Reg info - 1st purchase

Hello,

Any opinions for my first regulator purchase would be greatly appreciated!

I have just recently received my open water C-card, I would like to purchase a Reg and computer. I will be doing all warm water diving. I would like a reg that will be very comfortable to use, but will not blow my budget!

Everyone says Atomic, ( and my dive shop raves also !), but that is alot more that I want to spend.

Thanks!

Can you give us some idea on what you DO what to spend? Also, can you offer some ideas on what brands your local shops carry, so that you can get it serviced easily?

I don't know what your budget is, but I personally don't like putting a price on life support. However, most mid-priced units would probably be more than good enough for recreational diving in warm water. You don't need a sealed or all-titanium unit, just a solid performer. You might take a look at low to mid-range stuff from brands like Atomic, ScubaPro, or Zeagle - I don't think you can go wrong with any of these. Atomic do a great comfort swivel to help ease jaw fatigue. The Seacure mouthpiece is another good add-on to help with comfort issues on any reg - http://www.seacure1.com. Some other reg options might be Mares, Oceanic, or Aeris.

As for computers, I would avoid pricey wireless air integration models. I would also stay away from anything that uses a super liberal algorithm, but that's just me. I prefer a wrist computer (with a user replacable battery, and medium to conservative algorithm) in conjunction with a standard SPG/DG/Comp for redundancy, but that's just me too. I use the TUSA IQ-800 - very simple and easy to read, plus it has a vibration alarm mode so you don't have to worry about who's beeping.

Regs:
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulators/best_new_regs_of_2006/

Computers:
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/dive_computers/smart,_sleek_and_sexy/

Good place to buy from (ask Larry or Kip for advice):
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Regulators3.asp

Hope this helps, and good luck with your research and purchases!

I dive with a Zeagle Envoy it is a great reg. I have also dived with a Sherwood Blizzard and Oasis they are both good too.

Aeris XR2 is a nice computer with Nitrox capable. I like a console without air integration. Just don't like anything on my wrist to get caught on ladders etc...

I recommend MK25/S600, Mk17/S55 or Apeks 200 regs good performance for cool or warm water...
Welcome to Scuba Board
:wave-smil :wave-smil

Jason named some nice regs, but they are all among the most expensive on the market. If you weren't intrested in the Atomics because of price.. I don't think you'll be that interested in these either.

PerroneFord:

Jason named some nice regs, but they are all among the most expensive on the market. If you weren't intrested in the Atomics because of price.. I don't think you'll be that interested in these either.

Click to expand...

I interested brand AtomicT1 and T2 good reg as well..but price quite expensive, other than that I used Oceanic Omega 2 I love it...

Welcome to diving, and gear. The most expensive part is the divorce

All the regs mentioned so far are good - you won't go wrong with any of them. Fact is, for what you want, any reg from a major manufacturer will do a good job. Extras matter - Sealed - swivels - adjustments - DVT. What are you willing to pay for?

As for computers - I'd insist on a user replaceable battery, and I think it belongs in the console, not on the wrist, but many will disagree. I have an Oceanic Veo250 and an Alladin Prime- Bith are good , handle nitrox and are relatively cheap.

PerroneFord:

Can you give us some idea on what you DO what to spend? Also, can you offer some ideas on what brands your local shops carry, so that you can get it serviced easily?

Click to expand...

Ditto what Perrone said and where will you be diving?

I think this reg is a great bang for the buck deal:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TusaRS-130

As is this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Oceanic-GT3-CDX...ryZ16056QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a Zeagle Envoy too. Nearly perfect scores in Scuba Lab testing and has been more reliable than my husband's more expensive reg. Not to mention that it's been a great reg for the past (almost) 3 years. IMO you can never go wrong with Zeagle.