Are Old Regulator Designs Worth Buying? #askmark #scuba

@denniscamps8505
#askmark
Hi Mark, so I am nearly done with my open water course. I am in the market for a first regulator and I want good stuff. There are a kazilion regs out there. Most of them being sold for more then a decade without changes. I am leaning towards an atomic st1, I like the stainless and since they all breathe the same I will not go for the t3 version which is to expensive. Do you agree that the st1 is still after a decade one of the best regs out there or do you have better options for me?
Love your videos!
Kind regards,
Dennis

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver
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[dacam]

Poseidon Cyklon has been around since 1958 and they are still selling them!

[HerrCents]

I just used my Magnum 2 from 1986 ish at 100 ft. It performed well in Mexico.

[geemac]

I believe the key to longevity of breathing apparatus or any dive gear, is to wash thoroughly in soapy water, then rinse in clean fresh water, dry thoroughly and pack appropriately. I’ve had my Aqualung Titan LX regulators for 13+years. They are serviced regularly combined with washing after every dive and packed safely away🤿😃👍

[ivoryjohnson]

I got an Atomics regulator 8 years ago and it had been on the market for a while. Get what breathes right for you. So long as you got a dealer who can fix it, some regulators have free parts in their service.

[jeffconley]

I have a SCUBAPRO MK2 made in 1977 and service kits are still made for it. SCUBAPRO has been making MK2's since the mid 1960's. They have seen improvements through the years. But, they still make a MK2. I also have SCUBAPRO MK5 and Aqualung Conshelf regulator's that are still going.

In my opinion the only major change in regulator design since the 1960's are the balanced second stage and the first stage DIN fitting. If you have a balanced first stage you really don't need a balanced second stage. And unless you are using high pressure cylinders (3442psi and above) do you really need a DIN connector? Most of the other changes are refinements, cosmetics, lower manufacturing costs or gimmicks.

Bottom line for me are parts still available and is the regulator in good functioning order.

[ronenelfassy]

#ASKMARK
Hi,
I was wondering what are your thoughts on BCDs that have the inflator hose at the side (e.g. aqualung i3+ and mares Airtrim).
They seem to have several advantages such as the ability to deflate in any position by triggering all dump valves and reducing the traditional inflator hose.
Despite these advantages, they dont seem to catch and there are hardly any models with similar technology.
Thanks

[js]

Im preparing for cavern and then possibly cave early next year, to you have any recommendations for best bang for your buck canister lights.

[tristanlambert]

#askmark anychance you could do a summary and comparison of UK diving clubs. BSAC, ScotSac, SAA etc ?

[markgardner]

#Ask Mark hi Matk could you do a video on weighting especially P weight, v Weight and tail weight I dive an xdeep zen but slightly heads up I use xr3 fins but don’t want to change these. Or any other suggestion that I’m not aware of that will level me out Thanks Mark

[PostalTwinkie]

My regulators are approaching 15 years old. I purchased a high end set and have had them serviced regularly. They have the more 'modern' features like a venturi lever, spring adjustment knob for fine tuning, are environmentally sealed, and cold water rated. I see absolutely zero reason to get another set anytime soon.

[chrisphilhower]

Hello. Newbie Diver. Certified on Aug 6 2023. My Shop Rented me an Aqualung for the Pool. And a US Divers for the OW Portion(Lake). Out of the two I prefer the Aqualung. Has Adjustments that the US Divers didn't have. For my First set, I went with Genesis Prana 1st, 2nd and Octo. They had received a Scuba Lab Testers Choice Award 2020. Haven't tried them out yet. As I have been waiting for the AOW Class. To be held at Lake Hydra(Dutch Springs). I May use a Shop Supplied one as I have used them before. Unless I can find a Buddy to Test them out with before the Class???

[harambeexpress]

MK25 and s600 are cheaper than the Atomic ST1. You can even get the Halcyon equivalent cheaper!
So depending on the servicing in your area...

[benheckendorn]

I see a different benefit: spare parts!
If you got a well sold Regulator like Scubapro, Atomic etc. your chances are for sure much higher to get spare parts when you regulator need to be fixed.

I know it's not like this: you bought a regulator 2019, which was just produced until 2020, 2023 you don't get any spare parts anymore.

But I'm sure you feel more comfortable if you know, there are so many out there so even if they discontinue ST1 they would still made spare parts for those who are still in use.

It's just my guess, I would love to know if there is a rule.

Maybe I should do a PS.😮

PS. #askmark I just saw you recommendation to Atomic ST1,
so I wonder is there any rules for the manufacturer how long they must garantie to produce spare parts?
I just guess a well sold regulator has a higher chance to get spare parts after discontinuing then regulator which was just sold just two years or so.

[ArunMadisetti]

Mark! Sorry, that was 10 minutes of rambling.