Got ancient gear

[Hxrrxstx]

Hello,

I recently received a bag of diving equipment from my uncle since I plan to get my Open Water certification, and I thought it would be a good idea to familiarize myself with the gear I’ll be using during the course.
I’ve been researching each piece a bit, and I have a couple of questions. I’d love to hear your opinions.

The first one is about the dive computer. It’s a Zenix Sporasub (I think the brand was acquired by Mares) and is pretty old. I found the manual online, and it turns on, but I still need to check if everything works correctly. However, I’m not sure if it’s missing any essential features that are now considered indispensable or if it has become obsolete. Also, a quick question: is it mandatory or common to always dive with a computer?

The second one is about the BCD. I believe it’s the Cressi Respect Nature. At first glance, it looks spotless, and compared to modern BCDs, it doesn’t seem to be missing anything. Could it still be used? Does it require any maintenance?

The last one is about the regulator. I don’t know the model of the first stage, in case anyone can identify it. The second stage is a Cressi Airtech, and the octopus is a Cressi XS2/AC2 (correct me if I’m wrong). My question is about maintenance. In my area, servicing costs around €150, which, as a university student, I can’t afford right now along with the OWD expenses. That’s why I thought about doing the maintenance myself. I’ve been studying it a bit, and it doesn’t seem too complex. Plus, I have quite a bit of experience with tools. But I’d like to hear your opinion.

 

[davehicks]

The regulators must be serviced before use and will probably be fine once complete.
Blow up the BC manually as full as you can and see if it's still holding the full volume 24 hours later.
The mask looks like it's very yellowed, and it needs to fit YOUR face. Buy a new one.
Give the fin straps a very firm tug. See any cracks? If not probably ok to use.
And yes, you need a computer for every dive. (Technically you don't, but you really do)

 

[runsongas]

yellowed mask is only cosmetic, if the rubber is still soft and pliable to seal, it will work fine if the fit is good.

servicing the ac2/xs2 isn't too bad if you are fairly handy, just read through the reg savvy and scuba reg maintenance and repair books before getting everything together that you need.

if the bcd doesn't leak, check also there isn't an issue with the inflator elbow fitting or any deterioration of the flange. the only real maintenance would be the inflator if it is leaking in some way, its possible to rebuild the inflator if necessary by just getting the needed orings. or just replace it with a generic which is cheap too.

the sporasub zenix is supposedly a rebadged mares tutor and should take a standard AAA battery. but otherwise its pretty obsolete as it doesnt support nitrox. if you can pressure test it to verify the sensor then its usable as long as you only dive air. and be sure to read the manual to figure out how to do the altitude adjustment if you dive any lakes at altitude as I think those require setting altitude adjustment manually.

get some bungee cord to replace the rubber fin straps

 

[happy-diver]

Hello,

Hello, you're one lucky guy!

If the gear works, just go do your course, leave the rest up to the course people, talk to your uncle

I don’t know the model of the first stage, in case anyone can identify it.

What happened, did you run out of film, do you understand diving is about detail


I have those regs haven't been serviced in 20yrs

Hey have a good course if you remember to go

 

[Hxrrxstx]

Hello, you're one lucky guy!

If the gear works, just go do your course, leave the rest up to the course people, talk to your uncle



What happened, did you run out of film, do you understand diving is about detail


I have those regs haven't been serviced in 20yrs

Hey have a good course if you remember to go

My bad i didnt know you can only attach 5 images on a post, here it is.