$500 vs. $200

[ScubaBoy]

What's the difference between a $500 regulator and a $200 regulator? One would assume that the more expensive one is better, and your life kinda depends on it, but they must all be safe.

Our local pool just opened up for divers every Sunday, cool, and my old regulator was acting up tonight. I thought I'd get a new or used one, but have no idea what to get. Aside from the pool I probably take two dive trips a year and like having my own reg.

Thanks.

[FishFood]

Why not have your reg serviced?

[ReefHound]

I agree. If your old reg was high end in the first place, you might be able to get it serviced for under $100 and have a better reg. Define "acting up".

[DMWiz]

500 miles vs 200 on your credit card statement!

Seriously, there are some very expensive regs out there that are exactly the same as a no name brand regulator, but most people would never buy the no name reg because it doesn't cost and arm and a leg!

If you post some actual regulator names for comparison I'm sure you'd get more responses that may help you decide.

I also second getting your regulator serviced!

[ScubaBoy]

I bought it used, and IMO it's pretty old. It has the spring you can see inside, and I think all the new regulators are sealed.

[ScubaBoy]

Acting up? Yesterday I was sucking water. It was like breathing through a partially filled snorkel. That can't be good. I also don't like the way all the bubbles run past my ears or straight up in front of my mask when I'm not moving.

[ScubaBoy]

I'll talk to the tech at my dive shop. You all may be right. It's got an S on the front. Sherwood? Scubapro?

[awap]

Sounds like Scubapro. Why don't you look here (Singlehose Regs Scubapro) and figure out which one you have. Depending on which one you have, you may have a hard time finding a replacement that is clearly better. Water incursion is a clear indication of a problem but is usually fixable. I suggest you not take it on any trip until it is repaired. That problem usually just gets worse over time.

BTW, the thing that you can see the spring in is the 1st stage and would be a Mk-??. 2nd stages usually have a model number or name on them unless they are quite old (or another brand). Old Scubapro 2nds are really hard to beat for overall performance and durability.

[BuzzF117]

Originally Posted by ScubaBoy

I bought it used, and IMO it's pretty old. It has the spring you can see inside, and I think all the new regulators are sealed.

Mine has the "spring thing" on the inside and is only three yrs old. I own the entry level scubapro mk2 it has never let me down even at almost 100' down in lake Michigan. I think your comparing apples to oranges what type of reg do you have the folks here won't steer you wrong. If they suggest just getting it serviced rather then replacing thats what I would do.

[CODMAN]

SB, I agree with the others to have your reg checked. It might be an easy cheap fix!

But to answer your question about 200 vs 500$ regs... Yes there are differences... But one isn't safer than the other! Manufacturers put their cheap regs up to the same reliability tests as their expensive ones! So any main brand reg, wether cheap or Bling-bling, should be as safe to use.

For the price difference, what you do get are small differneces: all metal construction rather than plastic, easier breathing (at least in theory, you probably can't tell the difference), weight, Number of Ports on the 1st stage, etc.... Small differences but that drive up the price!

For example, I own a Mares V16 proton XL (with is in the middle/low range of the Mares product line). I've been itching to buy the high end Mares V42 proton. but honnestly, my V16 breathes so well and is so reliable even compared to other brands I've tried, that I really can't justify spending cash for a new reg! My V16 works like a charm!

So yes you will get little perks for spending $$ on a new reg. But are they necessary? No... Are they worth it? That's up to you to decide...

Hope this helps a bit!

CODMAN