Which regulator would fit my needs

[Eversurf]

I have been reading a few posts on this forum and other site about the regulators. I'm in the process of getting geared up.

So far I have a BC with an AIR2 on it. I'm in need of a regulator.

Here is a little about my diving needs.
1. I will be diving mainly in fresh water ranging from 40F to 80F
2. Merky water and clear water
3. I will also be diving in Saltwater, but not as often 40F to 85F
4. I will be probably diving a handful of times (Less than 10)
5. Depth: Not too much pass 100ft (So far I have gone as far as 80ft)
6. I have been certified for about 2 yrs and I have dove about 6 times

In your opinion which regulator would fit my needs?

Thank you

 

[TimAZ]

I'd lean you toward an Aqua Lung Titan. What you are describing does not require high performance pricing and the Titan is darn near bulletproof in reliabilty and super easy to maintain. No matter where you go (almost) a dive shop willl have parts for it if you need service.

That said, I dive an Atomic B-2 which is way more reg than I need, but I love it. Of course it's much more expensive so (shrug)

 

[Willar]

You may think I'm being a smart *****, but I seriously think a RENTAL would be the ticket. If you are going to only do 6 dives in 2 years there is no reason to spend the money to buy and maintain your own reg and gauge set. You can rent much cheaper and have a good set of regs that are well maintained.

 

[TimAZ]

Just read your post again. If you may be sliding under that 40 degree mark, consider something environmentally sealed. I didn't think about that at first. My rule is that if there is ice anywhere but in my cocktail, it's not a vacation.

 

[TimAZ]

You may think I'm being a smart *****, but I seriously think a RENTAL would be the ticket. If you are going to only do 6 dives in 2 years there is no reason to spend the money to buy and maintain your own reg and gauge set. You can rent much cheaper and have a good set of regs that are well maintained.

Good point. Of course there is rental gear and then there is rental gear. If you go that route, post on this board before going on a trip. Wherever it is, somebody here will have sound advice on who to use and who to steer clear of.

 

[grantctobin]

Although I agree with what Willar is saying, if you are deciding to purchase your own reg:

For any water less than 50 degrees, either get a sealed reg or a diaphragm reg (both is better). As long as the reg is rinsed properly, it doesnt matter what kind of water you are in (unless you are doing salvage work or diving in truly terrible conditions). As you are diving in recreational depths, a super-performance reg isnt necessary but is nice to have.

I am a fan of the Scubapro and Apeks lines so out of these lines, for your diving, I would go with the MK17 first stage and an S600 or G250. Quite soon, the MK19 and the G250V are supposed to be released. The MK17 is sealed, offers good routing on doubles if you would ever like to go to the technical diving side, and has been tested to be the best in cold water. Quote from DA Aquamaster in another thread:

Cold water testing has been done with it at high flow rates at 160' depth and it was the only reg in the test group that did not freeze flow during the 200 minute test

The MK19 is the MK17 with a swivel attached for better hose routing. The MK11 is the unsealed version of the MK17 and would suit your needs for a cheaper price. As far as second stages go, out of the scubapro line I would go with an unbalanced reg such as the R395 or a balanced such as S555 (same as S600/G250 without adjustability). The balanced will breath better, but costs more and if you are only diving ~4 dives a year, unbalanced is perfectly useable.

Out of the Apeks line, a DS4/TX40 and anything up from that will perform flawlessly. The AL Titan, like Tim said, it a bulletproof reg. The Atomics are much more expensive, and unless you are diving alot, are uneccesary.

So I would reccomend either the MK11/R395 or the MK17/S555. These regs are excellent in cold water and the conditions you described while the prices are still not on the high end.

If you wanted to spend a bit more, wait for the MK19 and pair it with a G250V when it comes out. (btw, I use MK17/S600 and im a bit biased towards SP regs)

 

[Compressor]

I think rental is the way to go as Willar says. You're not diving enough to justify spending alot of money. My 2c.

 

[SangP]

Hi,

Renting is a good way to go if you don't dive much however, if you want your own regs that are reasonably priced then check this out:
http://golemgear.com/pc-283-11-oxycheq-regulator-kit.aspx

This reg has all of your requirements and parts are easy to come by.

It will pay off if you rent more than 10 times since, it only cost bout $190

SangP

 

[Eversurf]

Well I say 6 dive in 2 years, but if I had my own equipment I would prolly go out more. I live on a lake...you know. I can throw a rock in the water from my back porch. I think 40F might be a little low too. I say 40 because I go to Maine a lot, water is not super warm over there.

So what are your recomendations besides rental equipment?

 

[halocline]

I'd probably get a MK2/R190 if you'd like to save some money; this reg has good cold water performance and is super reliable. (important especially for infrequent use) If you want to spend a little more you might try to find one of the discontinued MK16s and (if possible) match it with the G250 2nd stage.

I'm assuming it would be an advantage to you service-wise to stick with scubapro as you already have the AIR2.