There is a temptation to go for the cheapest option, especially if you're just starting and on a budget, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for.
The regulator is your life supply underwater. It's one of the single most important pieces of kit you'll use, and false economy IMHO isn't a good idea.
If may take longer to save up and get a decent Apeks / Mares / Spiro / Poseidon, but you'll reap dividends in reliability, servicing cost and not having to replace them when you grow out of it's limit. Cheap regs just plainly don't last as long.
I took this advice when buying my first reg 15 years ago, an Apeks T40D.
It's still my primary reg today.
