KTA, yes, the price differences are there for a reason. This is an obvious matter which pervades our market society. You get what you pay for. For more money you will get more complexity in the formm of external adjustments, and more internal parts designed to allow you to dive to 400 feet.
Does this matter to you as a recreational diver? Probably not, and if you are shopping for a moderately priced regulator, fear not. Just make sure that you purchase a brand name. If in doubt, check the Rodale's website. Occasionally, they find that a particular product, imported from a third world country perhaps, is not up to snuff. However, the average low end reg will deliver sufficient air and low breathing effort to dive below 130 feet, far below.
A significant portion of the price of a USA made regulator is liability insurance. They can not afford to make a bad regulator. Ocassionally someone slips up and there is a recall. This is most likely to occur with new models. Moreover, the problem is actually more likely to occur with high end regulators which are more complicated and employing novel features to compete in the latest market segment.
Pricing reflects the general retail/wholesale seesaw common throughout the industry. Some regs are discounted more than others. Still, you end up with what you pay for. That's OK. A simpler, less expensive brand name reg will be fine, all else being equal; and, it's fun to get a discount.
Most commonly heard is the argument that if you buy something simple and reliable, but unsophisticated, you will be forced to upgrade at some point in time. That may be true. However, the impetus for this is "new toys for boys" and social pressure to "fit in". It doesn't become a technical matter unless you graduate to trimix gas or cave diving which is to say, not until you plan a moontrip.
Check out the Aqualung and Oceanic lines for moderate pricing of quality regs. There are others.
