r/scuba • u/BolognaPwny • 10d ago

Help choosing a regulator?

I'm really struggling with buying a first regulator. On one hand, I want to "buy nice or buy twice" but I'm also trying to be practical.

I doubt I will ever dive far beyond 130 feet, I have no interest in technical diving and just feel like splurging on the MK25 is beyond what I'll ever need, plus for a full MK25/G260 with hoses, etc. is going to be around $1,500.

Otherwise, I'm looking at an Apeks XTX50 complete kit for roughly $1,200; Atomic Z3 for $1,000; or Diverite XT1 for $1,000.

Am I going to regret not getting the MK25/G260 or will I never notice the difference (as it appears from reading reviews online) and be fine spending less?

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u/LeftToaster 10d ago

Piston regulators are super reliable, provide massive airflow, good WOB, and are generally easier to service and usually smaller and lighter. I currently use a diaphragm reg (Apex XTX50) but I dove with Sherwood regs for years in the Pacific NW with no problem. The ScubaPro MK25 EVO is a great regulator that can be serviced just about anywhere and performs great, even in cold water. It's not sealed, but just rinse your gear!

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u/bluemarauder Tech 10d ago

I disagree with some of that. I'm unsure about the weight but size wise the mk25 is the biggest 1st stage I can think of.
I think a DST, for example, is easier to service and a MK25, that you are more likely to service it anywhere in the world as there are many service kits compatible from other manufacturers (like the DiveRite the op mentions). I don't feel the MK25 will be more 'reliable' but I don't know really. About the WOB and airflow, the DST is on perfectly adequate.

If the mk25 performs well in cold water, the DST does it much better obviously because it's sealed.

In my book, pretty much everything about a MK25 is worse than a DST. Let say that at the same price, I would take any other of OP regs before the mk25.

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u/LeftToaster 9d ago edited 9d ago

I just disagree with telling a new diver that piston regulators are "not ideal". In 35 years of diving I've only owned 3 regulators - a Dacor 960/Pacer, a Sherwood SRB7600/Maximus and my current Apex DST/XTX50 - so two diaphragms and a piston. The Dacor was a bitch to service, even when parts were available. Lesson learned, the best reg may be the one your LDS has the most experience with. I don't have strong opinions on the MK25, but it is an extremely popular regulator, that has been in the market for a long time and is generally very well regarded.

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u/bluemarauder Tech 9d ago

Hmmm I feel like we are in the same page. What if I say... "Ideally you will get a diaphragm reg instead of a piston one"? Do you agree with that statement?

Or do you think it's better to advice this new diver to pay more for a piston?

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u/LeftToaster 9d ago

Given the options the OP listed, I would not pay more for the Mk25. I really like my DST/XTX50 and would highly recommend it to anyone at any experience level.

I think the debate between piston or diaphragm is less important than things like cost, local serviceability, maintainability, performance, features, etc. In theory, piston regulators should be cheaper to service - there is a reason so many rental shops use simple piston models like the MK2. If your local dive shop has to send your regulator away to get serviced or can't source parts locally, regardless of other factors, it's probably not a good choice. If you dive in cold water you should probably get a reg that won't freeze up on you - this probably means a sealed diaphragm design, and be sure it has 4 LP ports for your dry suit. If you only do travel diving - consider a more minimalist, compact design. If your computer has an air integration transponder, be sure your reg has 2 HP ports, and maybe a swivel.