Online Regulator reviews?

[Turtle Dude]

As I might just replace my old regulator, rather than service (see other thread) - are there any good online reviews/recommendations of current regulators?

[Chris Cherrington]

No.

Chris

[Turtle Dude]

No.

Chris
LOL. :D

[dunny]

Everyone will only give you there own opinion. But basically it depends on what type of diving you wish to do. I.e. if its deep technical diving, the reg required for this will probably be different than the average recreational dive.

Some people like posidons because of there robust nature, however for example the jetstream will probably increase your gas consumption, but its very very reliable. (Thus its popularity amongst technical divers)

Alot of people in the UK use Apeks regs, if i was going to buy one i'd go for the XTX100, IMO the XTX200 isn't worth the extra cash, however the XTX50 is also quite good.

Mares is also a good make however i've never used any of there topend regs so can't comment.

Persoanally i use scubapro regs and have never had a problem with them. So basically there isn't a bad reg anymore so best bet is to go to your LDS and see if you can get a good deal and maybe ask people in your club if you can try theres.

However something to bear in mind is that different length hoses and also service kits vary in price greatly between manufactures. So maybe think about this before you buy.

Also i'd try and make sure you get a 2nd stage that has a venturi switch (helps prevent free flows) and maybe also a crank to change the breathing effort again this is just personal preference.

Phil

[Turtle Dude]

Thanks Dunny.

I would be interested in hearing any other views and preferences.

[dunny]

Also try these links

http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/listtenbytpe.asp?p=1&articletype=6&v=3
http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?section=2019

There's alot to choose from!

Phil

[Chris Cherrington]

Apeks and ScubaPro are generally well regarded (inc the Mk5 :D)

Modern regs are pretty good and its quite hard to get a bad one unless you buy some gimmick driven expensive marketing triumph. (Both Apeks and ScubaPro have such things in their ranges too...)

Unless you are diving deep (45m+) on air performance is not an issue. Trimix will breathe well in a basic reg at 70m. Service costs can be an issue but the answer is a basic regulator like the Scubapro Mk2 (or Mk5)

A really good reg will last a lifetime. (Like your Mk5 ;))

Chris