The time has come when I can no longer get my Dacor 960 regulator serviced.  So I am going to have to buy a new regulator, but how to choose.  Scuba Diving magazine has all sorts of ratings including this months’ issue, but they also get advertising fees from dive companies.  So, I am also looking for additional help in making the right decision for ME.  Where to start?

Your local dive shop is the best place to start.  Ask the experts questions, and do they service the regulators they sell.  Touch and feel what they have in stock.  Ergonomics are important to some people.  They may even let you try it in their pool.  How the regulator allows you to breathe is the most important issue to you.

There are other sites on the Internet such as thescubaguide.com and cyperdiver.com and others that can also help.  Most give you similar information, but having more information can help you make a good decision. 

Below are a few tips that might help your decision:

• Decide on a price range.
• What kind of diver are you (recreational or tech)
• Talk to your dive shop owner
• Talk to your dive instructor
• Ask your dive friends
• Warranty

Remember, you want the regulator that will allow breathing as much air as you need without resistance.  That is the purpose of this equipment, to help you feel comfortable underwater.  So ask for help, read the articles, ask again and if possible try it out.  This is one of the biggest decisions most divers have to make.