Scubagaskets getting into the Reg business

[Mobulai]

(In comparison to the DST)
How are the c-clamp pins sizes? Looks like they are both bigger/ the same size opposed to the DST

Does the swivel go full 360 with hoses on?

0.3mm thicker diaphragm that won't leak

Is that thicker diaphragm possible as a feature of the clamp having more space inside it as well? Or Theoretically can that diaphragm be used on an Apeks reg?

I'll be tearing down the reg in the next week to check on the last set of changes.

If possible can we have pics of that? Maybe the HP seat too?
(Slight divergence) I have never seen how the Apeks HP seat fails if anyone can share a link /pic would be awesome

 

[lexvil]

The wife aka the XO, aka the XYL, aka "Why's there another package on the porch?" aka "You've got two regulator sets you said you were going to sell before you bought anything else."

PleasedonttellmetheytakePayPal6monthsnointrest

The package is new hoses, which have to be changed from time to time for “safety” reasons.

 

[Tracy]

(Slight divergence) I have never seen how the Apeks HP seat fails if anyone can share a link /pic would be awesome

You can't see it. Even once failed, they look entirely normal. There was a material change. Unknown if it was done with Apeks knowledge or if a supplier changed it without their knowledge. (That happens a lot) Apeks still denies any knowledge of any issue with their seats, and has refused to stand behind their failed products. They wouldn't even buy back the failed batch of seats leading to them still being installed in regulators sometimes years after they corrected the problem.
Beings that I have access to a materials engineer and one hell of a materials testing lab, I had some testing done. It is failing internally and leaking through the seat itself. The durometer is similar but the actual material on the failed seats is completely different.
I sent Rsingler a bag of failed seats for him to compare and contrast. I think he came to the same conclusion, you can't spot them with the naked eye.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

You can't see it. Even once failed, they look entirely normal. There was a material change. Unknown if it was done with Apeks knowledge or if a supplier changed it without their knowledge. (That happens a lot) Apeks still denies any knowledge of any issue with their seats, and has refused to stand behind their failed products. They wouldn't even buy back the failed batch of seats leading to them still being installed in regulators sometimes years after they corrected the problem.
Beings that I have access to a materials engineer and one hell of a materials testing lab, I had some testing done. It is failing internally and leaking through the seat itself. The durometer is similar but the actual material on the failed seats is completely different.
I sent Rsingler a bag of failed seats for him to compare and contrast. I think he came to the same conclusion, you can't spot them with the naked eye.

I know of one Apeks reg that failed catastrophically because of a failed seat. My good friend and former dive buddy is lucky to be alive.

 

[davehicks]

I know of one Apeks reg that failed catastrophically because of a failed seat. My good friend and former dive buddy is lucky to be alive.

I had one fail myself. Fortunately it was before getting in the water on a shore dive.

 

[Tracy]

I know of one Apeks reg that failed catastrophically because of a failed seat. My good friend and former dive buddy is lucky to be alive.

I had a few fail, but never in the water. Mine and close friends all failed when the tanks were turned on within a few months of being serviced.

 

[rsingler]

(In comparison to the DST)
How are the c-clamp pins sizes? Looks like they are both bigger/ the same size opposed to the DST

Identical. Diaphragm clamp 1.63", so a Scubatools #6 fits perfectly. And they followed the Apeks model with the shallower environmental seal dimple. The pin diameter is the same: 0.154"

Does the swivel go full 360 with hoses on?

Following the Apeks lead (for better or worse), the turret height is similar, and the hose crimp will hit the DIN wheel and will not go 360°.

Is that thicker diaphragm possible as a feature of the clamp having more space inside it as well? Or Theoretically can that diaphragm be used on an Apeks reg?

The milled fixed diaphragm clamp distance is the same as with Apeks. So to increase clamping compression, we switched from Apeks 1.16mm diaphragm to 1.5mm.

If possible can we have pics of that? Maybe the HP seat too?

Absolutely! I'll share pics when I disassemble.

The intent was to take the popular Apeks template, and to mill something similar in stainless, while fixing known issues without having to completely redesign a new regulator.

Do you think there will be any galling from stainless to stainless threads?

The stainless has been passivated, which goes a long way to preventing galling. As long as you do not overtorque, there will be no disassembly issues, just as the Atomic ST1 comes apart without problems. While lubrication is also advocated in the industry to reduce galling, this will substantially increase thread load. Thus, they have not recommended lubing the DIN or Yoke bolt.
I have been diving the S2 piston version and had no trouble after my Philippines trip in taking things apart to look. It uses the same torque setting.

 

[pisauron]

The new SGS3T4 is now availabe for sale on Scubagaskets.
Price 795 euro.

SGS3T4 Stainless Steel 5 port Balanced Diaphragm regulator Set with Octopus and SPG - Scuba Gaskets

Scuba Gaskets - SGS3T4 Stainless Steel 5 port Balanced Diaphragm regulator Set with Octopus and SPG. 1st stage, 2nd stage, regulator, scuba gear, spg.

scubagaskets.com

 

[rsingler]

Well, compared to DRIS' $1,184 for a DST/XTX50 without a 5th port, it'll be a steal once the tariff nonsense is settled.

XTX50 Single Tank Regulator Package

XTX50 Single Tank Regulator Package Everything you need in one simple package! The XTX50 / DST DIN Package comes with everything you need whether you are a beginning diver or have a couple of log books filled up. This first stage goes to the extreme

www.diverightinscuba.com

 

[lowwall]

The new SGS3T4 is now availabe for sale on Scubagaskets.
Price 795 euro.

SGS3T4 Stainless Steel 5 port Balanced Diaphragm regulator Set with Octopus and SPG - Scuba Gaskets

Scuba Gaskets - SGS3T4 Stainless Steel 5 port Balanced Diaphragm regulator Set with Octopus and SPG. 1st stage, 2nd stage, regulator, scuba gear, spg.

scubagaskets.com

Similar package with Mares 28XR is $950 (833 €) in US:

DGX Custom - Mares XR Streamlined OW Reg Package

The Mares XR Streamlined Openwater Regulator Package is perfect for divers seeking a high-performance solution for openwater single tank diving.

www.divegearexpress.com

The 28XR is Mares' flagship first stage. Isn't European pricing for similar setup with a ScubaPro Mk19 Evo and a pair of G260 seconds also in this price range?

I'd expect a larger discount for the scubagaskets offering. I guess it depends on how much you value the stainless steel construction and no fuss availability of parts for DIY service versus the risks of dealing with a small company that's just getting started in the reg business. A good reg will last decades, not many reg companies have lasted that long.