Can I buy a Regulator w/o a computer?

[leesanhua]

I am planning to buy a regulator but am not wanting to get a computer yet. Do I have to buy both the regulator and the computer together? If I do not have to, and I wanted to use my regulator, can I go rent one from the dive shop and will they fit ? Thanks in advance for your help!

Sun

[Crimediver]

Yes. You can buy it without a computer. A computer does not even need to be attached to your pressure guage console. A computer can be on a wrist mount for example. Research and buy the regs you want and the computer you want. Sometimes you can come out ahead getting a package deal or you may do better getting them from two different places. Not all dealers carry the manufacturer's products you may have wanted to buy. The reg and computer are two seperate pieces of gear. In fact a computer is not a required piece of gear. Many folks prefer to use a watch and a depth guage.

[leesanhua]

so if i don't want to get a computer now then i need to get a gauge? what kind of guage would you recommend? should i get a air dive computer? or analog gauge?

[navyhmc]

Yes, you will need a SPG (Submersible Pressure Guage) There are a good number to choose from. The three LDS's is Wichita have a fairly decent selection if you want to stay local, but Scuba Toys has a good selection as well.

Things to look for: A readable face, easy to secure. Usually they have a 30" hose and that's long enough. If you don't have acomputer, a SPG with a depth guage on it is a good idea. Some have a compass option as well, that is personal preference, I have gone to a wrist mount compass and find it works well. Some folks though like a console mounted compass as it's easier to check air and depth while running a course.

ETA: When you do want a compass, even if it's a hose mount or Air Integrated (AI) putting it on you reg is an easy usually 2 minute home fix.

Also, if you don't mind me asking, who's class did you take?

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

Also, if you don't mind me asking, who's class did you take?

'cause clearly they didn't go over equipment at all

[navyhmc]

Actually, I know a lot of the ICT instructors so I was curious.

[skdvr]

I can understand the confusion espically if all the rental gear has a computer on the reg set, or if all the sets they are selling in the LDS have a computer added in.

As others have said you do not need to buy a computer with your reg, but if you don't then you do need to have a SPG. I personally do not like the compass on my SPG, but on the other hand my wife likes hers there. So that will just be a matter of preference. Check out a few regs. Do some reading. Remember that you do not need the most expensive reg out there. There are a lot of things that go into the price and sometime you can get a reg just as good as the more expensive ones you are looking at for less money.

This forum is a good resource if you have any additional questions. Do a search on subjects you are interested in and you may find the answer. If the answers are not Exactly what you are looking for then feel free to ask away...

Have a great day, and good luck with you decision making process...

Phil

[harb99]

I am getting ready to purchase a reg set and am not going to include a computer on it as I already have a separate wrist mounted veo180 - however I am going to get SPG and depth gauge so I will have back up system in case my battery / computer should ever die while on a dive. I am also setting up my wife's the same way except I am getting her a GEO PDC as she does not like the larger puck style computers on her wrist.

ST's has some very basic reg sets on special right now with analog gauges - browse their site or give them a call.


Harb

[Beaucoupfishies]

We just got the Mares Rebel 2 package from ST and we like it. It comes with the Mission II SPG and Depth gauge, and you can have them attach a compass to it if you want. It's a bit large, but the gauges are easy to read and they seem very sturdy.

[johnyringo]

You may also want to watch for used gear. Some LDS's allow people to post their used gear they want to sell. I found a post at my LDS for a Scubapro Mk10/G250 with gauge console, weight belt, 25 lbs of soft weights, set of mares fins, 5 mil. boots, reef gloves and other odds and ends in a gear bag for less than $200. I didn't need all of it but, hey ya never have enough stuff! It was all in excellent shape. So there are some great deals out there.