u/BolognaPwny

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?

I'm really fairly overwhelmed with choosing a regulator because of how many options there are. I'm basically renting different gear until I find something I like but I dove a MK25/G260 today and it was an unreal difference from all the other rentals I've had.

Are they really that much better? Everyone I've talked to has more or less said the MK25 has been a top shelf product for years. I've dove a brand new Sherwood SR2 that I wasn't particularly impressed with as well as a Diverite XT1 that I felt was okay along with a handful of unremarkable shop regs.

I finally took fire to my new mask but I’m still having fogging issues. Actual spit has been the only thing I’ve had semi-decent luck with.

I’m just now also learning that when you put defog in the mask you’re not supposed to take your finger to the inside when rinsing it out but supposed to leave the defog just filmed up in it??

Other than that, is baby soap the best defog? I’ve tried psi5000 and something else without luck but I’ve also apparently been rinsing it out like an idiot.

So it looks like the sub is really divided on this subject but it hasn’t been discussed in awhile. My local shop said there’s no additional prerequisites beyond your OW cert, and class is being taught in August.

However, after searching this sub for what to expect it seems like a lot of people disagree on the lack of prereqs, and think you should have a minimum of 25-50 dives before pursuing it.

With all the changes to SSI, it seems like the vocal majority are PADI divers who say PADI does have prerequisites unlike SSI.

Is it really such a bad thing for someone with 10-20 dives to pursue a stress and rescue certification?

I'll be visiting around Christmas and wanted to know the best spots/spots to dive? Is December a good time to go? The last time this was asked seems to be about two years ago (or the search function just sucks).

Thanks!