Best bang for the buck?

[Caveeagle]

I agree that DIN regulators are a nuisance if you are exclusively using yoke tanks, as will be the case if you are renting tanks for boat dives.

Really? On both my ocean dive trips this year, we rented DIN tanks. I actually bought a couple DIN/Yoke adapters for my kids, and they just sat in my gear bag.

I am sure there are spots where Yoke(only) is still the standard. But I would ask: are they still buying new Yoke valves? Or are they just a little behind the curve and will eventually convert like the shops/boats I frequent? There is certainly little risk in going Yoke, but there are some steering the OP away from GOOD reg options by suggesting "DIN only" is a negative.

I think it is also important to mention resale value. For those who do not know... Alachua County IS part of 'Cave Country' and the OP self admits to the "too many hobby" pitfall. I don't want to be discouraging (to the OP), but I thing its a good idea to consider how hard it would be to sell your regs if you ever decide to.

Whether you like it or not.. DIN Regs will probably sell for more money used in this area. Dive Rite, in particular will be a local favorite. I am partial to the HOGs due to self service options, and I can never seem to get to the local used ones before they get snapped up. FWIW.

 

[beaverdivers]

Hey all,

My husband and I are looking into buying our own regulators/octopuses. There's a lot out there so we wanted to get a sense of what this community uses. We're typical vacation divers- we're advanced open water certified through PADI but we tend to stick to shallow warm water locales (we just want to hang out with reef fishies!) with the occasional 70-90ft dive. We dive a few times a year but are looking to do more local dives from our boat (Florida-Gulf waters) so we figured it would make sense to look into buying regs instead of perpetually renting.

Any recommendations or things to keep out for when shopping? Looking back through this forum there seems to be some love for the ScubaPro MK series and Mares Abyss series. We're looking for something reliable, easy to maintain (something that most dive shops can service), not terribly expensive (not looking to cheap out, but we don't want to spend crazy money on it either).

Thanks!!

I would recommend a Scubapro MK2 Evo/R195 with a R095 oct. It received the Scubalab's Best Buy for 2015. It is perfect for your needs for now. If you think that you are going to maybe do more aggressive diving, then you may want to step up to the MK21/S560. It received the Sport Diver Editor's pick for 2015.

One thing to consider, the easier breathing regulator will lower your air consumption & increase your bottom time.

 

[tbone1004]

ok chief, you're not getting the point. You just recommended a bare minimum $615 regulator setup based on the pricing on your website. How on earth is that a better bang for the buck than this
DGX Custom - Dive Rite XT Streamlined OW Reg Package | Dive Gear Express®
which is $600 even, includes all braided hoses, and are better regulators on all three stages?

 

[JohnN]

ok chief, you're not getting the point. You just recommended a bare minimum $615 regulator setup based on the pricing on your website. How on earth is that a better bang for the buck than this
DGX Custom - Dive Rite XT Streamlined OW Reg Package | Dive Gear Express®
which is $600 even, includes all braided hoses, and are better regulators on all three stages?

My BFF Casey has never been reality constrained. . .

 

[nh16]

If nothing else, watching the thread has been entertaining I think we've got some good suggestions to research!

 

[beaverdivers]

ok chief, you're not getting the point. You just recommended a bare minimum $615 regulator setup based on the pricing on your website. How on earth is that a better bang for the buck than this
DGX Custom - Dive Rite XT Streamlined OW Reg Package | Dive Gear Express®
which is $600 even, includes all braided hoses, and are better regulators on all three stages?

***Reality Check ***
My recommendation, a Scubapro MK2/R195, is a quality regulator with a proven track record backed by a world-wide company that has been in business for over 50 years. MSRP is $363 before any discounts. Yes, it is a better Bang for the Buck!

 

[halocline]

One thing to consider, the easier breathing regulator will lower your air consumption & increase your bottom time.

This is nonsense. A regulator would have to breathe VERY poorly to require enough extra effort to actually increase your air consumption. Only regulators in poor condition and/or way out of adjustment would do this.

That said, the MK2/R190 is a perennial best buy for reliability and surprisingly good performance from an unbalanced piston/downstream 2nd design. I would look for a used one, though, maybe from a shop's rental fleet. The design hasn't changed in decades, so new ones are no better than older versions.

 

[diversteve]

Reality check, a Mk2EVO is a 53 year old updated design. Mostly it appears some of the components are now treated for cold water use. And unbalanced.

Also comparing apples to apples, your price includes 1st/2nd stage and hose. tbone's deal includes 1st, TWO 2nds, hoses, pressure gauge and din/yoke converter. This is one of those times I agree with him although there's not many....LOL.

I can do better than that for similar money and I don't know anywhere near much about the Scubapro line as you do since you're a Scubapro Platinum Reseller. Doesn't that mean that's the only reg line you're allowed to carry in-store due to your marketing agreement with them? It's is for mine here....

Why would you not recommend a balanced MK11/R195 instead for $20 more retail? Same 50 yr. history with that one...
Especially when the MK11 has that often important 2nd HP port in these days of AI computers backed up by pressure gauges.
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-scpm11r195/scuba-pro-mk11-r195-regulator - $383
or MK11/S360 for $424. - which may be a discontinued combo now.
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-scpm11s36/scubapro-mk11-s360-regulator

OP, If there's more money in the budget, I'd look at their newest, the Mk21 since it has excellent breathing characteristics - 2nd only to the flagship MK25 afaik plus built-in cold water features. Paired with the S360 for $554.
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-scpm21s56/scubapro-mk21-s560-regulator

Look real hard at a Atomic Aquatics Z2 also - the entire line has the same breathing characteristics up to their $1700 T3 - there's just a little more Titanium in that one. 2 year/300 dive recommended service interval - their patented seat saver orifice allows them to offer it. 2HP ports 5/7 LP or optional swivel turret for hose routing. $429/$469 sealed - although I doubt that's needed in Florida rec. diving. Or $549 for the newer Z3 which adds the 2nd stage swivel hose but seems to be basically the same otherwise. They are btw a very nice option to reduce jaw fatigue.

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-atmz2s/atomic-z2-regulator
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-atmz3ry/atomic-z3-swivel-regulator

Atomic was started over a decade ago by two ex-Scubapro engineers who had a better idea. IMO they did, it's all I've dove the past decade or so.

I have no affiliation with Leisurepro other than being a customer and it's my go to site to find links for comparisons like these. The same pricing should be available thru Beaverdivers for Scubapro or your local dealer(s) also - both are fixed MSRP by the mfr. My dealer has 10% leeway from Atomic also which he passes on.

One factor to consider is service costs. Many here service their own regs so they only buy those brands that make that easier. Some mfr's (Aqualung) control their parts distribution tightly vs. HOG who seems to sell parts kits affordably to anyone. So you tend to see those recommended more.

The bigger cost of service is labor. So a more premium line that offers 2 year intervals actually pays for itself somewhere around the 3rd service interval - even when the initial cost is up to $150 more - I did the math here once. This assuming you intend to follow mfr's recommendations.

 

[walkonmars]

Funny thing, diverightinscuba.com is closing out the Hollis DC3 and 212 combo for $200.
This regulator is in DIN.
It seems Hollis is discontinuing the 212 line and some of the first stages. You can buy the yoke adapter if you choose for around $45.
As I see it, this regulator is likely an upgrade over most rental units. I'm weary about all those recommendations for regulators costing over $350. Factor in labor for service at your local shops.

 

[cbm32]

I just picked up a brand new MK17 on ebay for $185.00 It was on as Buy It Now for $220 or best offer. I offered $150, he came back at $185, and the deal was done.

I got my BCD the same way and for less than half of retail...brand new from a dive shop that was simply moving out some old stock.

If you are willing/able to put in a little time, effort, and study, you can put together a good set up real cheap. Stick with sellers that have a good number of sales and a very high approval rating and you will seldom if ever get burned badly.

I JUST recently took my first bad beat on used equipment when I bought a package deal for the MK25 S600 reg set that was included on craigslist. Everything turned out to be ok except the MK25 which was beyond salvage on the inside even though it looked great on the outside. But, I bought the aforementioned MK17 to go with the S600, Octo, spg, and Suunto computer I got in the Craigslist deal and I still have a really good set up for real cheap......even if I dont consider the BCD I got in the deal.
Just all depends on how much effort you want to put into it and what you figure your time is worth I guess.