Upgrading my TUSA reg

[wizard1325]

I own 2 sets of TUSA 420 REgs I feel that i have out grown it for what im getting more advance in... what would be a great regulator that would be at least 2 steps up from that im not sure what i should look for in a reg im already doing my Rescue diving class

and I wanna treat myself to something great for this summer of diving

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Do you mean the TUSA RS 460?

The R400 first stage is identical to the Scubapro Mk 16. (Scubapro contracts with Tabata to have them manufactuer Scubapro designs, and TUSA = Tabata USA.)

The S60 second stage is identical to the R380 and as such performs identically to the nearly identical R295.

So in effect your reg will perform identically to a Scubapro Mk 11 R295 or Scubapro Mk 17 R295, so neither of those would be an "upgrade" unless you need a sealed reg for cold water and in that case the Mk 17 is a good choice.

In terms of getting more advanced, your first stage is fine (unless you need a sealed first stage for cold water diving) and while there are some first stages that will deliver more gas, it is overkill as the R400/Mk 16 delivers more than enough gas even for deep technical diving.

Your recond stage is where improvement can be made by going to a balanced second stage. And if you are going to get a balanced second stage, you just as well get one that is adjustable as well. I like the Scubapro G250V as it is a high end second stage that delivers plenty of gas and can deliver excellent inhalation an work of breathing scores. It, along with the original G250 (as opposed to the G250HP that came in betwen them), is a mainstay of deep technical divers.

It would also be a great match to your TUSA R400 first stage and could be serviced by any Scubapro dealer - provided they acknowledge it is truly a Mk 16. Some may get funny over the liability of servicing a reg they are not a dealer for and others may just try to sell you a Scubapro first stage as well as the second stage.

Personally, I use Mk 17 G250Vs for both backmount and sidemount cave diving.

 

[herman]

Thanks for the post DA. I was wondering exactly how you outgrow a reg unless it's an old bottom of the line from years gone back. IMO there is way too much emphasis placed on "higher performing regs" and at the same time, most have no clue what that really means. Way too much belief in marketing and way too little increased knowledge of the equipment we use.

Wizard, save the money on your regs and spend it on 2 books- "Regulator Savvy" and "Maintenance and Repair of Scuba Regulators". The knowledge you gain will be much more valuable to you than a new reg.

 

[a22shady]

I second the Scubapro MK17/G250V I have this set-up and breathes and works very well also it's sealed so have less issues with the chance of it freezing up or getting contaminents inside. I also have an Atomic M1 set that is equally as good. I actually dive with both and they work terrific. The Atomic is a Semi-Sealed Piston (I call it) It is sealed with tribo-lube filled inside and then with a Band. So water could possibly enter inside but it would be very limited as well as any type of contaminents. But either Reg is great and I have had no issues with either. Both are great breather and very reliable

 

[halocline]

I own 2 sets of TUSA 420 REgs I feel that I have out grown it for what im getting more advance in... what would be a great regulator that would be at least 2 steps up from that im not sure what i should look for in a reg im already doing my Rescue diving class

and I wanna treat myself to something great for this summer of diving

When you say you've outgrown it, what exactly are you referring to? Are the regs not working correctly? I just ask because you could spend a fortune and find that your new regs are very similar to your old ones in terms of performance.

If I were in your situation, and the 1st stages are indeed MK16 clones, I'd probably look for a couple used G250s or D400s.

 

[wizard1325]

Thanks for the post DA. I was wondering exactly how you outgrow a reg unless it's an old bottom of the line from years gone back. IMO there is way too much emphasis placed on "higher performing regs" and at the same time, most have no clue what that really means. Way too much belief in marketing and way too little increased knowledge of the equipment we use.

Wizard, save the money on your regs and spend it on 2 books- "Regulator Savvy" and "Maintenance and Repair of Scuba Regulators". The knowledge you gain will be much more valuable to you than a new reg.

can you send me a link to these books where to buy

thanks

 

[DA Aquamaster]

"Regulator Savvy" should be available at Scubatools.com

 

[Couv]

Here is the web site: http://www.scubatools.com/c-23-regulator-savvy-book.aspx
if you want a new copy, but I have an extra copy for sale, PM me if you are interested.

 

[herman]

And here is a link for "Maintenance and Repair of Scuba Regulators" Airspeed Press Homepage - Books For Serious Divers
Both books are well worth owning.

 

[wizard1325]

When you say you've outgrown it, what exactly are you referring to? Are the regs not working correctly? I just ask because you could spend a fortune and find that your new regs are very similar to your old ones in terms of performance.

If I were in your situation, and the 1st stages are indeed MK16 clones, I'd probably look for a couple used G250s or D400s.

When I say out grown it I was 88Ft underwater and some times i at certain angles it was hard for me to breath through the reg..

on shallow ends I notice if im facing the surface its near impossible to breath through the reg.