Divor
Contributor
Buy the best regs on the market. All the rest is peripheral.
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Buy the best regs on the market. All the rest is peripheral.
This is a typical "spend more, your life is worth it" type of post.
Almost any regulator sold by a respected major manufacturer will work absolutely fine for recreational diving. I spent $84 on my current 'go-to' single tank regulator set (1st and 2nd stage), and I'm pretty certain it performs as well as "the best regs on the market", whatever that might be.
Of course, I do have a knack for finding good deals on used regs, and I know how to work on them. The point is, it's difficult to buy a bad reg if you stick to the major brands like scubapro, aqualung, zeagle, mares, sherwood, etc...
Yes, the Hammerhead Package from Divemaster Supply is very good. You get a balanced regulator with adjustable second stage, a complete gauge console, and the BC is great. If you aren't satisfied, you can return it in 30 days too. Your local LDS should be able to service these, but you can call them to find out. Divemaster Supply is an authorized ScubaMax dealer too, so the manufacturer warranty always applies.Just curious, can a LDS service the ScubaMax regs, or is it just available/repairable at divemaster supply? Has any body used these? Recomendations on model? Also, looking at a package for my son. He is 14 and recently certified. Here is the package I am looking at DISCOUNT Dive Gear Equipment Package, HAMMERHEAD buoyancy compensator package, dive regulator package, octopus and gauge package | Discount Scuba Equipment Packages| Essential Scuba Gear List packages start under $650, professional quality ScubaMax a Is it any good?
Thanks for the comments.
+2 for the regulator.
However, from the LDS that rents equipment point of view, the regulator service is mandatory. It's a life support device, but the BC is an accessory. If it's not working properly, well the diver should be able to handle. If it loses air, the diver will go to the bottom or will need more effort and more air to keep flotability. If the power inflator do not cut (that happened to me) the diver has to manage to avoid going to the surface as rocket. This is more dangerous than going to the bottom as a stone (unless you are diving a wall).
From the 36 dives I have under my belt, more than 80 % of the times I had complains with the rented BC, and only one time a minor problem with the regulator.