What to look for in a regulator?

[utahfish]

I am just curious what are some of the different features on regulators that make them better or different? Just getting started in the wonderful world of diving and am trying to learn the ins-and-outs of scuba gear! Thanks!

[IrishSquid]

Originally Posted by utahfish

I am just curious what are some of the different features on regulators that make them better or different? Just getting started in the wonderful world of diving and am trying to learn the ins-and-outs of scuba gear! Thanks!

When I'm diving, I'm looking for air in mine. Just kiddin'! Well, actually I'm not.
You want a reg that is comfortable, easy to breathe, and doesn't breathe really wet. There are all types of features that are available. Adjustable, venturi assist, DVT, balanced, overbalanced, piston, diaphragm, etc.
There is so much to go into and I'm too darn slow of a typer. Someone faster and smarter than me will answer before I'd get started. There are also many opinions on what's better. I suggest trying a few if possible and base any purchase decisions on your experience. Good luck and Welcome!

[DMWiz]

1. An environmentally sealed diaphragm regulator because the environmental seal keeps the crud out of the first stage. I'm not a cold water diver so freezing isn't a concern for me.

2. Fairly inexpensive and reliable availability of service kits for #1.

3. How long has the regulator been around, the longer the better for me!

I dive Zeagle & Apeks regulators I also have one OMS clone for a stage regulator and I would also consider Dive Rite regs. and their generic siblings.

[CWSWine]

What the Wiz said and I also like the "pre dive lever" on my regs.

[navyhmc]

I would also vote for a balanced regulator. While you may not be planning on deep dives-especially at first, you will fing that even a deeper shallow dive the unbalanced reg will be a bit harder to breath. Makes more difference the deeper you go, but I have seen new divers with the less expensive "entry level" regs that note higher resistance at depths as low as 45' in some cases.

While price is indeed an option-I wouldn't go right out and buy a $800 high end com-dive reg, I would be equally wary of the lower end regs as well. You can get what you pay for, but don't get less than you pay for either.

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

While price is indeed an option-I wouldn't go right out and buy a $800 high end com-dive reg, I would be equally wary of the lower end regs as well. You can get what you pay for, but don't get less than you pay for either.

I've said this before, but price is such a subjective thing... there are some $700 regs I couldn't care less for and would much rather buy a pair of $300 regs.

Price, IMO, says very little about the regulator itself!

[navyhmc]

I was agreeing with your asesment DMWiz. But at the same time while not always a $150 regulator may not perform at the desired level.

[cbope]

I prefer my Mares because it doesn't need a pre-dive lever.

Originally Posted by CWSWine

What the Wiz said and I also like the "pre dive lever" on my regs.

[DMWiz]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

I was agreeing with your asesment DMWiz. But at the same time while not always a $150 regulator may not perform at the desired level.

I knew you were not disagreeing, I think I was just expanding on what you said.

But honestly, I think for 90%+ of sport divers most new regulators will be just fine regardless of price and we just fall for the marketing blitz... and believe we need gear that is "dive buzz-word compliant"

Oh you have a balanced regulator, this new one is over-balanced!!! Yours has a venturi adjustment, this other new reg cost a little more, but it doesn't need one! Oh really? I just detune mine and it wont free flow!

Ok rant over...

[Black-Gorrilla]

Originally Posted by cbope

I prefer my Mares because it doesn't need a pre-dive lever.

I don't think Mares makes an adjustable second stage, or need one for that mater. They do fine with out it.
My mares reg breaths great as deep as i've taken it (close to 100') but it does make some noises (not sure it's normal)