Diaphragm 1st stage regs you like
- Thread starter bradlw
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Warning: I am a bit biased..
If you want a reg which is serviceable for 40 years, with parts easily available everywhere in the world and technical manuals easily available and simple enough for DIY servicing, then my suggestion is Scubapro, and namely the MK17: double sealed diaphragm, simple, cheap and robust. Double sealed diaphragm. Convertible between DIN and yoke in less than 2 minutes.
I did buy my first reg in 1976 (a MK5+109) and I am still using it nowadays. I suppose my sons will be able to service and use it for the next 20 years.
And it is still top notch performances, thanks to the upgraded parts coming from subsequent but compatible regs...
I am biased as these regs are manufactured here in Italy, in Casarza Ligure, where I was trained for servicing them back in 1980.
Which also means that purchasing single parts or complete service kits had never been a problem here.
I really do not know the problem that people have in US for purchasing SP parts. They are available everywhere, including on Ebay.
I have seen how these regs are designed and built... And I was introduced to the tricks for fine tuning.
I will never use anything else.
If you want a reg which is serviceable for 40 years, with parts easily available everywhere in the world and technical manuals easily available and simple enough for DIY servicing, then my suggestion is Scubapro, and namely the MK17: double sealed diaphragm, simple, cheap and robust. Double sealed diaphragm. Convertible between DIN and yoke in less than 2 minutes.
I did buy my first reg in 1976 (a MK5+109) and I am still using it nowadays. I suppose my sons will be able to service and use it for the next 20 years.
And it is still top notch performances, thanks to the upgraded parts coming from subsequent but compatible regs...
I am biased as these regs are manufactured here in Italy, in Casarza Ligure, where I was trained for servicing them back in 1980.
Which also means that purchasing single parts or complete service kits had never been a problem here.
I really do not know the problem that people have in US for purchasing SP parts. They are available everywhere, including on Ebay.
I have seen how these regs are designed and built... And I was introduced to the tricks for fine tuning.
I will never use anything else.
Now, what features/form factor/etc. do you want ...
Environmental seal - yes/no/DC?
Turret - yes/no/DC?
Prefer smallest and lightest for travel?
Self service your plan or shop/mail?
If you want an explicitly self-serviced compact reg with no turret ... HOG D2 or Deep6 Scribble/Excursion
Shop service or don't mind grey-marketing parts Scuba Pro Mk11 or Aqualung Mikron for no environmental seal. Mk17 or Legends if Env seal.
Etc.
More info needed ...
What's wrong with purchasing parts directly from the manufacturer? Unless an ebay seller is a reputable distributor, I wouldn't trust it. I'm personally not interested in some copies made in China that may or may not fail at inopportune times for myself, my loved ones and friends, or my students.
And, the cost of service kits and the cost of a class spread out over 20 years following the 2 year interval work out to be close but if one only services when needed it would take 40 years.
others who are the “big” names don’t even offer the option of a class to the general consumer, I applaud the option and think the approach would serve the entire industry well, the industry is lagging a good 20 years on todays reality.
as an aside I’ve been shown the dealer cost list for atomic service kits, no change over 3 years.
I don't and won't "duke it out" with Rob. I have the utmost respect to Rob and I don't duke it out with him even when I may disagree with him. Not everything is a fight or a contest.
If one were to read Rob’s very first line in that thread, he is relaying an anecdotal remark from a shop, no fact was presented.
Just to touch back on the original point that OP was after (durability and long term service support, preferably diaphragm), the SEA 1st stage you have uses the same critical components as the venerable Conshelf (outside of an O-ring or 2, sourced anywhere). That same first stage internals started in the Royal Aquamaster in 1966 are parts interchangeable with the entire Conshelf series, your SEA/Mikron, and up to the 2008 Titan. The Conshelf 14 is still available new for commercial and military use. I would keep diving the SEA first stage, pair it with a 1085 (chrome Conshelf) second stage, and be content that they will remain servicable roughly for eternity. If you don't want to source Aqualung kits, Trident sells the HP seat and the HP diaphragm, the rest is just common o-rings and such. The second stage rebuild only requires a 014 O-ring and a puck style seat available anywhere (or easily punched from sheet EPDM or Silicone), and occasionally a new nylock nut.
Just my take, for what it's worth.
Respectfully,
James
Just my take, for what it's worth.
Respectfully,
James
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