Best Reg for self service?

[willo]

Where I live there's a scubapro dealer who only does scubapro.
My last set of scubapro regs were really annoying. I had to keep taking them back to get the cracking pressure adjusted. They would seem to seal well then at dive time I would have free flow issues at the beginning and slow bubbling during my dives. (but they did breathe great!)

That said, I want a set of regulators that I can maintain.

I want easy parts ordering.
I also want good performance. I sometimes dive in 50 degree water.
So, who can I count on to let me order parts and maintain my gear?

Thanks!

 

[mack50md]

Where I live there's a scubapro dealer who only does scubapro.
My last set of scubapro regs were really annoying. I had to keep taking them back to get the cracking pressure adjusted. They would seem to seal well then at dive time I would have free flow issues at the beginning and slow bubbling during my dives. (but they did breathe great!)

That said, I want a set of regulators that I can maintain.

I want easy parts ordering.
I also want good performance. I sometimes dive in 50 degree water.
So, who can I count on to let me order parts and maintain my gear?

Thanks!

Maybe take a look at Dive-Rite Express. Looks like they sell Dive-Rite reg components and offer reg service on-line. Closest thing I saw to fit your bill.

Can't speak for cold water reg performance. Looks like they covered it in the write up. Balanced diaphragm 1st stage. Looks similar to Apeks. They offer a cold water kit. I'm sure there are threads that address their regs. Saw some good reviews in Sport Diver magazine.

Good luck on your search.

 

[scubatoys]

Zeagle Flathead VI, and we sell not only rebuild kits, but even the complete rebuild manual - step by step with photos.

 

[Amphibious]

the conshelf from Aqualung is dead simple to rebuild. I have fully rebuilt these regs on a dive boat while heading out to the site. so simple.

 

[keyshunter]

the conshelf from Aqualung is dead simple to rebuild. I have fully rebuilt these regs on a dive boat while heading out to the site. so simple.

I agree that the Conshelf (and Titan) regs are simple to rebuild. The problem I have had is getting the service kits.

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Zeagle Flathead VI, and we sell not only rebuild kits, but even the complete rebuild manual - step by step with photos.

Larry,

I read with great interest a while ago the thread where you indicated that you would sell parts kits. Are you limited by your agreements with dealers like ScubaPro, and the Aqualung consortium, not to sell their kits on line or by phone? Have you considered selling the basic tools one needs as well?

While I have not yet rebuilt any of my regs, I have looked into it. It does not look overly complex for someone who is mechanically inclined.

Mark Vlahos

 

[scubatoys]

I don't carry aqualung... and as far as scubapro, we are not allowed to ship anything scubapro at all... As far as tools, those are readily available at peterbuilt.. or sometimes from the manufacturer of the reg. If you were hunting other brands, I could help... but not with those.

Sorry!

Larry,

I read with great interest a while ago the thread where you indicated that you would sell parts kits. Are you limited by your agreements with dealers like ScubaPro, and the Aqualung consortium, not to sell their kits on line or by phone? Have you considered selling the basic tools one needs as well?

While I have not yet rebuilt any of my regs, I have looked into it. It does not look overly complex for someone who is mechanically inclined.

Mark Vlahos

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Even despite Scubapro's efforts to control parts supplies I'd still consider a Mk 2 Plus R190 or R390 to be the ultimate in simple to service regs.

There are an absolute minimum of parts, no adjustments, very few specialty tools needed and there is only one moving part and two dynamic o-rngs in the first stage, both of which are only subject to intermediate pressure. So it is nearly impossible to screw one up.

Similarly, the second stage has very few parts and a simple downstream poppet design. The only part that usually needs replaced is the soft seat and this can be replaced by removing the inlet body to expose the seat without removing or dissassembling the poppet itself, which in turn means no need to readjust the lever height. That leaves you only with a relatively simple orifice adjustment.

And in truth, parts are not a problem as parts are regularly available on e-bay. On any given day you will most likely see parts kits for the Mk 2, Mk 10, Mk 20, Mk25, R190 and G250 first and second stages. SP uses a very small number of kits for a large number of regulators. When you combine this with the number of SP regs out there, the demand for parts, and the number of offshore dealers, former dealers and liquidating shops meeting that demand, parts supplies are better for SP regs than any other brand despite SP's efforts to control parts supplies.

Specialty tool wise, you only need a multi wrench, an inline adjuster (with IP gauge), a set of o-ring picks, a yoke nut socket (or allen head socket if you have a DIN connection) and a torque wrench (not really a specialty tool, but important and less than $50.00 at the average Ace Hardware).

All of the tools required as well as an excellent book on reg repair are available from
www.scubatools.com

 

[redacted]

Specialty tool wise, you only need a multi wrench, an inline adjuster (with IP gauge), a set of o-ring picks, a yoke nut socket (or allen head socket if you have a DIN connection) and a torque wrench (not really a specialty tool, but important and less than $50.00 at the average Ace Hardware).

All of the tools required as well as an excellent book on reg repair are available from
www.scubatools.com

The inline adjuster is a luxury the DIYer can live without. It just takes a bit longer to get it right.

The multi-wrench can also be worker around. Soft jaw pliers substitute for the spline wrench. I use a strap wrench with a cloth strap with a brass stud to engage the ambient chamber openings until I made a pin spanner to deal with that. And a set of curver jaw pliers can usually be used to deal with things like the HP plug and other similar things.

An engine compression gauge with an adapter makes a highm quality IP gauge.

Yoke nut socket can be fashioned from a 3/8 inch drive 1" socket using a dremel tool.

Parts will come from somewhere. Most o-rings are fairly standard. Kits on e-bay tend to be fairly reliable but a bit expensive. Nice thing about Scubapro is there are lots of dealers. Most will refuse to sell you parts, usually accompanied by some COS excuse, but some will be quite supportive of the few folks who chose to DIY.

Documentation for most reg is available on the net - Just search and ask.

 

[Scottri]

Dive Rite would be my choice.

Scott