vygis1982
Registered
Hi, i am trying to set up my equipment by dir and was wondering what would you recomend as an octo and a first and second stage.
Thanks
Thanks
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The major considerations are that it is a downstream reg (almost all are, except some Poseidons), use standard fittings (again, most do), be suitable for the temperatures in which you are diving, and if possible, be capable of being opened for simple repairs underwater (which, for example, ScubaPro regs are if you modify the cover). For people diving doubles, hose routing is also an issue, and regs with LP orifices at the bottom of the first stage are a little easier to route (eg. ScubaPro Mk25s, or I believe the new HOG regs as well).
I see you're in LA. There are lots of local DIR divers here, so come on over to the Socal DIR subforum and see if you can't find someone to dive with. There are lots of first and second stages that will work for you....some better for doubles if you intend to go that route.
Meeting and diving with some of the local divers is a great way to gain some experience, meet some fun people, and dive as much as you can stand
FWIW, I dive Scubapro MK25 first stage and S600 second stages, with one of the second stages being on a 7' hose and the other on a 22" hose bungeed under my chin. I really like my regs (and they route very nicely with doubles), but haven't had issues with any of the other ones I've breathed.
great opinions, thanks a lot. I dive now with a scubapro mk25/a700 so in the future i will get doubles so i think i could not go wrong with the another a700 setup. I was debating should i go with an octo or go straight with a more expencive second stage but now i decided to go with another second stage.
The Apeks DST first stage can also be modified (Apeks kit) with a fifth LP port in the end, but you have to rotate the reg around and have the environmental seal exposed facing up and out (which I'm not a fan of). If that doesn't bother you, then you're good. The rotating turret is considered a possible failure point, though, which is why the Apeks DS4 (or the Tek) first stage is usually preferred for doubles, despite its more limited hose routing options. Some like to use the DST for stage/deco bottles, as the turret makes things a bit easier.
Guy