looking for a budget reg for my fiancee

[Texas_Aggie06]

we are both got certified this summer and went to Playa. it was amazing. we've finally found something we both can enjoy together. we don't have our own stuff, though. money is definitely an issue. we will be doing no diving beyond recreational depths nor any cold water diving. i have no problem purchasing a low end model now, and upgrading a two years down the road. so, what do you guys think?

[medic001918]

Check out the V16 Proton from Mares. We got a good deal on it from Todd at ST when we bought my wife's. It breathes well, and to date has been reliable for her. She's totally pleased with it. When we ordered her set up, we got her the V16 Proton, Proton Octo, Tusa SPG and a Aeris XR-2 Computer with long hoses on the reg for about $600 or so. Without the computer, I think the SPG, octo and reg came in around $300. Not bad for a quality product. I'm happy with Mares. I dive an MR22 Abyss and I've never had any issues with it. But to be honest, I think we might try some Apeks when we get our doubles set ups over the winter.

Shane

[creggur]

Lot's of folks here (including Larry) have said good things about the Tusa RS-130...
rs-130

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai..._ID=TusaRS-130

Looks like a lot of features for the price....

[Texas_Aggie06]

wow that is a great deal if it is as good as they say

[creggur]

Yep $180.00 before any forum discounts or GC's it does seem to be quite a deal. The only experience I have with Tusa is my Zoom fins, but I love them and they are definately a quality piece.....

I don't think you will be going wrong with this reg.....

[Texas_Aggie06]

i have tusa fins, mask, and snorkel. it wasn't by design either. i went through every mask on the wall never looking at price and it just happen to fit my face far better than anything else.

[Foo2]

I also wanted to throw in the Mares R2 Rebel package at ST. Here is an older thread that tells you a little about it. I actually have the R2 package and I think it's great. My console is small and compact but still easy to read. All in all it's a great setup....and you can't beat that price!

[Texas_Aggie06]

interesting. the packages look like really good deals. all the guys at the lds talk about how you can keep your reg forever, etc etc. but, like anything if you really get it into it you will own more than one piece of equipment.

[medic001918]

As you continue to get into diving, you will aquire more gear to meet your demands. I started with a jacket BC, and went to a bp/w. Started with regular hoses on my regs and went to long hoses. Split fins and switched to jet's. Gotten a few different wetsuits for different reasons, and a dry suit. Gone through a few lights. Started with a back up and a pistol primary, now dive a backup and a canister light. It all depends on what kind of diving you see yourself doing and how into it you get. For my wife and I, our next step is doubles and dedicated rigs for them. This means we'll get two more BP/W set ups, two sets of doubles, four more regs, etc. But it's something we do together so it's worth it to us. Keep your eyes open and good deals can be had. Call the guy's at ST and tell them your budget, the type of diving you do and your goals and they can recommend things for you. They carry even more than what's listed on the website.

Shane

[Scubastud16]

I have the MR12 Rebel, which is the R2 deal on ST, with a different first stage (balanced piston, means same breathing effort at all depths). Check out both options, they're both great regs.