and willingness to sell parts for their regs to the general public.

You can still find the recently discontinued Flathead VI on sale (it was replaced by the Flathead 7). I have two Flathead VI's, and they are outstanding.

Buy The ZX Flathead-VI CLOSEOUT scuba diving gear at Zeagle Express

Best wishes.

 

[eelnoraa]

Scubapro only give you parts every othera, ccording to my LDS, a authorized SP dealer. SP recommends a minor service in between the, so supposed parts are no need to replaced. If you need parts replace in minor serives, you will still need to pay for them

Beside SP, there are lots good brands. I would give a serives look at Atomic, Oceanic/Hollis/Aeris, Zeagle, ... One of the keys to choose a reg is how easy you can get it serived.

 

[jcrews5508]

Everyone,
Thanks for the help. I think i have narrowed it down to the MK17/G250 from Scubapro and the Atomic Z2. Any Preferences. Also does the Stage 1 Swivel with the Automic Z2 make that big of a difference. Kinda confused about the purpose of that.

 

[nwdiver2]

Go with the Mk17/G250 you will be happy for many many years.

 

[SeaHound]

Everyone,
Thanks for the help. I think i have narrowed it down to the MK17/G250 from Scubapro and the Atomic Z2. Any Preferences. Also does the Stage 1 Swivel with the Automic Z2 make that big of a difference. Kinda confused about the purpose of that.

My vote ... atomic Z2.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

With a $700 budget, you should be able to get a good quality first stage with two adjustable second stages and a SPG.

I'm partial to regs that have environmentally-sealed first stages but given where you'll be diving that shouldn't be an issue for you.

I can recommend the Apeks XTX50/DS4 or DST and the Aqualung Legend LX, since I own similar regs. I'm sure that Scubapro, Zeagle, and Atomic regs would be just as good. You need to understand that so much of reg performance will depend on how the reg was serviced and tuned. Finding a trustworthy reg tech in your local area is an important piece of the puzzle.

Good luck!