Regulator purchase?

[carlcz]

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

I agree, it is difficult to go wrong with a SP G250...Mk20/25 are also fine for first stages.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

....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!

Nail on the head

It is human nature to be loyal to the brand you own.... but the reality is that most of the regs out there are terrific, and it is the shop and tech that are the most critical choices, not the brand.

Best wishes.

 

[Zung]

I love my G250 with the MK20, but the MK17 will do.

 

[GreyNurseGab]

i have an MK 5 set with a G250 graphite regulator. its about 25 years old, and breathes like a dream. as some others have said, its all about the service you get on it, and the tuning implemented.

 

[fnfalman]

Regulators are very well built units. They don't just "break" unless they've been neglected or something truly bizzare were to happen. However, I suppose that anything can happen at any time, and if one were to worry about that then get a Scubapro or Aqualung because those companies are everywhere throughout the world.

As far as the rotating turret of the Atomic reg, it's a nice to have feature but not necessary.

I haven't done any dive vacation yet, but if I were, I'd still take my Atomic reg AND my spare reg too.

 

[Captain Larry]

The swivel on the Atomic Z2x makes a big difference. We had a Scubapro tech who purchased the Atomic swivel hose to offer as options to his scubapro customers.
The Atomic has a lifetime warranty that is not based on annual servicing. The Atomic has Automatic Flow Control, seat saving orifice, titanium spring and lever, and of course the second stage swivel. if you can find a scubapro reg with these same features then buy it. Otherwise you will be very happy with the Atomic
Larry