Which do you prefer in a regulator?

[fisherdvm]

With all the fancy new modern inventions, high flow first stages, balanced second stage, etc... And flimsy plastic parts that sticks (purge valves), breaks (second stage housing), etc....

My son dives with a tiny lightweight genesis. When I dove with it, you do get less jaw fatigue. But the plastic purge button sticks if you pushed it too hard (panic, pushed purge too hard and you add a freeflow reg!), the exhaust fins pops out easily if bumped, and the thread on the plastic cap is so whimpy, it would likely not last more than 10 servicing.

What would you prefer? Since most of my diving is shallow.... I would rather have durability over ease of breathing. Assuming that is the only choice you had.

 

[NadMat]

I am a big fan of the old SPR190's with service upgrades, durable metal case, mine is attached to a MKV 1rst. I believe it offers probably everything you listed except light weight. I am still diving my first set from '77 and am always on lookout for someone selling either so as to have spares/backups.

 

[fisherdvm]

It is funny, with a heavy bulky reg, and you add an extended bite mouthpiece like seacure - and it feels like you've cut the weight down to almost nothing.

 

[Blackwood]

reliability and ease of breathing

 

[ronbeau]

reliability and ease of breathing

I agree with Blackwood. Life support equipment has to be reliable and flawless in performing its basic functions (in this case ease of breathing).

 

[Cacia]

I want one that can be serviced anywhere and has parts in remote countries and does not cost more than the reg is worth to service.

 

[Hank49]

One that works. Once I'm under water, I seriously doubt I could tell the difference between most regs that I've used.

 

[Meng_Tze]

I look for several things: simplicity, reliability, uniformity and performance. Most of my regs are of one brand/type.

 

[String]

Ease of breathing is the only mandatory thing i expect off one. Ease of DIY service and so on are nice but secondary to that.

..and when i say ease of breathing i dont just mean it injects air at high pressures down your throat.

 

[RAWalker]

Hey where is the all of the above option!