Bought Online - What to Inspect

[avalpert]

I bought a regulator (apeks flight) and bc (aqualung zuma) online from an overseas dive shop (saved hundreds of dollars). When it arrives, what should I inspect before taking it on an upcoming trip to Bonaire?

Would it suffice to test it with a tank in a pool?

 

[tbone1004]

stick it on a tank out of the water first. Buy an IP gauge, and make sure it's in spec. Then jump in the pool. Now the problem with this is you really should have a tech look at it... Unless you can service your own, but if you could I doubt you'd be asking us this.

 

[Zung]

Do as couv said.

 

[scoobydrew]

I agree with the above you can normally find most issues with regs by testing the intermediate pressure, pretty much all dive shops should have one and most would not in my experience mind if you asked them to use it, find the spec first though so you know what you are looking for, apeks normally run at about 145 psi give or take 5 but do not take my word for it.

After that the obvious things you are looking for is bubbles where they should not be, chjeck inflation and deflation on the surface and underwater, dumps etc. A pool will definately give you a good indication but the best method is actually diving with it (adter you're happy it actually works on the surface and in a pool) is there nowhere nearby that you can try it out, not even inland?

 

[ChrisB [\]]

I'm new to diving, but feel if you cannot dive with the utmost confidence in your equipment, bring alternate/seperate air source (i.e. pony bottle) even on a shallow dive. I suggest doing this after a tech quantifies the reg and pool trial proves adequate (as the other divers have suggested). Lastly, dive with an experienced buddy and discuss with him during the dive plan. I'm sure this sounds very conservative to you veterans.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

If it is a brand new, in box regaultor it is rather silly to pay a technician inspect it. With a used regulator from an unknown source, it might be prudent.

The inpection list Zung linked to from Couv is very good and as Couv stated, should be used anytime you are heading out on an expensive dive trip, not just on a newly aquired regulator. I have done similar (but less exhaustive inspections) and never had gear mess up a dive trip.

 

[gNats]

I can surely appreciate buying online and also making gear choices that saves me money. However, if the regulators are anything like camera equipment, it sounds like you bought grey market regs.

The difference is the warranty. In cameras, if you purchase gray market, you are generally purchasing a product that was made overseas or is intended for overseas resale. The warranty is usually different depending upon which country you are in.

For example, I was in the market for a Tamron lens. I found "gray" market lenses at almost a $100+ cost savings. However, I also found out that even though it is a Tamron lens, made by Tamron, because it was meant for overseas resale if I had a warranty issue, Tamron USA would not honor it. They would require me to send it overseas for repair.

They would know to void my USA warranty by the serial number.

I'm not saying that this is the same for the regs, but I am curious if it is or not.

If they are new and in new packaging and obviously not used, I would suspect that the regs are fine, just as if you ordered them for an online LDS here in the US and they were shipped across three states. I would be more concerned with the scenario that they are not fine and require warranty (it happens, something new is not right) or if they are "new" but don't look new.

The savings in buying overseas may not seem so worth it at that time.

 

[avalpert]

Thanks all. I purchased it from an authorized UK reseller, the warranty is valid and many US dealers will accept it but worst case is i ship it back to the UK if I need extensive warranty service.

Thanks also for pointing out the checklist, that is perfect. I'm not worried or concerned that they won't work but a quick check before getting to a dive site is just a prudent idea - and if something does go wrong I can always rent when I'm there.

 

[NCadiver]

Thanks all. I purchased it from an authorized UK reseller, the warranty is valid and many US dealers will accept it but worst case is i ship it back to the UK if I need extensive warranty service.

Thanks also for pointing out the checklist, that is perfect. I'm not worried or concerned that they won't work but a quick check before getting to a dive site is just a prudent idea - and if something does go wrong I can always rent when I'm there.

It's not cover in the US the main thing is you will not get the parts for free and any updates you will have to pay for. Apek is a Aqualung company.

Important Notice About Mail Order Sales of Aqua Lung Products and Warranties
Retailers that offer to sell and ship Aqua Lung life support products by mail, in response to mail, telephone or internet orders, are NOT AUTHORIZED AQUA LUNG AMERICA DEALERS. If a consumer purchases Aqua Lung life support products by mail, telephone order or electronically, they are purchasing from a non-authorized dealer, and the products will not be covered by Aqua Lung America’s Warranty. Aqua Lung America has not authorized any exceptions to its "in-store only" sales policy.

When a consumer buys Aqua Lung life support products from an Authorized Aqua Lung America Dealer, they are buying from trained professionals who can instruct them on the proper and safe use of the equipment.

 

[DevonDiver]

Stop messing around and have the regulator properly serviced.

I saw a guy nearly die, using an 'ebay regulator' for the first time. If it wasn't for the quick reactions of his buddy...and well composed air-sharing ascent from 28m, then they man would certainly have died.

There's LOTS of things that can go wrong. Even with a new regulator, you have no idea how it was stored, treated, adjusted or tinkered with. No offense intended, but if you need to ask the question here in the internet, then you don't have the knowledge to check for yourself. How much value do you put on your life?