Tech regs vs Rec regs

[NuclearOOPS]

Thank you everyone. Looks like I made a good decision. Im just dreading the day I start diving doubles or sidemount and have to buy another ST1.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

That's why I'm switching all of my regs to HOG. For the cost of one atomic I can get three of them, anyone can buy kits and service them, they breath great in every condition I've had them in. Including under the ice. I have those, oceanics, scuba pro, aqualung, and Sherwood. I've tried the atomics a couple times including at Epcot. I saw no indication they were any better for what they cost.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I switched from the "deep down you want the best" brand (three Mk25/S600's) to Dive Rite regs for the similar reasons Jim switched to HOG's.
All of the brands are good, but service became a factor as I started to get more of them.

-Mitch

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Thank you everyone. Looks like I made a good decision. Im just dreading the day I start diving doubles or sidemount and have to buy another ST1.

There is no rule at all that says you have to have matching regulators. And, if matching regulators are your thing, then retire the Atomic to a stage reg and buy new regs for your doubles.

 

[NuclearOOPS]

Ya. I like to have same brands to make servicing easier, but Ill probably just keep my ST1 for single tank diving. I really like the Apeks Tek3 doubles kit, so I'll probably take that route when I get a doubles rig.

 

[Tortuga68]

Tek3s are great if you want a dedicated doubles set, and you can get the kit at a competitive price nowadays. Some people don't like them because they don't make great stage or single tank regs due to the hose routing (if you want to swap regs around). IMO it's nice to have a dedicated single tank reg if you can afford it

 

[Aqua-Andy]

ah, and they say marketing doesn't work I like ScubaPro as well as my Atomics. I just find it interesting that people want to dive deep, go inside caves and wrecks, yet look for the cheapest reg they can. This is life support, get the best. Now. of course if you can save a buck I am all for that, it is just not my first selection criteria for a regulator.

Jeff

why does the best mean it has to be more expensive? I would rather pay a fair price for a piece of quality equipment and not the artificially inflated prices of some of the larger manufacturers. I like the fact that I can purchase parts for my HOG regs and the owner of the company is on here if you have any questions, plus his customer service is second to none. Nothing pisses me off more than a manufacturer telling me that I can't purchase repair products for what they have sold me. Back in the early eighties the auto industry tried what the scuba manufacturers are doing (you will void your warranty if you have your car serviced some where else or use after-market parts) this was found to be unlawful. To bad the scuba industry does not catch up with the times.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

What would you guys say about the mk17 a700 as a tech reg?

MK17 1st stage is fine, the problem is the a700. It's not a performance issue but rather a design one. A lot of Tec divers prefer that the front cover of the reg can be unscrewed in the unlikely event that something gets in it (can be fixed underwater). The front cover on the a700 requires you to unscrew 4 Torx head screws which means tools which equals not good. If you like SP my 1st choice would be G250 then the S600 instead of the a700.

I love my Atomic M1's. You can't go wrong with the Atomics, just most Tec Divers don't want the swivels like on the B2, ST1, T2x, Z2x. If you get into Tec you can eliminate the swivel and put a standard hose on so not too big of a deal. No need for a swivel when you are in the Long Hose configuration. Reg always feels comfortable in your mouth with that setup.

As far as the difference between the more expensive/less, I can dive with either but IMHO, I feel the inhalations are smoother on the more expensive ones like the Atomic, ScubaPro, Apex.

 

[SDAnderson]

Two thoughts:

1. Atomics are great regulators, famous for high performance, endurance and reliability. Unfortunately, they're infamous for their cost, both to purchase and to service - especially if you have the environmental seal.
2. Good enough is always good enough. For everyone that is impressed with the philosophy of only purchasing the best, there are more who will question your priorities. There is a shyte-pyle of gear you'll need for technical diving, you won't have any trouble finding things to spend money on. Most of us learn to live with only spending as much as we need to in order to get the job done.

 

[James R]

Thank you everyone. Looks like I made a good decision. Im just dreading the day I start diving doubles or sidemount and have to buy another ST1.

I think you'll find that another reg, regardless of which you chose, will just be another small drop in a rather large bucket...Tec is not cheap, and certainly not an activity to cut corners in.

Good luck,