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Post by lyndamm on Jan 22, 2010 17:10:55 GMT
Please can I get some advice - I'm buying my first regulator, and in my research I've found the Mares Proton 42 She Dives regulator which looks really good, then I also found the Scubapro A700!! I'm only a recreational diver, and still quite new, but I would like to get good equipment now when I buy.
Question - Is it really necessary to get a regulator specially for women, or does it not make that miuch difference? Should I spend on the Scubapro A700, or am I buying outside of my requirements unnecessarily?
I'll be glad of some unbiased, non-salesman, advice, please!!
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Post by Dive Bunnie on Jan 24, 2010 8:35:00 GMT
Hiya,
As far as women are concerned, I personally don't think that it is necessary to buy a set of regulators especially designed. If you have a particularly small mouth, you can always opt for a smaller mouthpiece or choose a design that happens to be smaller. You might find the women's versions have slightly shorter hoses too, which could make for a more comfortable fit. I do find that my regulator hose pushes slightly on my mouth, but am now quite used to it.
I have not tried the Scubapro a700 myself, I did use their a380 which was an excellent regulator, however I have now swapped over to Apex, which I find to be a much easier breathe. I also find the Scubapro mouthpieces a little on the large size (although as mentioned above, this can always be easily changed). I use the Apex xtx60 you don't need to go top of the range to xtx 100 unless you are either doing shed loads of diving or maybe going down the technical route.
I would suggest seeing if you can at least have a trial breathe on a few regulators in the shop, attached to a tank to get a feel for how they breathe for you.
Whilst you don't need to go top of the range, do be wary of going for the cheapest, just in case you find yourself diving more and more and finding your choice of regulator lacking in performance. Most important is how easy you find it to breathe.
I haven't tried any of the Mares Proton range so can't make a suggestion as far as that one goes.
I hope that helps, and look forward to sharing more info with you.
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Post by lyndamm on Jan 24, 2010 14:18:11 GMT
Thanks for this info, I'm off to the dive shop tomorrow, so I'll be sure to give you feedback!!
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Post by waterbabe on Feb 11, 2010 7:49:15 GMT
Did you go for the Mares Proton "she dives" in the end? Always curious to see what kit people are using.
BTW will I be ok in a shortie in March in the Red Sea? DB?
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