Which regulator for both very cold & warm waters?

[Boyan]

Hello,

I am in the process of buying my first regulator.

Some details:

• I dive in warm waters
• I dive in coldish waters (10°C)
• I plan on diving in cooler waters (4°C)
• I would like to occasionally dive in ice waters (ice°C)
• I am looking for a complete set, set-up in a "dir" way (long house for main, strap for octopus)
• I can spend $ 1,500 for the whole set, could spend more if it makes a lot of sense
• I plan to maybe do some technical diving
• I am living in Austria, EU
• I will be diving in salt & fresh water

So far I have learned, that very cold water oriented regulators, may not be optimal in warm water, because of decreased performance. I have also read somewhere, that in EU I should probably orient myself towards apeks, instead of scubapro. It seems to me, 2 years ago top shelf regulators, suitable for technical diving where a lot more expensive, or am I just imagining it? Will I have less fun in warm water with ice-optimized regulator? Should I rather try to get two sets?

I have no idea where to start. How do I approach this?

 

[rhwestfall]

I have learned, that very cold water oriented regulators, may not be optimal in warm water, because of decreased performance.

not even close to truth...

 

[Boyan]

not even close to truth...

That's good news. So I should focus on getting a regulator suitable for ice and I will be fine? I was saying that, because in some threads some people recommend the scubapro mk17 for cold water instead of the mk25, which is higher performance. Or something like that.

 

[Marie13]

Something like Apeks XTX50 won’t break the bank and is a good choice.

 

[rhwestfall]

scubapro mk17 for cold water instead of the mk25, which is higher performance.

Aside from an ANSI breathing machine, I doubt just about anyone could discern the difference... hype/marketing.

It is true a piston can flow more, but is still limited by the capability of the tank valve.....

 

[lowviz]

@rhwestfall, I agree. Conversely, extreme diligence will get you down and back with a "warm water" kit. BTDT.

Any top-shelf coldwater set will serve you well. I wouldn't stress unless you are thinking about going under sea ice.

 

[Boyan]

@rhwestfall, I agree. Conversely, extreme diligence will get you down and back with a "warm water" kit. BTDT.

Any top-shelf coldwater set will serve you well. I wouldn't stress unless you are thinking about going under sea ice.

I do plan to occasionally go under lake ice.

 

[Boyan]

Something like Apeks XTX50 won’t break the bank and is a good choice.

What would be an example of an option, that would break the bank? I don't mind investing in my safety.

 

[lowviz]

In that case, invest in ice training. It isn't about the gear, the gear will work.

 

[Boyan]

In that case, invest in ice training. It isn't about the gear, the gear will work.

Sure, I will be doing guided only dives at the beginning. However freeflow seems to be a major problem no?