New Mares Instinct vs Used Oceanic Omega II - which side vent reg on a budget?

[James Ocean]

I'm looking for a moderately priced side vent regulator.

I know they're very different but if you were on a budget, would you choose a new Mares Instinct reg or a used Oceanic Omega II and then have it serviced?

 

[JackD342]

The Instinct is not a current item, and hasn’t been for at least a couple of years.
I think that one came and went pretty quickly - maybe only in the catalog for about 3 or 4 years total?
I don’t know if there was any performance issue or not - it just may not have sold well. I think it was based off the MV octo design (and the old Dacor Vyper) which is a pretty basic unbalanced 2nd stage.
So if you are looking at one NIB, be sure you are getting a good deal on it.