SeaHound
Contributor
I am looking to buy an inexpensive regulator that would breath easy at 130 ft. Any recommendations? Thanks!
URGENT reg recommendations
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Contributor
A scubapro MK2 with R190 is a good entry level reg, and it breathes well.
Consider what you can get serviced in the area you will be diving most.
Why would you put a inexpensive price on your live past 130 you would think to buy the best. 
Aqualung Titan.
halocline
Contributor
Why would you put a inexpensive price on your live past 130 you would think to buy the best.
Here we go again; buy an expensive reg "because your life is worth it."
I've had my MK2/R190 to 130 ft and it did fine. They may be among the safest regs in the world, in that they are extremely simple and reliable. And they're inexpensive!
Heck, if expensive is better, then buy a titanium Atomic. I'm just kidding.
These days, most regs from reputeable manufacturers will breathe good down to 130fsw, so look at the regs that fit your budget and then buy the one that you can get serviced locally. Piston 1st stages will typically be less expensive than diaphram 1st stages. 2nd stages without adjustability for cracking pressure or venturi will be cheaper than 2nd's with those adjustments. A properly tuned 1st mated with any balanced 2nd will breath good down to 130 as proven in the regulator tests. What drives the price up is brand name, materials, complexity of parts, and advanced features.
I like Apeks, but there are a lot of good regs out there that are considered relatively inexpensive.
These days, most regs from reputeable manufacturers will breathe good down to 130fsw, so look at the regs that fit your budget and then buy the one that you can get serviced locally. Piston 1st stages will typically be less expensive than diaphram 1st stages. 2nd stages without adjustability for cracking pressure or venturi will be cheaper than 2nd's with those adjustments. A properly tuned 1st mated with any balanced 2nd will breath good down to 130 as proven in the regulator tests. What drives the price up is brand name, materials, complexity of parts, and advanced features.
I like Apeks, but there are a lot of good regs out there that are considered relatively inexpensive.
Fox-Cousteau
Senior Member
orange_diver
Contributor
i would personally caution against a MK2/R190. I had a definite CO2 loading experience using one while finning against current at around 80'. You feel like you're not getting enough gas and that could lead to panic.
You can find a used MK10 and G250 (old style with the metal air barrel) all day long for cheap on ebay. Get it serviced and it will last you forever. Just had that setup as my single tank rig down to 130 in coz and it breathed like a champ.
You can find a used MK10 and G250 (old style with the metal air barrel) all day long for cheap on ebay. Get it serviced and it will last you forever. Just had that setup as my single tank rig down to 130 in coz and it breathed like a champ.
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