1st regulator advice

[dagoml]

I´m in the process of chosing/buying my first regulator. I have loggeed 30 dives but all of them have been on rented gear. I already made an extensive investigation on BC's and am inclined to buy the zeagle brigade. It was relatively easy to compare BCs based on needs and features.

The chosing of the reg is a complete different story, at least for me. The rental gear I have used is modest but I have had no problem with it. I don´t really know how different a $180 reg feels against a $500 reg. Is it worth the difference? From a safety standpoint, is a cheaper reg more risky?

There are a lot of "patented systems", materials, valves and features out there, but I don´t have the experience to pick one. I´d like to invest the minimum possible without putting my safety at jeopardy.

I dive mainly on warm water on 2 or 3 places in Mexico. No nitrox, double tanks or tech dives. I want to keep it simple for now.

Please advice.

[dagoml]

Another issue is the brand. I have visited 3 brick and mortar stores in Arizona. They all have limited brand availability and all claim that the brand they sell is the best. Which are really the top brands for regulators? Is there any model/brand I should stay away from?

[chewyjr15]

big difference between a 200 and 5-750 dollar reg. Main being breathability, but you also get into DVT, and enviornmentally sealed. As for what is the best reg and or company out their? personal prefference i guess. I have both a scubapro and an oceanic. Both good regs both great companys i could get either reg serviced most anywhere in the world thats why i choose them. becuase i do plan traveling and i wanted a reg and company that is recongnized and used all over the world.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Well, here's my take on regs.... First off - don't ever fall for that, "you should buy the most expensive one in the store - this is life support... you're at 100 feet and no air...."

Any reg is going to work, and the chance of any failure with one is not dependent on how much you paid for it, but how you treat it.

So that being said - what do you get when you spend more money? Some features. There are things like sealed regs for diving in temps below 40 degrees or so, there are adjustable regs, there are ones with metal this or plastic that.... and there is a little difference in "performance" and how they breathe. Equate that to a car - nice comfortable ride is how it breathes, performance is what it can do on the autobahn. So if you are never going to do dives to 150+ feet - basically you don't need to pay more money for performance... any reg has enough performance to go to 80 feet and deliver your air.

At different price points there are different regs I suggest based on budget and diving conditions. The Tusa RS-130 is a great reg for the money, and other ones starting off on the "I don't want to sell my house to buy a reg" range are the Zeagle Envoy series, the Mares MR12 Abyss, and some others. Great performance and lot's of features, sealed, swivel, dvt, etc, then there is the Oceanic FDX10 Delta IV which is an amazing reg.

So just go through the couch cushions, gather up all the change, and give us a call and we'll try to figure out what your needs are, then match that to a budget and a reg!

[Zenagirl]

I've been diving a "budget reg" (Zeagle Envoy) for the past 3 years and I have to tell you that it breathes as well at 13 feet as it does at 133 feet, and I've never had a problem with getting air. Not only that, but the Envoy got perfect scores in ScubaLab testing and breathed and performed better than many regulators 3x the cost.

Just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot to get a lot with Zeagles!!

[Xspect]

I think you have to dive what is comfortable to you. and what you can afford

[Hollywood703]

I bought a Oceanic CDX5 First Stage (environmentally sealed) and a GT3 Regulator.....I wouldnt trade this regulator for anything...It was very cost effective, and I have dove with it in water in the upped 30's and to 130 ft...it is user selectable as far as breathing resistance. The Delta IV isthe newer model with more medal and a bit more weight

[dagoml]

Thanks for the advice. It has been really helpful to understand what to look for.

I have looked at the packages offered by ST and I have the 2nd list of questions:


* What is the difference (Performance wise) between a Diaphragm and a
piston reg?

* What is the difference between the Mares mr12 abyss, Mares Mr12
Rebel and the mares mr2 rebel?

* What do you think about the Aeris A1 Reg?

* Can I make a package of the zeagle brigade BC and a reg package?

* Can I change the zeagle scout for the brigade on the light weight travel
package?

* The 10% discunt for forum members apply on packages?

* What do I need to do to get a quote on these options?


THANKS for yor help

[blue37]

dagoml,

Give Joe or Larry a call... They can answer all your questions... believe me, you will be satisfied!

[floater]

Originally Posted by dagoml

I don´t really know how different a $180 reg feels against a $500 reg. Is it worth the difference? From a safety standpoint, is a cheaper reg more risky?

Probably not more risky if maintained properly, but it might breathe worse (on deeper dives at least).

I´d like to invest the minimum possible without putting my safety at jeopardy.

I dive mainly on warm water on 2 or 3 places in Mexico. No nitrox, double tanks or tech dives. I want to keep it simple for now.

Please advice.

For warm water diving in recreational depths, you could probably get away with a cheap reg. Something simple and reliable; a lower end reg from a good quality brand perhaps. They are safe, but don't breathe as well.

Anyway, the obvious drawback is that if you later decide to get more into diving, say into deeper depths or cold water, you'll have to upgrade.