dpbishop
Contributor
I have been diving an IST for a couple of years. Bought it at Costco as a back up reg, it moved to first string when I couldn't get my Dacor serviced anymore. Never had a problem with it in over 50 dives.
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Here is my two cents...I bought my ist r-20 off the internet as well. I first used it in a quarry in the midwest, in April, 40F water. No problems what so ever. The regulator breathed great with a little bit of a gurgling sound from the second stage when upside-down, but no water leak that I could tell.
I've used this reg on only 10 dives, so I don't know how it's gonna do long term, but so far I have no complaints. Although if you buy one, you might want to put a more comfortable mouthpiece on it.
I also own oceanic CDX5 (my favorite), and aeris atmos sport (discontinued, but a great reg). All three regs breathe about the same.
I understand what people are saying about supporting LDSs, and I agree with that, but I also have a limited budget and if I had to purchase all my gear from them, I would have to choose a different hobby.
The point is you can't learn scuba or get refills over the internet, so that's one thing LDSs will always have a monopoly on. And by the way, there is no reason why they can't sell they're gear online...but it might mean a slimmer profit margin.
We have a LDS as well as an on-line store. We are restricted by manufacturers as to how low we can advertise a product on the web, called a MAP (minimum advertised price). When you shop on-line from a manufacturer's authorized dealer you'll notice that most of us have the same price on items, usually the MAP. If you come into our LDS you'll find that most products may be actually lower than anything you'll find on-line because we can deal more freely.
Any gear that works for you, makes you happy, and fits your budget is the right gear for you. We offer a wide variety of manufacturers, prices, and styles. Of course I have my personal opinion on what is best, at least for me, and I'll probably steer you towards it if you ask me. But everyone who shops should at least review the manufacturer's website and learn what you can about the gear you are placing your life into.
Happy Diving
Larry
All I can say is when you need an air fill see what the price is on the internet. Sounds harsh? Maybe so - but the more that is bought on the net the more profit is lost at the LDS and eventually they are no long around. Remember they are not just selling equipment, they offer air fills, classes, trips, they have taxes, insurance and lots of expenses and are there basically for us not for "profit".
Just my opinion
Becky