what is a reasonaly priced reg?

[blue32]

I want to purchase my first regulator and I have no idea what to buy. I have very little money, but of course I want dependable equipment. What should I expect to pay for a reputable reg, octo & computer? I don't need any fancy bells and whistles, just simple & reliable. This will be for rec diving only. Temperate to tropical. PLEASE HELP! There are so many different brands and styles, I'm so confused...Thanks!

 

[redacted]

you should be able to plan on $500 for new gear (air computer & spg, unbalanced piston first, classic downstream 2nd & octo - all brand name stuff). If you are looking used, I wouldn't pay more than about half that. I think you are smart looking for reliable entry level gear. It should serve you well and someday make a good backup or pony bottle system.

 

[MNScuba]

Not sure how you'd be able to get all that for $500... if you know a way, please pass it on!

 

[SeaHunt]

You've asked a very loaded question. By that I mean you will receive sooo many opinions it will boggle your mind. Since you say you will only be doing rec diving I think the general consensus is that most major manufactures offer good to very good low budget regs for this type of diving.

When I made my choice I went with a name brand but did not get the most expensive since like you I will only be doing rec diving. I figured that if I ever moved into anything more difficult I'd buy the appropriate equipment at that time. For now, middle of the road works just fine for me.

I also know that there are folks around here that like/dislike Rodale’s Scuba Diving equipment reviews. Since I couldn’t go out and try every possible reg I did use their reviews to judge for myself what I felt was good for me and my needs.

I ended up choosing an Oceanic DX4 first, Delta 3 second and SlimLine octo. I did change the mouthpiece since the factory one was uncomfortable and now I couldn’t be happier.

The cheapest computers will run around $200 give or take, which will be your basic non-integrated models. The price and features go up from there. Since I did spend a lot more than that on mine I can’t comment on the budget models. I’m sure others will post their views on this as well.

I’m sure you probably already have the link to the gear reviews but I’ll add it just in case you don’t. Like everything else, take what you read with a grain of salt and a spoon of sugar. At least it gives you information to consider.

http://scubadiving.com/gear/

Jim

 

[redacted]

MNScuba once bubbled...
Not sure how you'd be able to get all that for $500... if you know a way, please pass it on!

How about an Aeris Atmos 1 console @ $220, Scubapro Mk2/R190 @ $150, and an R190 Octo @ $90. You could go with a $65 Octo but easier to use & service with 1 brand. That's $460 so the change should cover the shipping from Leisure Pro.

 

[jonnythan]

MNScuba once bubbled...
Not sure how you'd be able to get all that for $500... if you know a way, please pass it on!

LP prices:

Mares MR12 Axis: $139.95
Mares Axis Octo: $64.95
Aeris Atmos Console: $219.95

Total: $424.85

 

[dgangi]

In my humble opinion, the Oceanic line gives you a terrific bang for your buck. There are cheaper regs out there, but Oceanic is known for outstanding performance at a reasonable price.

If you're *really* on a tight budget, the Alpha 7 is a good entry-level regulator. There are no adjustments on it and it's not going to breathe as well as a mid-priced regulator, but it's still a very good and reliable regulator. Somewhere on the Internet is a recent comparo of "budget" regulators, and I recall the Alpha 7 was the best choice. These can be had for about $300 at the LDS or $150 on line (Leisure Pro).

If you can afford to part with a few more bucks, then the Gamma 2 is a good mid-level regulator. These are about $375 at the LDS or $200 on line.

I use the Oceanic Delta 3, the next step up from the Gamma 2. This is Oceanic's mid-high end regulator, but it is still very competitively priced ($459 from LDS -- $250 on line).

If cash is king, then I think you might consider picking up some used gear. If you live in a large city, check your Sunday classified ads. Many times a person will take the dive classes, buy a bunch of gear, and then decide they are not right for the sport. These people sell their entire set of gear at 50 cents on the dollar. So look for these ads.

Your other choice is to look on eBay. But I haven't bought gear on eBay, so I don't know how trustworthy these sellers are. My hunch is that if you purchase from a trusted seller, you should be OK.

Good luck. Diving isn't cheap, but it sure is worth the investment!

Thx...Doug

 

[PEIDiver]

I picked up a Mares MR12 Axis and Axis Octo and I'm very pleased with them. I also bought a used Mares Guardian Computer which I use for bottom time and ascent rate. I plan using tables so the computer wasn't a high priority for me.

I also know some other local divers who are quite pleased with their Mares Protons.

Steve.

 

[yknot]

Look at package pricing if you can, especially if looking at LDS. There are other pieces of gear you haven't mentioned that are going to be necessary eventually. I did't see a BC or exposure suit mentioned. I have one LDS that sells training/rental gear off at least annually. If you buy a package from them they include use of wetsuit and air tanks with fills for a year. This could add up to some savings if you want to dive often enough. I still would check prices at LeisurePro to at least keep LDS semi honest. For all the threads in this forum that blast a particular brand I would still bet that most any gear choice, whether on line or LDS would be fine, even the $100 super cheapie regs (for most of us rec divers anyway). Incidently, what is the local rate in your area for rental gear? In my area, about $70 a day! You don't have to dive that often to be better off buying at these rates.

 

[wch]

MNScuba once bubbled...
Not sure how you'd be able to get all that for $500... if you know a way, please pass it on!

From DiveInn:
SP MK2+ R190 129
SP R190 octo 85
Suunto Favor 171

From LP
Genesis Pressure
gauge 60

Total 445

Throw in shipping and you are still under $500.00 for some solid basic gear.

Bill