Anyone know what problems ScubaPro may be having with their x650s?

[jeepbrew]

Yesterday I placed an order for a MK17/x650 combo only to find out that SP cannot ship out any more x650s at this time. A lady from their center in Italy called my LDS and told the owner that it was not due to them being out of stock, but due to the fact that they have recently had a few issues with them and they are being "looked at" by their design engineers. She did not elaborate on what issues they are having... she said she wasn't sure so she didn't want to mislead anyone. She did say that the earliest they expect to ship more 650s is mid to late July.

Any one know if there is a real problem?

BTW, I need my reg set now so I went with the MK17/S600 combo. I believe it should do all will ever need it to correct?

 

[halocline]

If you do a search you might find an old thread about some problems when they first came out; look for DA aquamaster's posts on that subject. Basically, most divers would say you got at least as good a 2nd stage with the S600.

 

[Scuba_Dad]

I didn't see anything listed in the SP's tech site.

 

[JustinW]

Wow, more problems with that reg, great. I bought an S600 and love it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The US SP tech site is the next best thing to useless as SP never really gets around to posting anything there in a timely manner.

Our LDS has not heard anything regarding the X650 from the SP sales rep either and unfortunately the repair clinic planned for this spring was postponed as SP has changed their policy on who can run those clinics so I don't have the opportunity to pursue the issue in person.

But having said that, I use an X650 on my FFM and I have not encountered any issues with it. It is not and never will be a D400, but it is as good as the S600 with what some may regard subjectively as smoother airflow than the S600 to the more direct routing of air from the air barrel to mouthpiece.

I'd really love it if they would re-engineer and retrofit a coaxial diaphragm and exhaust valve for it and plug the existing exhaust valve. That would resolve the case geometry fault issues inherent in the design and give it exceptional D400 like perfrormance.

 

[ducst4]

I ordered the MK17/X650 a few months ago.

The delivery was promised for late Feb, then April 10, then May 26 and now mid-June. (date the HQ will receive). Each time (and this morning), I confirmed with SP hq in CA. 1-800-572-5554.

Reason given every time is that demand has been overwhelming.

I also want to add that DA AQUAMASTER has been an excellent source for my reg knowledge. He was objective and impartial in all my PM's. His technical knowledge and how he puts it in easy lay mans terms is second to none.

DA, Thanks man.

cheers

 

[cerich]

I ordered the MK17/X650 a few months ago.

The delivery was promised for late Feb, then April 10, then May 26 and now mid-June. (date the HQ will receive). Each time (and this morning), I confirmed with SP hq in CA. 1-800-572-5554.

Reason given every time is that demand has been overwhelming.



cheers

Demand is overwhelming when you have backorders and a "issue" to sort before you can ship....

SP is doing the right thing by making sure the reg has no issues.

 

[jeepbrew]

It looks like there was a real issue afterall: http://www.scubapro.com/recall_x650/popup.asp




SCUBAPRO is conducting a voluntary recall of the X650 second stage regulator. A manufacturing error could cause the main housing of some regulators to change shape over time, and the cover and diaphragm to become dislodged. If this occurs, air flow will be interrupted and the regulator will no longer function.

Only X650 second stage regulators purchased from authorized Scubapro dealers from November 2004 through May 2006, are affected by this recall. You can determine if you have one of these units by looking for a visible raised bump located on the right side of the regulator between the letter “C” and where the mouthpiece attaches to the regulator body.

At Scubapro, safety comes first and we ask that you stop using the X650 second stage regulator immediately.

Replacement Program:

SCUBAPRO will replace your X650 regulator with a new one within thirty (30) days or sooner if your regulator is found to be one of those affected by this recall . In order to obtain a replacement, register on line by filling out the form below. After we obtain your name, address, and telephone number, Scubapro will send you a return shipping box and UPS shipping label. All you will need to do is to place the X650 regulator in this box, seal the box, attach the UPS label, and drop it off at any UPS shipping location. Once we have received your regulator, we will begin processing your replacement order.