Upgrading From "Entry Level" Regs

[cstreu1026]

I have a Scuba Pro Mk25/S600/R390 and an Apeks Atx40 Combo. Both breath well, but the Scuba Pro is the smoother if the two. My opinion would be to get the Mk16 first stage and a G250 second and use your existing R390 for your octo. Or if you want something all together new I will second the recomendation on the Atomic regs. However, I would look at their "entry level" Z1 since it really not entry level. It has the same performance characteristics as their other models but with out a swivel on the first stage and brass and chrome instead of the more exotic metals. Oh yeah it its cheaper. When I looked for regs the Z1 with an environmentally sealed first stage had a MSRP of $399. I just kick myself for not buying it.

 

[SDAnderson]

There's cold water and then there's cold water. I have a couple sets of ScubaPro MK20/G250 regulators that I'll match against anything for easy breathing but I don't take them with me in colder than 45F water due to the repeated free-flow problems I've had - 50F if I'm going deep. Although I have had an Apeks freeze up on me, I mostly use ATX100's or DS4/TX50's when it really matters.

I have never had a problem with a MK 20 or 25 in water down to 34 degrees and depths to 150 ft, but I also use low pressure 2400 psi tanks and I think that makes a difference.

I agree. Unfortunately, my lust for bottom time usually means my tanks have at least 3000 psi in them, often...more. :11: