Time to buy a Regulator. Help!

[CoastalTradition]

Hello everyone,
Been lurking for a little while, finally dropping the first post. It's time for me to purchase my own regulator set up. I have about $300-$350-$400 that I want to spend. Currently I am looking at the Dive Rite 3100 (or a good deal on the 3000, do I need the 5th port?)

Here's my current gear set up:

ScubaPro Seawing Novas
SeaSoft Stealth Boots
ScubaPro Frameless Mask
Dive Rite Transpac
Dive Rite Travel EXP Wing

I just purchased the Dive Rite Source Air Integrated Octo as well.

What do you reccomend I do Regulator wise. Seems like the Dive Rite 3100 got good reviews from ScubaDiving magazine. The only downside I could see with it is that it is a DIN fitting instead of a Yoke, so I'd have to use an adapter for the majority of my diving (until I purchase my own tanks).

All of my diving is recreational for now, and I doubt I'll get into cave diving. The only technical aspect of my diving will probably be spear fishing or exploring some wrecks occasionally.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Josh

 

[tomfcrist]

I would look into the HOG D1 regs.....They are cheap and they breathe better than most high end regulators on the market.

 

[CoastalTradition]

I got a deal on the dive rite 3000 regulator. $250 bucks but no ice kit. Seems too good to pass up?

 

[Seraphimx]

First, check your LDS. Check what they sell, at what price and MORE IMPORTANTLY how much for repairs.

I bought a set of Apeks, went to the local Apeks dealer, 130$/year :shocked2:
Sold them at almost no loss almost instantly (hell I paid 600$ for those)
I bought some to the LDS I know, he charges me 60$/year
Check servicing $ before checking overall $.

DR and HOG are good regs, both made by the same supplier.
If you want to travel, I'd stick with SP, AL or Oceanic.

DIN or Yoke doesn't matter, really. I use DIN and have DIN to Yoke adapters, but they make your 1st stage stand out towards your head. The adapter costs 50$, the yoke to din convertion costs 50$. You can always buy yoke and change later on.

1) Check service $
2) Check overall price
3) DIVE!

 

[Seraphimx]

250$ For 1st stage and 2nd stage it is somewhat cheap.
HOG 1st is 200$ + 100$ second = 300$

For 1st stage only it's not really a good price.
ScubaPro Mk17 is 290$ and it has free parts for life.

Looking at the gear it seems you favor Dive Rite. Keep going with them if you like it.
But be sure your LDS services those and doesn't charge crazy prices when they do.

 

[CoastalTradition]

I'm pretty brand loyal. Not sure why, just kind of like it for compatibility, continuity, etc. I really enjoy my Transpac, so the Air integrated Octo seemed like a natural fit. Plus, I got it for $125, so it didn't break the bank by any means. Naturally, I looked at DR for Regs. I was between either a mid-tier Scubapro, like the MK 11 or the DR 3000/3100. Seems like I can't find a bad thing out there about the DR regulator, aside from the DIN fitting, which I will probably have a shop swap out for a permanent yoke fitment.

Seems like the love for ScubaPro stems from the fact that they've been around forever and produce quality products---so they seem to get the nod over DR, HOG, etc in the recreational department.

Just trying to get a little reassurance that I made the right decision, haha

 

[CoastalTradition]

250$ For 1st stage and 2nd stage it is somewhat cheap.
HOG 1st is 200$ + 100$ second = 300$

For 1st stage only it's not really a good price.
ScubaPro Mk17 is 290$ and it has free parts for life.

Looking at the gear it seems you favor Dive Rite. Keep going with them if you like it.
But be sure your LDS services those and doesn't charge crazy prices when they do.

And yes I paid $250 for both first and second stage. Brand New

 

[elan]

First, check your LDS. Check what they sell, at what price and MORE IMPORTANTLY how much for repairs.

I bought a set of Apeks, went to the local Apeks dealer, 130$/year :shocked2:
]

They are creazy I pay 100 for 2 sets which is 4 stages. As the new reg has the parts dor life prog.

 

[eelnoraa]

For $350, you can get Atomic Z2. I am sure DiveRite is a good reg, but I bet you can get Atomic service much eaiser than DiveRite especially in the States. Also keep in mine Atomic requires service half as often.

If you travel outside of North America quite a bit, then I will suggestion stick with Apex, Aqual Lung, Scubapro. In Asia, you will have hard time finding support for DiveRite, HOG, even Oceanic and Atomic. I think the same is probably true in Europe.

As for DIN vs YOKE, if you don't own your own tanks with DIN valve, go with YOKE. It just makes things thing a lot easier. If you later go advanced enough for a double setup, buying DIN first stages is least of your financial concern at that time.

 

[Seraphimx]

First, check your LDS. Check what they sell, at what price and MORE IMPORTANTLY how much for repairs.

I bought a set of Apeks, went to the local Apeks dealer, 130$/year :shocked2:
]

They are creazy I pay 100 for 2 sets which is 4 stages. As the new reg has the parts dor life prog.

Yeah, never go to "La boutique du Plongeur", in Laval.
Got fleeced as a new diver on Mask, Fin, Tuba set
Got fleeced once with the Apeks setup w/ Lifetime Parts.
Never again, what's sad is that they treat people like crap, they fleece you and people still go there.
Just crossed them off my LDS list, they can rot with their Pricing and fleecing techniques, they sell you gear cheap, then rob you to get it serviced.


(correct me someone if I'm wrong) I understand that the Mk11 is the same thing as the MK17 without the environment seal and it can be upgraded to an MK17
I bought ScubaPro because I like to travel, if something happens while I'm on a trip, I'd like to have somewhere to get it fixed.

The DR 3000 is the same thing, you can upgrade to an 3100 when you want, they just add an environment seal. Stay with DR, I haven't heard anything bad about them.