Considering the following...

[capercanuck]

Octopus Artic from US Divers.
Second Octopus US Divers.
DS3 Data Pro.
Compass US Divers.


The above is for sale locally and I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the products.
I know I'd need to get any used setup inspected and serviced before use.

Thanks

 

[Fishpie]

Good solid US Divers setup.....I'd guess about 12 to 15 years old.

SEA 1st stage is rugged and dependable balanced diaphragm.....can't see from the pics if it is sealed. Uses the same parts as current AquaLung regs.

Arctic 2nd stage has heat sinks and a metal air barrel.
Standard octo.

Can't see the gauges well but I believe the DS3 was a depth/bottom timer and not a computer.

Typical US eBay price......$140 to $160.....maybe a little more if someone really wanted an Arctic (not that common).

For a reg that you can inspect in person and check out for function, cracks, leaks and bubbles....I might add another $30 to $50 assuming everything checked out fine.

 

[capercanuck]

Hey Fishpie,

Thanks for the insight!

There are two other sets I'm looking at also. Maybe you have an opinion:

Mares Abyss regulator (first and second stage) SPG, Compass and Shearwood Source dive computer- $350 OBO

Sherwood Blizzard Cold water regulator (first and second stage) with SPG and depth gauge: $200 OBO

Thanks!

 

[Fishpie]

All 3 are good cold water choices.
Any "octo" with the Mares or Sherwood?
There's been a Blizzard in the Sherwood line for 30+ years. Do you know the age of this one?
What's the asking price for the Arctic?
Are there local dealers for each brand?

 

[capercanuck]

Hi,

Any "octo" with the Mares or Sherwood? Yes
There's been a Blizzard in the Sherwood line for 30+ years. Do you know the age of this one? The guy is getting back to me on this.
What's the asking price for the Arctic? $250 obo

 

[Fishpie]

The Abyss is the highest performer of the bunch but the service parts are more expensive (particularly the 1st stage seat....but it will take the USDivers seat....not that any shop will fit this for you).
The Source is an older computer....not really a problem....if it works, it works.

Compasses without air bubbles in them are worth an additional $25.

Check around the hose fitting of the USD octo for hair line cracks ( hose enters the case)......a known problem with the older yellow cases.

If its a newer Sherwood with the oval 2nd stage (not the older round one) it would be my first choice followed by the Mares and USD.
If the Sherwood has the older round 2nd's I'd say go for the Mares then USD or Sherwood.

.....assuming equal access to servicing.

 

[Fishpie]

Here's another for your consideration:
SHERWOOD*OASIS+ w/ OCTOw/ Pressure /Depth Console*VG+ - eBay (item 280644170343 end time Mar-19-11 12:30:55 PDT)
......random browse on eBay....

The 1st stage is the best Sherwood has made and the 2nd stage is the same as a Blizzard.

 

[Fishpie]

......and another:
Aqualung Impulse Cryo EAN Tech Dive Regluator System - eBay (item 170615849253 end time Mar-21-11 19:45:16 PDT)

....probably the best value of the bunch.
Great cold water 1st stage.
Okay 2nds
Great compass.
My favorite computer.