Annual Service

[SouthSideScubaSteve]

OK, so I get having my regs “service” annually (even though I’m not sure the cumulative cost of the inspections doesn’t outweigh the value of the “parts” that I get for free by maintaining the warranty), but I don’t see the value in getting my BC “serviced” annually …

The way I see it, I can (and do) regularly test my BC for leaks, and test the operation of the 3 dump valves at the same time; so what is my LDS going to do that I don’t already do? Can someone enlighten me in the errors of my thinking, or have I reached a new level of enlightenment on my own??

 

[Garrobo]

Annual service of dive gear, cert instructions and gear sales are the life blood of the dive shop. Take any one of these away and the shop might not be able to stay in business. Unless you do a LOT of diving, annual service is not necessary if you clean and store your regs correctly. I have a friend who bought a new set two years ago and hasn't done anything with them except dive. My first set of regs were some old Dacors that a relative gave me. I had them rebuilt by a reg man and used them for over 100 dives. Still got'em but I bought some plastics about the third year. I now buy a new set of name brand regs each year from Leisurpro and sell the old set on Ebay. The last two sets I bought from LP I paid $125 and $150. Considering what I got for selling them, opposed to what I paid for new, I ended up with new regs at less than 1/2 of the price. Of course you can pay a lot more for regs but I only do recreational diving and the sets I've bought from LP do the job just nicely. Also, if you plan to keep your regs for a long time and are worried about warranty, that's another question. I'm not.

 

[Mr.X]

As mentioned above warranty issues might be a reason. I'm a repair tech for regs etc. and I don't get too bothered about my annual stuff unless I do a lot of diving or if the equipment is being used for a commercial, or deep job (CCR). Otherwise, I don't sweat the small OC stuff where I'm mucking around.

That being said I don't ever put 100% trust in my gear and usually have a fair amount of redundancy even in 'mucking about' dives.


X

 

[herman]

There is no need to get a BC "serviced", esp annually. Clean it good after every dive (or set of dives) and keep an eye on the operation of the valves, if they start to act up, then do whatever is needed to restore them to normal operation. The overpressure and dump valves are very simple to dissamble and clean. The inflator is a little more complicated but not by much. There should never be a time where losing BC function is anything more than a PITA. It is a buoyancy COMPENSATOR afterall and when used properly it should never be needed for more than a few pounds of lift, something you can easily swim up if needs be.

 

[diver 85]

OK, so I get having my regs “service” annually (even though I’m not sure the cumulative cost of the inspections doesn’t outweigh the value of the “parts” that I get for free by maintaining the warranty), but I don’t see the value in getting my BC “serviced” annually …

The way I see it, I can (and do) regularly test my BC for leaks, and test the operation of the 3 dump valves at the same time; so what is my LDS going to do that I don’t already do? Can someone enlighten me in the errors of my thinking, or have I reached a new level of enlightenment on my own??

Both are over emphasized---------IMO.......now, saying that, dive shops love the annual 'stuff'(think greenbacks).......

 

[Aspendiver]

I'm sure SSSS appreciates all the regulator advice on his BC thread...
;-)

 

[diver 85]

I'm sure SSSS appreciates all the regulator advice on his BC thread...
;-)

Yep, guess if I would have had my (almost) 20 YO Dacor BC serviced annually(btw, never had it serviced), it would have lasted another few years......let's see, what I saved on annual servicing I was able to buy ?1.5 new ones after (almost) 20 years.....no brainer there, in my book.....

 

[SouthSideScubaSteve]

.... I now buy a new set of name brand regs each year from Leisurpro and sell the old set on Ebay. The last two sets I bought from LP I paid $125 and $150. Considering what I got for selling them, opposed to what I paid for new, I ended up with new regs at less than 1/2 of the price. .....

Thats an interesting approach .... I'm sure I'm gonna pay at least $20-30 to have my regs "inspected & serviced"; from the sounds of it, its only costing you $60-75/ year to use new regs each season. Just curious, what regs do you typically buy?

 

[Mr.X]

Thats an interesting approach .... I'm sure I'm gonna pay at least $20-30 to have my regs "inspected & serviced"; from the sounds of it, its only costing you $60-75/ year to use new regs each season. Just curious, what regs do you typically buy?

I like quality gear. The regulators which are coming out of China are decent enough and inexpensive enough to flip and get a new set. My personal preference is to buy a reg. made in the US, or Europe (Sweden/Italy/UK).

In the overall scheme of things a better built regulator usually has a decent warranty and given the preponderance of less-than-quality stuff coming out China from sheet rock to kids' toys I just want some reassurance that what I have isn't going to do something weird to me. Or worse, not work because of some weird metallurgy.

As per regs I have used in order of preference are: Apeks, Scubapro, Poseidon, Sherwood, Cressi & Oceanic, US Divers and the older AMF, White Stag & Healthways brand! Some of the regs which I bought as a kid still work...thirty years later.


X

 

[SDAnderson]

OK, so I get having my regs “service” annually (even though I’m not sure the cumulative cost of the inspections doesn’t outweigh the value of the “parts” that I get for free by maintaining the warranty), but I don’t see the value in getting my BC “serviced” annually …

The way I see it, I can (and do) regularly test my BC for leaks, and test the operation of the 3 dump valves at the same time; so what is my LDS going to do that I don’t already do? Can someone enlighten me in the errors of my thinking, or have I reached a new level of enlightenment on my own??

I'd say you haven't ascended yet but it seems you're seeing a glimmer of light. Now's the time to be careful that you aren't confusing daybreak with an oncoming train.

There's a lot more to the process than you indicated you are doing - or at least there should be. It takes 20 - 30 minutes spread out over 24 hours to do a thorough annual servicing, assuming there aren't problems. By way of example, it's easy to test a dump valve, a little harder to disassemble, clean and inspect one for worn or damaged parts, and nearly an aggravation if you have to replace anything. Then there are Schraeder valves, inflator assemblies, crapped out velcro, bladder mung, rusted springs, torn/worn nylon, damaged buckles, yadda, yadda...

There is no reason that anyone can't clean and inspect their own BC. Of course, there's no reason anyone can't swim prone, manage their gas, etc. - but many aren't willing to put the requisite effort into the project. Heck, most people haven't mastered rinsing their gear and shouldn't even attempt to service it. There are two kinds of DIY guys: geeks and cheapskates. The geeks just want to understand how everything works and like doing the work themselves. The cheapskates are primarily interested in saving a dollar and are usually willing to cut pretty much any corner. Bottom line, if you're going to do it, take the time to make sure you do it right. If you can't/don't/won't take care of your gear, paying someone to do it for you seems like a reasonable option.