Using unbalanced regs on stage bottles

[dlawrence]

I'm just starting out in scuba diving (OW certified in Jan 08) and looking to buy and entry level reg set. I've read a bunch of the forums on the packages that ST offers.

I'm leaning towards going with either the TUSA RS-130 or the Mares MR 12 setup, mainly because it is balanced and the TUSA is adjustable (not sure if the MR 12 is).

But, one thing I noticed in some of the Mares R2 Rebel threads is that tech divers often use unbalanced regs like the R2 on stage bottles. If I continue scuba diving, which I hope to, I will probably want to get into tech diving, especially cave/cavern diving. In that situation, I'm obviously going to be buying a lot more gear, so my regulator will likely be replaced in a year or two anyway.

So, this is a long way to get to my question, which is do tech divers also use balanced regs on stage bottles? The reason I'm asking is that if they don't, I think I'm better off saving the $100 and having a reg I will still use later on by getting the R2. Otherwise, if I could use either later, I'm probably better off just investing more now and getting a better reg.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by dlawrence

I'm just starting out in scuba diving (OW certified in Jan 08) and looking to buy and entry level reg set. I've read a bunch of the forums on the packages that ST offers.

I'm leaning towards going with either the TUSA RS-130 or the Mares MR 12 setup, mainly because it is balanced and the TUSA is adjustable (not sure if the MR 12 is).

But, one thing I noticed in some of the Mares R2 Rebel threads is that tech divers often use unbalanced regs like the R2 on stage bottles. If I continue scuba diving, which I hope to, I will probably want to get into tech diving, especially cave/cavern diving. In that situation, I'm obviously going to be buying a lot more gear, so my regulator will likely be replaced in a year or two anyway.

So, this is a long way to get to my question, which is do tech divers also use balanced regs on stage bottles? The reason I'm asking is that if they don't, I think I'm better off saving the $100 and having a reg I will still use later on by getting the R2. Otherwise, if I could use either later, I'm probably better off just investing more now and getting a better reg.

All 9 of my regs are balanced. 4 Dive Rites, 4 Zeagles and a sherwood.

I use Dive Rite 2500's on my O2 and a Zeagle envoy on my stages. (Dive Rite 2500 and Zeagle flathead six on my doubles, wife has DR Hurricane and Zeagle DS4 on her doubles)

For a starter reg, the Zeagles or Dive Rites are great choices.

[dlawrence]

I think the Dive Rite is probably out of my price range right now. This is the Zeagle you are talking about, right?

Zeagle Envoy Regulator, Regulators, Zeagle, Zeagle Envoy Regulator

If I went with that one, would I want to get a Zeagle Octopus as well, or is it fine to mix it up and go cheaper on the Octopus?

[ScaredSilly]

All of mine are balanced as well. The MR12 is a great work horse reg. I used two for pony and deco bottles until recently when I consolidated gear. I still have on for dry suit inflation.

Working within one or two brands makes life slightly easier. As for a cheaper octo. Get a quality octo - you will not need it until you need and then you will want something that breaths good.

[dlawrence]

Originally Posted by ScaredSilly

As for a cheaper octo. Get a quality octo - you will not need it until you need and then you will want something that breaths good.

So, given a relatively fixed budget and assuming that price = quality (roughly, I know that's not always true), I'd be better off buying a cheaper reg and octo set where they are somewhat comparable in price than spending more on a reg and equivalently less on an octo?

Not sure if that makes sense.

[ScaredSilly]

Yes it makes sense. A MR12 Rebel with a Rebel Octo is a fine reg set that will not set you back a huge $$. From there you can buy higher performing regs as your diving need increase and then use these for a pony/deco bottles when you get to that stage.

[rox@ucf11]

i have a tusa rs 130 with a mares viper brigade octo (it is a side breather which is nice because when handing it off it doesnt matter which way you orient it up or down.) the viper brigade is a fine octo i have breathed it down to 100 feet and it breaths just fine

[texdiveguy]

The answer to your questions look like have been addressed fairly well.

I concur that the Mares MR12 is hard to beat for a reg in that category. I use all balanced regs for my diving.

Good luck on your purchases....it will allow you to dive more often and a bit more confident in the gear you are using.

[dlawrence]

Originally Posted by texdiveguy

The answer to your questions look like have been addressed fairly well.

I definitely agree with that. Thanks all!