Which regulator?

[Jimmer]

The Zeagle you mentioned is a good regulator, and I would recommend you starting with that one. As you get into tech, you are going to realize that eventually you will need a second regulator and that would be the appropriate time to sink a bit more money into some equipment. In other words you can take the Zeagle and put it into service as your second set on your tech rig, and buy something for your primary.

Just a minor point here, if the OP does get the Flathead VI, and ends up going the tech route, he'll have no need to get something else as his primary, it will be every bit as good at depth as any other major manufacturer's regs. Just get another FHVI to have a matched set on his doubles.

 

[SlowRain]

Just a minor point here, if the OP does get the Flathead VI, and ends up going the tech route, he'll have no need to get something else as his primary, it will be every bit as good at depth as any other major manufacturer's regs. Just get another FHVI to have a matched set on his doubles.

As I said....personal opinion.

 

[halocline]

It seems that there's lots of good recreational level equipment in the $350-$500 range, but the almost endless BS from dive shop owners that's promoted as meaningful information makes informed decisions almost impossible.

Well, you've caught on quickly!

Almost anything will work well; I'd avoid poseidon because service is specialized and expensive, and you simply don't need the extreme performance those regs are known for.

Ease of service is a big issue. Ideally you would want something that could be serviced anywhere you might find yourself diving, and a company that has a great track record of supporting their products for a long time. Scubapro and aqualung come up big with those criteria, and zeagle and oceanic both have great reputations for customer service, even if parts might be a little harder to find internationally.

 

[Orlando Eric]

My thoughts. I have been a Rec diver for well, decades. I have never had the desire, money, time to become a Tech diver. It is interesting and there are things I would like to see in the 200' water column, but I do not want to see them bad enough to invest the money and time.

IF I were to take up Tech I'd buy a WHOLE new set of gear FIns, Tanks, Regs, BP. With the money you throw into tech diving two new sets of regs is not that much of a big deal and I think it is better to have a seperate set of gear.

I have more than one set of gear for different Rec diving areas/ conditions. It is nice to grab the right rig for the right conditions.

So in closing for right now I'd get the best Rec reg you can get for your money now. Then you can get a 22' long hose tactical black M2000Zooom later.

In my opinion Apeks makes regs from Zero to Hero and a good choice.

I personally dive a AQ Legend but it has a GOLD ring man.. all about the bling.