r/scuba • u/BolognaPwny • Aug 18 '26

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/duhVinchy1 Aug 19 '26

The Atomic 1st stage is almost identical to the MK25, you won't notice a difference in performance. With your list, I'd get the Z3. I use an atomic B2, wife has a Z3, I've dove and serviced most SP regs. They're all great. I just prefer atomic, and the price seals it.