Which of these regs for deep double tech setup??

[Speardoggin]

For my single setup, I use a Legend ACD yoke on a high pressure 133 Faber.

I will be buying doubles relatively soon for 200' plus dives on air and trimix. I want to start considering my options now to look for deals. I want great breathers at any depth, but most important rock solid reliability due to simple design. I am a fan of simplicity with everything I own (less to go wrong). I would sacrifice a hair of WOB for reliability. Here are the options I have looked at:

Mares Abyss MR22 or MR42
Apeks XTX 200
Aqualung Legend ACD LX
Scubapro MK17/S600
Sherwood SR1
Zeagle Flatheads

Any other input on other options is appreciated. I would like input on people who actually use these setups.

 

[Stoo]

Any other input on other options is appreciated. I would like input on people who actually use these setups.

I've used Scubapros for decades and never had an issue with reliability. I know guys who use various configurations of several of those brands.

Is cold water freeze-up an issue where you dive? If so, resistance to freezing is probably the single biggest issue as far as "failure" goes...

Also, you mention looking for "a deal". Make sure you can have whatever reg you choose serviced easily. "Lifetime" warrantys will require you to have the regs serviced annually by a qualified technician. Lowest price might not always be the best bet in the long run.

 

[ianr33]

I use Apeks DS4/ATX 50's as do lots of my buddies. Simple,reliable,relatively inexpensive . Deepest I have been is around 200 feet but they get used a LOT deeper than that,

 

[Lone Wolf]

I use twin zeagle flat head 6s. I've had them deep and in 38 degree water no problems with freeze up, and they are easy breathers. Plus , they are an american company, based in florida. The company, and people are also easy to deal with if you have questions

 

[Speardoggin]

I'm in Florida, so freeze up is really not an issue (70 degrees is freezing to me ) Thats interesting that Zeagle is in Florida.

 

[Jimmer]

I also use Flathead's on my doubles, and am completely happy with them. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still have Flatheads.

Realistically speaking, out of the list you posted, the SR1 is the only one that I would stroke off the list. It's had far too many teething pains, and I dont think the reliability it there yet.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[halocline]

Yeah, if you want reliability, you have to scratch the SR1, it hasn't been around long enough and it's had a rough start.

If you're only looking at new regs, I would consider the MK17 (or 25) with a G250V 2nd stage. I mention it because you brought up simplicity and the G250V is a very simple and proven design.

It's interesting, I'm putting together my first set of doubles, and picking regs for it. This is for an eventual cave set up so reliability is most important. I'm considering 2 MK10s, a D300 primary, and a balanced adjustable alternate. I could just as easily go with G250s, but I just like the D300 better, totally subjective opinion.

The reason I brought up the MK25 is that it's been totally proven in extreme conditions (other than cold, of course) and the design has been around a pretty long time. Actually, if you wanted to get ultra picky about it, mint condition MK20s with the MK25 piston would be even better because they lack the external IP adjustment, which presents an additional possible leak point. Other than that they're the same.

 

[Fishpie]

If you don't plan on diving in water temps in the 40's I'd suggest the Apeks XTX20 2nd stage and the US4 1st stage. You can pick up two of them for the same price as any of the other regs you mentioned. Their performance is on par with any top of the line model (not surprising since it has the same 2nd stage as all Apeks regs) and there is nothing about the higher end models that make them more reliable.
btw if you do go with Mares, I find that the MR12 1st stage routes better than the 22/32/42 and makes for a nice compact setup, but I'd use Apeks, Zeagle or G250's for my 2nd stages.

 

[battles2a5]

Another vote for Apexs. I also use the XTX50/DS4, but the internals on the XTX200's are the same. XTX50/DS4 will definitely meet your criterial for rock-solid reliability and simple design.

 

[nwdiver2]

Go for the Zeagle Flatheads, very well designed and tough as nails, plus less expencive than some of your other choices.