Need help on my upgrades

[john stinson]

i have a scubapro mk2/r190, genesis gs2000/1204 2110, and apeks atx40/0098 en250 (not sure what the model is of genesis or apeks}. I am taking my AOW soon but the kids do not have enough dives yet for their aow, so maybe in another year or two for them.
I am wanting to upgrade the weakest link in one of the regulator systems, not even sure which one is the weakest link.

I am totally confused on all the scubapro models i have found off different boards. I am looking to spend 100-150 and i will reuse my octo.

so far i have narrowed it down to these
mk10+ and s555 125.00
g200b/mk10 115.00
mk16/r380 175.00
mk14/r380 145.00
mk16/s550 175.00
mk10/g250 135.00
mk200/g200b 125.00
mk16/s550 115.00
tusa x-pert rs-460 1st and 2nd 110.00
cress ellipse titanium 1st and 2nd 110.00

sorry for long list but any i should stay away from or that i should really go after, open to other brands/models as long as its in my price range for diving in F-L-A
john

 

[northernone]

I don't see any need to upgrade. No weak link in that lineup regarding what is suitable for AOW dives.

Looks like you've done some good research. I've dove a handful of those you listed only and all were suitable.

Glad to hear your diving with your family.
Cameron

 

[DIY]

I thought you only needed to be 12 years old to take AOW, no dive # requirements.

 

[john stinson]

my kids only have 5-6 spring dives and 1 beach dive and i would feel better when they have a little more experience off a boat.
none of these are a super good deal and worth upgrading too?

 

[Centrals]

Apeks ATX40(2nd stage) is usually pair with DS4(1st stage) but a picture will confirm this.
If it is indeed DS4 + ATX40 then the only up-grade you will ever need will be an adjusting screw(available on e-bay).
But even DS4 + ATX40 is good enough for recreational diving on its own. They are dead easy to service as long as you can get the service kits.

 

[fmerkel]

You have a common misconception that by "upgrading" your dive experience will be better and safer. It's simply not necessarily true. Any of those regs properly tuned will do absolutely fine for you for any recreational use.

 

[Centrals]

my kids only have 5-6 spring dives and 1 beach dive and i would feel better when they have a little more experience off a boat.
none of these are a super good deal and worth upgrading too?

Mk10 + G250 is highly regarded.
But you have to be careful with used unit.

 

[john stinson]

hope this identifies what i have. just want to know if i should jump on one of these deals i have posted in lieu of a 1st and 2nd stage i already own

 

[john stinson]

thanks, fmerkel, that is what i wanted to hear. and yes they have all been serviced by my local shop

 

[Centrals]

From the 1st and 2nd photo it is indeed Apeks DS4(dry sealed 4 LP ports). Nothing wrong with this set up which is also suitable for cold water diving(<10C).