Buying used/new equipment on eBay/craigslist...

[ReefHound]

If Hondas are such good cars, why do they have longer warranties than GM? A warranty is usually not needed on regs but it's a numbers game. Also, some manufacturer warranties cover annual service parts.

Being mechanically inclined is a good start but you'll also need special tools, plus access to parts and manuals. Many manufacturers don't make those available to the public. There are usually ways to get them though.

Most techs will tell you that you shouldn't learn to work on your regs to save money but for the peace of mind in knowing it was done right.

 

[123Scuba.com]

I agree with the others - Go Pony Bottle (Redundant Breathing System) over Spare Air and an Octo over the Air Source...

 

[pwscottiv]

If Hondas are such good cars, why do they have longer warranties than GM? A warranty is usually not needed on regs but it's a numbers game. Also, some manufacturer warranties cover annual service parts.

Being mechanically inclined is a good start but you'll also need special tools, plus access to parts and manuals. Many manufacturers don't make those available to the public. There are usually ways to get them though.

Most techs will tell you that you shouldn't learn to work on your regs to save money but for the peace of mind in knowing it was done right.

So how much does it usually cost to rebuild a reg (Separate parts and labor)? Is that the only thing that gets regular LDS maintenance besides getting tanks recertified?

 

[ReefHound]

Prices vary but usually $50 to $75 for labor, and $20 to $50 for parts.

Some people get their BC and computer "serviced" annually but I do my own inspection and cleaning on those items.

 

[pwscottiv]

Prices vary but usually $50 to $75 for labor, and $20 to $50 for parts.

Some people get their BC and computer "serviced" annually but I do my own inspection and cleaning on those items.

If I was to want to service my own regulator, are there training courses for that or do you pretty much have to learn from someone who already does it? What "special tools" are required?

 

[RJP]

So the way I chose these particular items was by visiting a local dive shop and speaking with them for an hour or two. I tried on stuff to find out what sizes would fit me and tried to learn as much as possible about the features.

Thanks a lot for the info! Like I just posted a moment ago, I AM paying them for my classes and some of the gear like fins, snorkel, etc... So I doubt they'll be that annoyed by it. They also know I'm a student, so I would think they'd be somewhat understanding of my situation.

Oh, they are just gonna LOVE you at the shop!

Why not give the shop a chance to work with you on price before buying elsewhere? You might be surprised! Explain your budget constraints and see what they'll do. If you do that and end up buying used gear I think they'll be more understanding than if you just show up with a bunch of gear bought elsewhere asking THEM to tune it up and show you how to use it.

As far as the Air Source II, the guys at the shop said they really liked it compared to the octo... They recommended it mainly because it was one less thing dragging behind them to get caught on stuff and get in the way.

If the "guys at the shop" can't dive a standard rig without "stuff dragging behind them" you might want to find another shop to get certified at!

 

[halocline]

Maybe you're a mechanical engineer, but you're not looking at the gear from a very mechanical perspective at this point, more from the "consumer being sold something" perspective.

A very simple reg like the SP MK2 or aqualung conshelf, which you can buy used or new at a pretty low price, will be PLENTY sufficient for your diving for a good long time. If you're concerned about money, get one of those. BTW, they are also extremely reliable and safe regs; failure in the MK2 is almost unheard of due to the 2 moving parts and no dynamic o-ring at tank pressure design.

A computer is a convenience, not a necessity. AI computers are, IMO, not a good idea for new divers. These things rely on batteries and electronics to provide you with ALL the dive data; if you have a failure, you will immediately lose any info about depth and air supply. If you use a standard computer and a spg, if the computer fails you still know how much air you have, and you simply use your buddy for approximate depth/time info while slowly ascending. If you like suunto, consider the gekko which is much less expensive.

Buying an alternate air source/inflator combo has its disadvantages; cost is one of them. Sure there is a slight convenience factor in non-emergency situations, but IMO the real advantage of these devices is to the dive shop that sells them. If you search you can find many heated debates about them. One thing is absolutely true; you don't *need* one. You are trying to save money, right?

The spare air is just a terrible idea; especially for a new diver who needs to learn about gas management and buddy skills.

 

[Ed Palma]

If I was to want to service my own regulator, are there training courses for that or do you pretty much have to learn from someone who already does it? What "special tools" are required?

Yes. There are courses.

As for tools, and the techniques, see for yourself from the 1st stage service manual.

www.frogkick.dk - /manuals/aqualung/

One vital piece of equipment that you have to have is an IP gauge (even for those not planning to service their own regs, this is still a good idea).

Remember to always test your stuff in the pool before going out on a trip.

As for the original question, I will admit to diving with an airsource II, however, the only reason I have one, and not a regualr octo, is that I got a very good deal on it from eBay (31 dollars - and it was attatched to a Mares BCD and a Wenoka dive knife ). My other regs are also from eBay. Both work great (after a little self service) Actually, my primary regulator today (a seaquest spectrum) was pristine on the inside when I first opened it up to check it out. not a single bit of corrosion or verdigris. All o-rings, the HP seat, the diaphragm - everything - was in top shape. Was lucky there I guess.

 

[ReefHound]

There are manufacturer courses but they aren't open to just anyone, mostly limited to dive shop employees.

 

[MSilvia]

As far as the Air Source II, both the owner of the school and one of their instructors actually recommended it to me... They also said that's what they dive. So why is everyone else on here saying it's a piece of crap?

They probably aren't giving you bad advice (if you spend extra on the AirSource, it will likely work just fine), but they probably aren't giving you unbiased advice either. A less expensive alternative may work better for you, but won't give THEM as much benefit.

Naturally, all things being more or less equal, the guy who owns the school recommends you buy the item that will make him the most money, and his employee (who likely is required by the shop to use and recommend gear that they carry) makes the same recommendation. At most scuba shops, classes are more or less a break-even venture for them. Training new divers is a great way to create customers for dive gear, which is how they make the money that puts bread on the table.

If you want unbiased advice, ask someone who isn't trying to sell you anything.