I want to get a newer scubapro reg, been using them exclusively over the years, excluding my 1st regulator, a USD double hose which I still use now and again. I used the pilot for years and some D series, still have a couple D-350's and D400, But I need poppets for the 350's that I can't find and the fact that field strip repairs are a real bummer. I'm doing a lot of beach diving now that I'm living on the Big Island and not in the dive business anymore but still doing my own repairs and I'd like to get a simpler design.
But I love the fact that they breath consistently good no matter what body position your in. My question is can any other design achieve this? Like the ones with the flow adjusters and predive switches like the s-600? And if it field strips easily that's even better...
Since you still have D350s and D400s, you will not find a better performing new 2nd stage. It doesn't exist IMO. You can easily still service the D series regs if all you need is the poppet and o-rings. Some parts, like the plastic aspirator, could be hard to find at some point, but they only get replaced if they break.
If you want simple and easier to work on, the best bet IMO would be a 109 or balanced/adjustable 2nd stage with a new lever, spring, and s wing poppet, all of which are readily available. It won't breathe as easily in face-up positions as the D series, but it will perform extremely well. I don't know exactly what you mean by 'field strip repairs' but the D series regs can be dismantled partially by hand with no tools, underwater if necessary. Full rebuilds take a spanner and small hex key. For the 109, you need a small screwdriver or hex key to dismantle them, but once apart they are extremely simple, like 2 o-rings and a seat simple.
I have a few pilots, both original and converted; the converted ones breathe just about as well and are much easier to work on. They are essentially a D series reg in a metal case. Some delicate parts, especially the diaphragm, are easy to tear during rebuild and very difficult to find. I enjoy working on and using my pilots occasionally, but 95% of my diving is done with either a D300 or balanced/adjustable. That includes cave diving.
So IMO there is no reason for getting a new regulator if you like the D350 or 400s that you have, unless you don't feel capable of working on it (understandable, many dive shop techs can't work on them) in which case try one of the 109s.
