What regulator should I choose

[jblack]

apex ds4/xtx50 apex dst/ xtx 50 or scubapro mk17/ s600 all solid set ups all environmentally sealed, good for cold water, easy to get service for.

 

[VR78]

In my corner of the woods most cave divers use Apeks DST + XTX50, Scubapro Mk25 + S600, or Halcyon H75P + Halo - in about equal proportions. I haven't heard anyone complain about any of these. Wintertime diving here is in 3-5 degree water. Service is likely to be cheaper for Apeks and Halcyon although YMMV.

My own setup is Scubapro Mk21 "bastard" (extra 5th port) + S600, has been great in cold water. Very compact first stage, perfect routing with 5th port.

 

[bamafan]

I have a buddy who bought the new Mk25 evos. He lives in Northern Germany and dives the Baltic. He purged the reg outside last winter and was suprised it wouldn't freeze as most regs will. He is very happy with the Mk25's and they do have great routing with the swivel and 5th port. He changed from Apex as he was having seat failures.

 

[rddvet]

I love my m25s and still have one from the early 90s when I first learned to dive. I use them with G250v's and S600s. I've used them in cold water with no freezing. Like speaks they're built to last

 

[SoFlaDiver954]

The 52X is a great first stage, but the hose routing is not ideal for BM doubles. You will probably be best served by a first stage with a rotating turret and a 5th port imho.