What else to buy when buying a regulator?

[KenE]

A set of basic tools. If you read SB at all, you will need tools. Sooo many options for hose routing and configuration, you will wear out the tools making all the changes!

 

[lowwall]

I'm planning on buying DGX's Apeks XTX50 package. DGX Custom - Apeks DST/XTX50 Single Tank Reg Package It comes with:

• One Apeks DST First Stage and two Apeks XTX50 Second Stages
• Reg Hose for the primary
• Reg Hose for the secondary
• One "Brass and Glass" SPG with HP Hose
• DIN-to-Yoke Spin-On Adapter, Necklace, S/S Bolt Snap, DIN Cap
• A BC Inflator Hose

I was thinking to also buy O rings.

What else do you recommend buying when buying your first regulator?

We need to start over with the basics. What kind of diving will you be doing? Your profile says a new diver in Puerto Rico. The regs you are thinking about are overkill for local conditions, there's no need for a turret or an environmental seal (diaphragm regs are already sealed except for the ambient pressure section which is easily rinsed). They'll obviously work fine, it's just an unnecessary expense, and weight if you are going to travel to dive.

Will you be flying to other destinations much? If so, consider the streamlined setup with braided hoses. If not, then the 5' (or 7'} with rubber hoses might be preferable as standard braided hoses are not great for looping around the back of your neck. I also agree with MidOH that you want a rubber HP hose for the SPG.

I should note that some of the new tech braided hoses claim to fix the abrasion and shorter lifespan issues compared to rubber, but I don't think they come with these packages.

 

[sparragus]

I appreciate everyone's input. Thank you!

I'm indeed planning on mostly diving in Puerto Rico. Dives here are boat dives and shore dives. I know there are some wrecks, but I don't think you can dive inside them.

I do see myself growing in the sport, eventually wreck and cave diving, but I don't think that'll be this year.

Except for the tank, I already have the rest of the equipment. My BCD is DGX's BP/W package.

I do plan on traveling with my equipment, although rarely. Maybe I'm being naïve, but I think I don't mind the extra weight of long hoses.

On traveling, too, I don't think it'll be in cold water. If I ever did, maybe I can rent the regulator on that particular occasion.

Here's my takeaway so far:

• Get an IP gauge, to keep an eye on the output pressure.
• I'll need some tools, to make hose adjustments/changes.
• I'm also going for the long hose setup, I don't mind too much the streamlined setup, but I don't the hose sticking out. I will try long hose and see if it stays closer to the body.
• I'm gonna go with rubber hoses. If I regret the weight after my first travel, I may buy braided for a streamlined setup and use it when traveling. I don't want the abrasion on my neck.
• Silicon lube.
• A tec reg bag.
• Given that it may be overkill for my skill + type of diving, I will reconsider which regulator set. I was thinking Apeks DST + XTX50 hoping it is the only reg I'll buy in my life.

 

[inquis]

Your eventual goal is cave/wreck, so a long hose is better than the "streamlined rec". It will likely be in your travel carryon, so hose weight is a bit immaterial. Get a slim crescent wrench, normal crescent wrench (both small/4-6 inches), and a multi-tool that will fit the port plugs in a reg.

 

[MidOH]

Long hose is more streamlined, than the streamlined setup. You tuck the hose in your waistband and can adjust the amount of slack on the fly. I usually just route the longhose under a dir knife or shears.

Sealed diaphragm cold water regs are still handy in warm water. And now many of the popular tec regs are cheaper.

Put the delrin cap on, rinse off, hang in the hotels shower. Easy peasy.

You can mix and match as well. A sealed Hog d1 yoke for your singles rig, and whatever 2nd stages you want for now and your twinset.

 

[mr_v]

@sparragus, if you're just starting, don't overthink it. The original setup you've proposed is fine. Apeks is well-known and you'll be able to get service in most places. Get a basic save-a-dive kit. You probably have the tools you need for basic operations - hex keys and wrenches.

Long hoses, advanced hose routing, tools, boutique (or brands that are less well known globally) and other items mentioned so far have a place, and you'll know it when you are there. Based on what you've stated, I don't think you're there yet, so do not waste your money. Scuba shops love selling gear, and you'll part with your money quickly if you're not careful.

When you go tech/overhead, you'll enter a new ballgame altogether. At that point, you'll own tanks, have multiple regulator sets, and stick with the gear that you can repair yourself. As you're probably a few years away from that game, spend your money on something else, like actual diving.

Oh, pass on that reg bag. Hoses are better stored in an unrolled form, e.g., hanging down. If you store regs with rolled hoses, eventually they'll take the shape and may be a pain to route.

 

[happy-diver]

Thing is, with normal hoses you will never, find yourself dragging your beloved primary second
along the ground across the deck of the boat or floor with you and other people stepping on it

So as it takes one dive to learn how to use it perhaps hold off until the appropriate environment
before you screw in the ridiculously encumbering 7ft hose with those tools you are going to buy

The long hose you are never going to use except to furl and unfurl it in divers too much gear war


I mean wasn't life easier shopping with shopping bags before you were forced into using a trolley

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I appreciate everyone's input. Thank you!

• Given that it may be overkill for my skill + type of diving, I will reconsider which regulator set. I was thinking Apeks DST + XTX50 hoping it is the only reg I'll buy in my life.

That ususally don't work that way for most folks. See also:

"Any serious diver that thinks that they will only have 1 reg set (recreational) or 2 reg sets (technical) is deluding themselves, it might happen, but I've not seen it. It's as rare as having regs by only one manufacturer.

"Get the reg you want to start, and work from there." @Bob DBF

from p. 9 in First (and last) regulator

 

[inquis]

with normal hoses you will never, find yourself dragging your beloved primary second
along the ground across the deck of the boat or floor with you and other people stepping on it

True enough. Tip for the long-hose during setup: clip off the second stage immediately after uncoiling it (and the SPG as well if present), and then put the first stage on the tank.

 

[mr_v]

Thing is, with normal hoses you will never, find yourself dragging your beloved primary second
along the ground across the deck of the boat or floor with you and other people stepping on it

Yeah, but everyone needs to learn at some point, right?