buying an old used regulator?

[twofor2]

I found a used XTX200 regulator on sale for a reasonable price including matching octo however how old is too old when buying used? It's possibly around 8-10 years old. Is their such rule as too old or is it something that just needs a good service?

 

[Caveeagle]

8 to 10 is not old. If it’s clean and not full of salt and corrosion.. you will be fine. Just get it serviced.

 

[twofor2]

would a sealed 1st stage still have the ability for salt to enter?

 

[northernone]

would a sealed 1st stage still have the ability for salt to enter?

Salt gets inside if its been flooded or water drops from a wet dust cap drip into the reg.

I have bought regs from the 1960s in the 2010s without sign of corrosion and in perfect usable shape.

Eight years old is newer than any reg I own. Provided it hasn't been abused, should be good to go. Have it inspected and/or serviced before diving it though.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[twofor2]

I guess i'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of buying new or used. The money saved from buying these used would cut more than half off of what they are new. Would anyone be able to give me a estimate of a run of the mill costs for a rebuild if necessary?

 

[JackD342]

I haven't checked the 2019 price changes yet, but US retail for the 1st stage kit is $40 and the 2nd stage kits are $23.60. I assume you will need two. Then there is the labor cost, which will vary widely. Just for comparison sake, the actual Aqualung retail price for servicing a 1st stage + primary 2nd + octo is $115, but that is very much the high end of the spectrum on service pricing.

One other note, in case it matters to you. Below are photos of the current XTX200 first stage, and the current XTX100 first stage which at some time in the past used to be the XTX200 first stage, I think the transition was in 2006, but I can't be sure.

The major difference between the two is that the crown orifice in the new version is removable/replaceable, whereas in the old version it is machined as part of the body. It is exceptionally rare that one gets damages and needs replacement, but since you are buying used you should be aware. Especially if it looks like someone in the past might have managed to contaminate the interior of the 1st stage with any sand, grit, etc.

Also, XTXT200 prior to 2013 will not accept a 5th port upgrade kit. If you don't know what that is, then you very likely don't need it.

 

[guruboy]

I think it is cheaper to replace all parts of a reg than buying a new one.

 

[JackD342]

Just to cover our bases: that generation of 2nd stage may have had a couple of issues that were probably resolved if applicable, but just in case...

First, there was a batch in 2008 that had a part missing. Here is the image of that part:

Also, I couldn't find a technical bulletin for it, but there was a generation of 2nd stage diaphragms (the second part from the left in the photo) that tended to warp and curl over time. That strike plate disc in the center would curl down at two edges. If that is the case, be sure it is replaced and not just reinstalled. I have had to replace 3 of them in the last couple of years, and I don't get a lot of Apeks through here.

 

[2airishuman]

I found a used XTX200 regulator on sale for a reasonable price including matching octo however how old is too old when buying used? It's possibly around 8-10 years old. Is their such rule as too old or is it something that just needs a good service?

I buy used regs. Most of mine are from the 1970s.

I guess i'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of buying new or used. The money saved from buying these used would cut more than half off of what they are new. Would anyone be able to give me a estimate of a run of the mill costs for a rebuild if necessary?

Typically they will need service and possibly new hoses. It would be unusual for them to need more than that. Dive shops will typically charge around $60 per stage for parts and labor to service a reg. So if you have one first stage and two second stages it's around $180. Some have an additional charge for replacing the o-rings on the SPG. You can check hose prices at Dive Gear Express or ask your dive shop how much they charge. I believe last time I got hoses they were around $30 each. So if you replace all the hoses and pay someone to service the regs you're looking at around $300 or so.

 

[chrisch]

I guess i'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of buying new or used. The money saved from buying these used would cut more than half off of what they are new. Would anyone be able to give me a estimate of a run of the mill costs for a rebuild if necessary?

Without stripping the regs to see what is needed it is impossible to say how much you might save, if anything. If the internals are badly corroded the regs are scrap. If they are in good condition and ready to go then half new price is about right and makes sense. If they are half new and need a service you are at 75% of new for an old reg.

There is no golden formula or hard and fast rule. I have bought a few secondhand regs to get specific old models or where some real bargains have come up on eBay (those days have gone now I think). Modern regs are cheap enough that I think it now pays just to buy new.