“What is the best regulator on the market?” “Which BCD should I buy?”
As an SSI Instructor Certifier and NAUI Technical Instructor and someone who has certified thousands of divers, these are the most common questions I hear. They are good questions, but they are incomplete.
Online reviews and “Top 10” lists are useful, but they often push answers before they have asked you any questions. They assume a “Best Regulator” exists in a vacuum. It doesn’t.
The Complete Question To find the right gear, you need to stop asking what is “best” and start asking what is the best for you. The complete question looks more like this:
“What is the best Regulator/BC/Computer for the type of diving I intend to do, the skill level I plan to achieve, and the budget I can afford?”
But don’t stop there. You must also ask:
- Can I get my questions answered? Does the manufacturer or seller support it?
- Can I identify issues in the field? Is it intuitive, or does it require a degree in engineering to operate?
- Can I get it serviced? Are certified technicians and parts available locally or via reliable mail-in service?
- Does it feel good to me? Comfort prevents panic.
The 20-Year Regulator vs. The Constant Upgrader
In my workshop, I see two types of divers.
I have customers who bought their first regulator 20 years ago. It might not be the newest model, but they know exactly how it breathes. They know where every hose is. Because they send it to Scuba Gear Service for yearly maintenance, that regulator works just as well today as the day they unboxed it. It is the “best” gear because it is familiar and reliable.
On the other hand, I have customers who bring me a new regulator every time they need service. They are constantly chasing the “best” new feature, yet they never seem comfortable in the water. My thought is always the same: Perhaps they never asked the full question.
Why We Service So Many Brands
I certainly have my favorite gear—the kit I take on technical dives or simple reef dips. But those are my favorites because they fit my specific needs, my body mechanics, and my diving style. They might be terrible for you.
That is why Scuba Gear Service maintains certifications and tooling for such a wide variety of brands—Aqualung, Scubapro, Atomic, Poseidon, Apeks, and more.
There are many right answers for everyone, even if there is only one right answer for you.
My Recommendation
Before you swipe your credit card based on a website review, talk to a dive professional. But don’t just ask them “What’s good?” Be prepared to discuss your goals, your budget, and where you plan to dive.
And once you find that perfect piece of gear? Take care of it, service it annually, and it will take care of you for decades.