Does high cost represent "Top of the Line?"
The answer in two words - Absolutely Not
I hate to keep harping on Scubapro... it would seem that I work for them or sell the products. Let me be clear - I do not work for Scubapro and I do not sell it. I dive with it - Period.
I dive with it because it has been around almost from the beginning. In fact, 30 Year old Scubapro regulators are still being used safely today - and you can still find parts for them when you need them. The entry level Scubapro regulator is basically unchanged from the way it was produced 20+ years ago. There is a reason. It works and it works well. The MK2 R190 workhorses I own are 10 and 8 years old respectively. They have dove all over the world - warm water, cold water (42 F), shallow water and deep water (150 FT) and never once have they failed or for that matter even freeflowed. Their cost is about $200 brand new.
Of course SP makes some very expensive regulator models also... and some of them are very nice. I like the MK16 S550 and others I know live and die with the MK25 G250 or S650. They cost nearly double the price of the MK2 R190... all I ever ask is why?
Balanced vs Unbalanced. Flow control valve? I ask who cares. I own all of the above Scubapro regs... but I dive for work everyday with the entry level MK2 R190.
Now aside from regulators, I say the rest of your equipment as a newbie should come down to one factor - comfort. BCD's, wetsuits, masks, etc... must all fit comfortably. Brands and costs don't matter much... but comfort does. Maybe the one that fits you right costs the most - I say buy it. Maybe the best fit costs the least - I say buy it.
The only thing I try to tell people is buy a solid - good breathing regulator... and it always comes back to the one thats been doing it for more than 30 years... there can be no argument... except I'll agree that Apeks are also right up there...
Ken
taylode:
I think a lot of factors come into play when buying gear trust, comfort, price, etc. In my case, outfitting three I went with a mixed bag of top-of-the-line and economy. I went with the Zeagle Ranger LTD for myself and the Zena for my daughter and most likely my wife once shes certified. We all agreed that the Zeagle line was the most comfortable and as a result we are inherently familiar with each others gear. As for computers, I used the same logic three Oceanic computers. I selected the Pro +2 because of the large display and got the wrist models for my wife and daughter. Regulators were more subjective and I didnt have a good way to evaluate them. Here my LDS was very helpful by ensuring me that virtually all regulators were safe and good. I went with a less expensive Oceanic line based upon their recommendation. Lastly, of the rack wetsuits didnt fit very well so we went with custom from Triple L and saved about $300 per off the rack suits. I will continue to use them until I decide to go dry.
Bottom line, there is a reason for buying top of the line equipment whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran. Each consumer will have different reasons and for me it was comfort and compatibility, which I translate as safer.
