j27rock
Guest
Looking to buy a new regulator.Any ideas?
What should I get?
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Well I personally like Apeks regs a lot as do many here on ScubaBoard but there are lots of other good choices too. You probably won't be dissatisfied with any of the regs by Apeks, ScubaPro, Zeagle, Mares, Aqualung, Atomic, etc...(I'm sure I'm leaving others out) as long as it's not a low-end cheaper model.
MNScuba
Guest
A lot more info is needed first...
What type of diving?
Is there a price range you want to stay in?
What type of diving?
Is there a price range you want to stay in?
NJdiver85
Contributor
You should read all the regulator posts on Scubaboard. There is a multitude of information on different regulators, and on their suitability to different types of diving, needs, and budget.
Scubaroo
Contributor
Hmmm, what sort of diving are you doing? Where?
Apeks regulators are highly recommended, especially the TX50/TX40 combination, or the ATX50/ATX40 combination. The ATX series has smaller second stages, and I think the first stages are identical. If you are looking at doing any sort of technical diving in future, get the Apeks DS4 first stage rather than the Apeks DST first stage (which is standard) - they have the same internal components, but the DS4 does not have the swivel feature, or the oddball 1/2" hose fitting of the DST. I have a DST, but am looking to replace it with a DS4. About the only Apeks regulator I have heard less than positive reviews about is the ATX200 - it's also the most expensive, so its easy to avoid!
These regulators have cold water features, but are just as usable in any environment you could name. The ATX/TX50 second stage also has user adjustable breathing resistance control, a useful feature for deeper dives. The second stage is also easy to pull apart without tools, so it's easy to maintain in terms of cleaning out minor sand and silt contamination if you do a lot of shore diving with surf exits/entries (even if you have them properly clipped off, some sand will still get in there).
You also need to consider Yoke versus DIN fitting. If you own your own tanks, DIN is by far the more secure connection, with much reduced risk of blowing a tank o-ring, but if you rent, yoke valves may be all that are available. Adapters are available, and you can easily convert the Apeks first stages from yoke to DIN and vice-versa for about $35, with a do-it-yourself kit, that reputedly only takes a couple of minutes (haven't done it myself), so don't be too worried about buying the wrong type of fitting up front - you can convert it later.
These regs can also be had for a steal if you buy online, but there may be warranty issues (but it is highly unlikely that you would need to call in the warranty on these - they're first class in terms of quality).
hope this helps,
Ben
Apeks regulators are highly recommended, especially the TX50/TX40 combination, or the ATX50/ATX40 combination. The ATX series has smaller second stages, and I think the first stages are identical. If you are looking at doing any sort of technical diving in future, get the Apeks DS4 first stage rather than the Apeks DST first stage (which is standard) - they have the same internal components, but the DS4 does not have the swivel feature, or the oddball 1/2" hose fitting of the DST. I have a DST, but am looking to replace it with a DS4. About the only Apeks regulator I have heard less than positive reviews about is the ATX200 - it's also the most expensive, so its easy to avoid!
These regulators have cold water features, but are just as usable in any environment you could name. The ATX/TX50 second stage also has user adjustable breathing resistance control, a useful feature for deeper dives. The second stage is also easy to pull apart without tools, so it's easy to maintain in terms of cleaning out minor sand and silt contamination if you do a lot of shore diving with surf exits/entries (even if you have them properly clipped off, some sand will still get in there).
You also need to consider Yoke versus DIN fitting. If you own your own tanks, DIN is by far the more secure connection, with much reduced risk of blowing a tank o-ring, but if you rent, yoke valves may be all that are available. Adapters are available, and you can easily convert the Apeks first stages from yoke to DIN and vice-versa for about $35, with a do-it-yourself kit, that reputedly only takes a couple of minutes (haven't done it myself), so don't be too worried about buying the wrong type of fitting up front - you can convert it later.
These regs can also be had for a steal if you buy online, but there may be warranty issues (but it is highly unlikely that you would need to call in the warranty on these - they're first class in terms of quality).
hope this helps,
Ben
landlocked
Contributor
It really does matter what you intend to do with it. I my case I was looking at recreational diving. Often with Nitrox. I wanted something that was very dependable yet cost was a major concern. I selected the Genesis Yukon. It has receiecd some excellent reports from Rhodales in the dependability area, it comes already setup for Nitrox (o-rings and lubricant), and the cost is very reasonable. One more major item! It is a regulator that my LDS can service. They also gave me a very competative price. This won't answer the question for you, but I hope it helps you with the process.
Lost Yooper
Guest
I'd recommend the Apeks TX50/DS4 with a TX40 octo regardless of the type of diving you plan on. It will do it all and doesn't have to cost ya an arm and a leg.
Good luck.
Mike
Good luck.
Mike
Lost Yooper
Guest
Look up Stingray Divers in Brooklyn. I used to deal with them a lot. They have a lot of good equipment, but no Apeks regs.
762 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718.384.1280
email: info@stingraydivers.com
You can get a close up view of all the Halcyon and DUI equipment. I would go to DiveINN for the Apeks reg:
www.diveINN.com
Good luck.
Mike
762 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718.384.1280
email: info@stingraydivers.com
You can get a close up view of all the Halcyon and DUI equipment. I would go to DiveINN for the Apeks reg:
www.diveINN.com
Good luck.
Mike
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