Trying to Make a Decision

[Schex]

I'm buying my first reg and after a lot of reading and price comparing I've narrowed it down to three: Mares Prestige 12, AquaLung Titan LX, or Scubapro MK11/S555. The Scubapro is a bit more expensive than the others. In fact, I could get a used tank at my LDS for the savings, which seems like a good idea.

Anyway, I'm stuck and can't decide. Can anyone recommend one over the others? Or, if you use one of the three and can pass on your experience with it, that would be helpful too.

Thanks.

[CFDAlden]

I can speak for the Titan LX. The LX is basically an Aqualung Ledgend. It's a great breather, at any depth. I have no expierence with the Mares or Scubapro.

[CompuDude]

I've heard decent things about the Aqualung regs, although I am not a fan of some of their policies so I tend to avoid their gear where possible. The S555 is a very nice 2nd stage (I use one for my secondary), but I can't speak for the MK11 as I've never used one. ScubaPro is generally pretty good, though. No opinion on the Mares either way.

[keyshunter]

I have quite a bit of experience with the Titan LX. IN fact, I currently own 3 plus a Zeagle, an Apeks, a Sherwood and a regular Titan. Of that group, the LX is the best breather. IMO the Titan LX is the best value in diving. The second stage is identical, except for faceplate, to the regular Legend. It is pneumatically balanced, with a metal air barrel.The first stage is the latest incarnation of the ageless Conshelf. It uses most of the same internals. Parts will be available at least forever. For 2009, AL has changed the first stage to the Micron first, which has almost no track record. Time will tell if this is truly an upgrade. Because of this change, Leisurepro currently is selling the previous model Titan LX for $199.95, a killer deal.
I have no personal experience, with the MK11, but I have very experienced friends who dive the MK17 (the sealed version of the MK11), and they say it is a great reg.

Because of the amount I dive (over 4000 total) I could justify owning any reg made, and I dive the Titan LX's at least 85% of the time.

LOL, I really need to sell some of those other regs.

[dutch552]

I have the Titan LX and it breathes just as good as most other higher-priced regs at recreational depths. I've had it in 40 degree water and to 130 feet and realistically it does the job just fine. They can be found cheap online and are on EBay all the time. I think it's the most bang for your buck.

[Vercingetorix]

OK...I'm going throw a monkey wrench into the thread, but it's got to be asked: why are you narrowed to these three? What is their appeal? Given your criteria, there may be other suitable regs that satisfy your requirements? (Sorry, I'm an IT Project Manager...we talk like this. Define requirements, then solutions).

Might I suggest the Aeris Atmos Pro for $265 at ST. I've used this since my very first OW pool dive. I've had it in 40+ degree water and 100 feet. It breathes well even when I'm inverted (some regs breathe wet). IT is adjustable and the Venturi Assist helps as well. It has a built-in first-stage swivel, which reduces pulling on the hose.

Regardless of which reg you go for., I recommend that you swap-out the hose for Miflex (ST may discount that package deal). Speaking of which, the forum discount knocks the Aeris price down to $239.

[chicken]

I think the Zeagle flathead VI is one of the best deals on a regulator right now. Every product discussed in this thread so far is good, the difference to me is the service provided by my LDS or supplier. Knowing I have ST and my LDS who are both Zeagle dealers and both have great customer service to stand behind the product makes the decision easier for me.

[Heavy D]

Well, you have a lot of opinions here but I will add mine anyway. I recommend Scubapro over anything else. It might cost more initially but there customer service is out of this world and they are the only manufacturer that I know of that still makes service parts for regs that they made 20 or 30 years ago. It says a lot for there quality that people are still diving regs that old. I personally would spend the extra for them. Also, I don't think it is much of a price difference (maybe $20) but I would check into a mk17 first stage instead of the mk11 but either would be great.

[WV Diver]

I own a Titan LX Supreme and Mares Proton, and use lots of Sherwoods at work. I see them all as good choices.

Another consideration you may want to look at is, which regulators can you purchase that can be serviced locally? This may not seem like a big deal now but it may be a nice convenience later if you have regulator problems. I have had small crack pressure problems that have needed adjustments and other small problems over the years that made having local service very nice. Not to mention the worries of shipping and insurance and mailing costs if you have to send it out for anything including annual servicing.

This is especially true if you don't have a back up regulator to dive while your primary is out for service.

Just something to think about.

[Straegen]

Strictly machine testing, the Mares and S555 is over 1 J/Ltr while the Titan LX (2009 model) comes in at .74. This obviously doesn't tell the whole story though.

I am also not a big fan of the AquaLung/Apeks online policies, but that is just me.