I would say the Aqualung Titan LX, MK 11/R 395 or the MK 17/S555 would be a great start for you. They are very good regulators very easy breathers, and not to complicated. All three regs are what they called balanced diaphram regs. What that means is that they a rubber diaphram on the first stage that keeps all of the outside sand, water etc. from getting in the regulator. Also, they have a balancing chamber on the bottom side to keep the air flow easy throughout the dive. Organizing the hoses are easier with these regs compared to like the MK 25. The second stages are balanced with the exception of the R 395. The R 395 is a standard downstream second stage which doesn't have a balancing chamber like the Titan LX or S 555. Not to say its a bad regulator. Scubadiving.com rated it a very good to excellent breather and earned best buy. They are in your price range. Good luck.
