Good regulator for a relatively new diver

[Laruuk]

I'm recently certified as well and I bought the Aqualung Titan. Dove it for the first time last week and loved it.

It came with the same ABS Octo you mentioned, it is a good "bang for your buck" reg/octo set. Been around for awhile, easy to find someone to service it, and has a repytation for reliability.

YMMV

 

[halocline]

Thanks for the replies. I have another question. I need to buy the whole regulator/gauge/computer/octopus system. Tell me if this combination sounds ok for someone in my situation. I understand it surpasses my previously stated $350 limit but that's ok.

Aqualung Titan LX regulator
Aqualung ABS octopus
Suunto Gekko 2 gauge computer console

Is that the cheap "compact" octo that's a side exhaust? I wouldn't get it if it is. Maybe get another titan 2nd for an octo. I'd be cautious about getting a computer console; many divers prefer having the computer on their wrist. The gekko also comes in a wrist boot. Then you can just get a SPG on a 24" hose which you can cleanly clip off to a D ring somewhere on the left side of your BC; they all have at least one D ring on the left. You're going to soon find out that you refer to the computer constantly to check depth/time, but you'll only need to check air supply occasionally.

There is one caveat, though. If you're a brand new diver, you might feel more comfortable having depth/time and air info all in one place, and it might be a good thing for you to check your air frequently. So, maybe find out if the gekko in the console you buy can be removed and put into a wrist boot; many computer modules can. In that case, you might buy it, dive it for a season or so until you get confident about your air consumption and sick of picking up the console every time you want to know how deep you are.

 

[yukilaw1012]

For starters, that's a pretty good start-up. The ABS on the other hand I would replace it with something else, but if this is a package set why not. Later on you can change to something else. The Gekko in the console isn't a bad idea. Yeah, maybe for someone like me I would prefer it on a wrist, but again if this a package set why not.

Thanks for the replies. I have another question. I need to buy the whole regulator/gauge/computer/octopus system. Tell me if this combination sounds ok for someone in my situation. I understand it surpasses my previously stated $350 limit but that's ok.

Aqualung Titan LX regulator
Aqualung ABS octopus
Suunto Gekko 2 gauge computer console

 

[keyshunter]

Why buy the ABS and then replace it? For about the same price, you can get the the Calypso-Titan Octo, which is a very good octopus. I suspect that most shops would gladly make the substitution in order to close a sale.

 

[Stu S.]

All good choices. Get the wrist computer and a basic SPG.

 

[Laruuk]

If you're a brand new diver, you might feel more comfortable having depth/time and air info all in one place, and it might be a good thing for you to check your air frequently. So, maybe find out if the gekko in the console you buy can be removed and put into a wrist boot; many computer modules can. In that case, you might buy it, dive it for a season or so until you get confident about your air consumption and sick of picking up the console every time you want to know how deep you are.

As a brand new diver, I know that I check my console more for air consumption than depth/time. I'm sure I'll get a wrist computer in a couple years, but for now, I'm happy with my Atmos ai.

 

[Couv]

Hello. I need some advice for a good regulator for me. I got certified in May and I have about 15 dives logged. What would be a good regulator for under $350? I know this sounds a little broad but if you guys could help me out I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

I have to second the motion to go see Joe and Larry at Scuba Toys in the Big D

 

[csrempert]

I emailed Scuba Toys to see if they had the items I want in stock. I also asked if they would match Leisure Pro's price on those items. I have decided to go with the Suunto Gekko wrist style computer. Because of this I will need to buy an SPG. Can someone recommend a general, good, cheap SPG for me?

 

[all4scuba05]

You mean high quality yet inexpensive SPG. Last time I heard someone ask for cheap SPG, they got a whoopin.

 

[fireflock]

XS Scuba brass and glass - 2.5" Get a hose, and if you want it get a boot.

nice, solid, big enough to read easily