when is a hi-performance reg needed?

[cybordolphin]

Bluce..

Makes ya wanna run out and buy one doesn't it? You can get the Alpha 7 with CDX (DIN) for around $150.

For around $300 you can get an ATX200 with ATX200 first stage
(not the preferred Ds4 first stage). They don't get much better than these regs..... so... is it worth the additional $150?

Hmmmmmmm........

 

[bluce]

Question about Scubapro S600 -- There are two diver adjustable controls on the Scubapro S600, the VIVA and the Inhalation Effort Control. Can anyone explain the difference between these two controls and under what circumstances each would be used. Thanks … Bob

 

[SDAnderson]

The oceanic alpha 7 got such rave reviews that I wonder if anyone out there can tell me what the difference is between the oceanic alpha 7 and a high end scubapro or an apeks reg?? To make it fair, say max depth of 120 feet and temperatures no colder than 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Thanks ... Bob

If the stress parameters are 120fsw in 50F water then I don't think it matters much what regulator you choose - most regulators these days perform more that adequately in these circumstances. But if you change the parameters to 350fsw and/or 30F water, many things change. I don't know the Alpha regs, although it appears that they have a very good reputation in GB. I don't know if they are distributed stateside. For $150.00, if they perform comparably to the mid-line Apeks or mid-line ScubaPro, people will be selling their mothers to get their hands on them. As far as the high-end SP or Apeks line, those don't seem to be used much by those with the greatest demand.

Beware the too good to be true bell.

Steven.

 

[Norm]

In my opinion/experiences you DO need a high-performance regulator for deep diving, (at or below 100'), or for high-stress diving, (whether in currents, heavy workload, etc). Many regs touted as "high performance" are very sensitive and require lots of attention. Many regs that are not mentioned in the high performance circles are super-performers.
(Check out http://zeagle.com/news_regperformance.html for example)
It's cheaper to go ahead and bite the bullet and get what you'll need in the near future than to merely save money now.
JMO
Norm