Regulators

[STINTON2009]

Does any one know which regulators are the best for starting with...going down to a depth of 30 m???

 

[STINTON2009]

Also what wet suit thickness for warm water ..3mm ok?

 

[Web Monkey]

Does any one know which regulators are the best for starting with...going down to a depth of 30 m???

The only thing more expensive than a good regulator is a crappy one, followed by a good one.

You'll need a regulator that can supply ample air for both you and your OOA buddy on the deepest dive you'll go on, in the worst conditions. Personally, I like SCUBAPRo, Atomic and Oceanic. I'm sure there are other good brands, but I haven't used them, so I can't comment.

If you're trying to save money, a used first-class regulator that you have serviced (they need service ever year or two anyway) will be miles ahead of a brand-new cheap regulator. I have a SCUBAPRo Mk1 that I paid $50 for on eBay. Aside from it being 30+ years old and lacking a couple of LP ports I'd like, it breathes like a dream.

The real deciding factor would be what shop(s) near you have a real first-class service facility and what brands do they work on?

Terry

 

[Web Monkey]

Also what wet suit thickness for warm water ..3mm ok?

It really depends on you. I'm a little chilly in 78 degree water in a 3mm suit, while one of the guys I dive with will do 40 degrees in a 5 mm suit. Another uses a drysuit in the Caribbean.

See if you can borrow a 3mm suit and take it to the pool. While you're there, check your thermometer (usually on your depth gauge or computer). If you're cold, and the pool is 80, you'll have your answer. If you're warm, well you'll have your answer there too.

Terry

 

[TimAZ]

For going with something with a mid-range price and good performance I'd go with a Scubapro Mk11/R395. It's a balanced first stage diaphragm that breathes well and is pretty bombproof. This is based on you warm water wetsuit question. If you plan on cold water diving, think about going with something environmentally sealed (that will cost more). For warm water (thinking above 75F typically) a 3mil is entirely adequate.

 

[BDSC]

Also what wet suit thickness for warm water ..3mm ok?

I dive a 2 mm wet suit when I'm in the Caribbean and I'm just fine with that. It's a shorty in the legs but has the full length sleeves. Unless you are really cold natured I would think you would be good to go with a 3mm.

 

[FrankPro1]

Does any one know which regulators are the best for starting with...going down to a depth of 30 m???

Your best bet is to start with a basic unbalanced piston reg. I started out the the Scubapro Mk2/R190. It is a time proven reg and is ultra dependable and easily serviced. I later went to a balanced style diaphragm which can simulate natural breathing better. I also had a problem with dry mouth on the Mk2/R190 combo, so I switched over the the Aqualung Legend for its better performance and metal air tube "metal will collect residual mositure and help to prevent drymouth". For a starter reg though you can't beat the Mk2/R190. Similar regs as Mk2 combo: Aqualung Calypso, Oceanic Alpha 8

Also what wet suit thickness for warm water ..3mm ok?

For warm water it varies from person to person. I went out on my last dive in 57 degree water and was using a 6.5mm suit and a 3mm heater undersuit, while my buddy was using a 3/2mm surf suit. He definitely got cold by the end of the hour and a half dive but it just goes to show how much it can vary from person to person. In warm water "70 and up" you might get away with just boardshorts and a rash guard, while some may use 3mm or even more. Like the above poster said, you won't know until you go out and get wet