Regulator Reviews

[HBO MD]

I recently received my copy of "Scuba Diving" and was initially excited to see a reg review listed in the contents.
After looking through it, I was rather disappointed as there seemed to be quite a number of inconsistencies. Regs which were described as overall reasonable performers for a good price were summarized in their graphic profile as poor performers. Additionally, while ANSTI tests were performed, the numbers were not stated in the article making the subsequent review fairly subjective at best. Since I've always considered regs to be life support equipment, it's very disappointing to see the absence of data, and contradictory data at that.
Apart from this forum, what other source do you guys use in assessing potential regs? Are you also somewhat dissatisfied with the "Expert Review Panels" ?
I recall in the now defunct Skin Diver magazine, that many reviews seemed to come right out of the advertising brochures of the products. I would have expected more from current periodicals.

 

[ZzzKing]

The expert reviews in most scuba mags are driven by advertising dollars. If you notice, there are certain brands that are in every review. Certain brands are never reviewed. Also notice the direct correlation between those that spend their advertising dollar with the publication and the inclusion of their regs in the review. Also note that every reg gets aa least a good rating.

Some of the best reg info you'll proably get is right here. It's biased as well but most reviewers don't have a vested interest in giving out good recommendations.

 

[JB]

Ditto