Sherwood Maximus v. Zeagle Flathead ZX IV

[castanagajt]

I have been contemplating about these regulators for a few days now. I like the idea that the maximus is 100.00 cheaper than the zeagle flathead.

The cost of the sherwood I heard is much cheaper for the parts against other competing brands, possibly lots of dive shop maintenance support around the world. Possibly a faster turnaround time too.

yet the zeagle doesn't have as many dive shops carrying their product but I like the idea that zeagle offers free annual service parts kit for the lifetime of the product to the original owner? I am sure the breathing may be a little better on this one, yet that one won't be an issue.

Basically, I want a tough regulator, cheap to maintain yet a great performer and service support is almost readily available.

Please keep it within these two brands, I would most appreciate it and as well as your inputs.

[fireflock]

I would consider the Zeagle DS-V in the mix (or 50-D of you prefer the swivel turret).

The second stage will be identical to the Flathead, and I really doubt you will notice and difference at all at recreational depths. The Flathead can deliver more gas than the DV-V, but unless you're doing some pretty extreme diving you won't use the extra capacity.

You'll save some money, which would make the DS-V the winner in my book.

I think ST offers free parts on any reg purchased from and serviced by them, regardless of what the manufacturer offers.

Sherwood will have more dealers, particularly if you are north. Zeagle might be more popular in the southeast. I wouldn't worry much about this aspect. You can get parts kits for either brand to carry around yourself and any decent reg tech should be able to service them in a pinch. From this perspective, the Zeagle design will be familiar to more reg techs than the Sherwood dry bleed system.

I prefer the hose routing on the Zeagle. YMMV.

[Crimediver]

I have the Sherwood and the Zeagle-I prefer the Zeagle.

[castanagajt]

ok, thanks. I like the swivel turret idea and the 50-D sounds like the one I would actually like.

Yet the BC and regulator package that I want from scubatoys has an option of adding 50.00 for the flathead zxIV. I am thinking that it would be highly irrelevent would you guys think the same?

[fireflock]

The packages are nice as a starting point, but ST will make a package deal out of anything you want. You just have to call and ask.

I think I did read somewhere that they can sometimes upgrade to a Flathead for little cost in a package. In that case, I guess it just comes down to if you prefer the swivel or the Flathead for a little more.

[keyshunter]

Originally Posted by castanagajt

I have been contemplating about these regulators for a few days now. I like the idea that the maximus is 100.00 cheaper than the zeagle flathead.

The cost of the sherwood I heard is much cheaper for the parts against other competing brands, possibly lots of dive shop maintenance support around the world. Possibly a faster turnaround time too.

yet the zeagle doesn't have as many dive shops carrying their product but I like the idea that zeagle offers free annual service parts kit for the lifetime of the product to the original owner? I am sure the breathing may be a little better on this one, yet that one won't be an issue.

Basically, I want a tough regulator, cheap to maintain yet a great performer and service support is almost readily available.

Please keep it within these two brands, I would most appreciate it and as well as your inputs.

I really like Sherwoods--Oasis, and Blizzard--but am not particularly fond of the Maximus. I used them for many, many dives, mainly because of their ruggedness, and simplicity. Over the years, I became adept at tuning them to the "edge".

That said, no Sherwood can compare for ease of breathing at depth with even the lowest priced Zeagle (or Apeks). I own both.

The average 12 year old would have no trouble rebuilding a Sherwood. Sherwood service kits are quite inexpensive, since they use simple puck seats in both stages. The last I bought cost $8.00 for both stages.

[wxboy911]

When I was reg shopping I asked what the difference was between the Flathead and the DS V...LDS owner told me I would not see the diff in breathing unless I went deep. When I asked what deep was the guy told me his last deep dive was to 285...I am in no danger of that so I went with the DSV. I have dove a Sherwood Magnum and it was a good breather...I still went with the Zeagle.

[Marcus]

For me it would be Zeagle every day of the week. I haven't had great experiences with Sherwoods.

[skdvr]

I have no experience with Zeagle (although I have never head a bad thing about them) I have a couple Maximus regs and a Blizzard and I think that they are great regs... Very well built, easy to work on yourself (If you can), solid reg that I love. Now if I had a Zeagle flathead I am sure I would love that one too. I am sure that if you get into Deep tech that the Zeagle would suit you better...

Phil

[det4220]

If you are looking to save a little money on the Zeagle, look at the DS-V or 50D. They are very close in performance to the Flathead.