How important are warranties for regulators?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I'm looking to buy an XS Scuba Tri-Metal Reg: XS Scuba RG200 SeaAir Tri-Metal Scuba Regulator

They go for $350 new but I can get one used for $250. Of course that won't have the warranty anymore. Are warranties really that valuable for regulators?

 

[Scott L]

I'm looking to buy an XS Scuba Tri-Metal Reg: XS Scuba RG200 SeaAir Tri-Metal Scuba Regulator

They go for $350 new but I can get one used for $250. Of course that won't have the warranty anymore. Are warranties really that valuable for regulators?

Not really. Personally, I would save for a Atomic reg. Service is only required every two years...

 

[mike_s]

I'm looking to buy an XS Scuba Tri-Metal Reg: XS Scuba RG200 SeaAir Tri-Metal Scuba Regulator

They go for $350 new but I can get one used for $250. Of course that won't have the warranty anymore. Are warranties really that valuable for regulators?

are you going to take it and get it serviced as soon as you get it to make sure it's ok and in perfect working order?

if so, expect to pay about $50-$60 bucks for 3 regulator rebuild kits (1st stage and 2 2nd stages), plus $50-$60 bucks for labor. So $100-$120 for complete rebuild cost.


So... that $100 bucks you saved buying used, just got eaten up by the rebuild, and you still have a used reg.


So, based on that, I'd either negotiate a lower price, or buy it (or another reg) new.

 

[Bogie]

Warranties are great if the company stands behind them, some are parts and labors, some just parts, and then there are shipping charges. If you never have a problem they are not worth it. Most regulators are solid. If you did have a problem it is very unlikely that you would have more than $100 charge to fix it.

 

[vladimir]

Two separate questions, really. In the absence of a parts-for-life deal, for example, which has to be evaluated separately, I would consider a warranty nice, but not worth nearly what you usually pay for it. Regulators (and scuba gear in general) are robust devices not prone to failure with proper care. But when you buy used gear, the discount should reflect not just the lack of a warranty, but the uncertainty of how (or whether) it was maintained or used and the cost of having it serviced. $100 off wouldn't be enough of a discount for me.

Is this the same model offered new at $300?:

XS Scuba SeaAir Tri-Metal Regulator

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Two separate questions, really. In the absence of a parts-for-life deal, for example, which has to be evaluated separately, I would consider a warranty nice, but not worth nearly what you usually pay for it. Regulators (and scuba gear in general) are robust devices not prone to failure with proper care. But when you buy used gear, the discount should reflect not just the lack of a warranty, but the uncertainty of how (or whether) it was maintained or used and the cost of having it serviced. $100 off wouldn't be enough of a discount for me.

Is this the same model offered new at $300?:

XS Scuba SeaAir Tri-Metal Regulator

Yes, that's it. They offer it used @ $260 in Excellent condition. Should I go for it?

 

[vladimir]

$260 or $250? Either way, I'd say no. There is general agreement that a used regulator needs to be serviced before use. If it is offered by a dive shop that you trust, and they have serviced it, then perhaps. I think warranties on regulators have limited utility, but they are worth something. And the security that comes with buying a brand new regulator (television, car, whatever) is worth something too. For me, they are worth more than the $40 or $50 discount from new that you are being offered. Show them a $200 bid, maybe. I'd still prefer to buy new, even at $200, but we all have our personal thresholds.

 

[mike_s]

$260 or $250? Either way, I'd say no. There is general agreement that a used regulator needs to be serviced before use. If it is offered by a dive shop that you trust, and they have serviced it, then perhaps. .

Well it's offered by LP, so at they prob at least hooked it to a tank to see if it works and gave it a quick inspection. (or at least you hope so... )


HOG D1's (w/o cold kit) are going for $249 to $275 from most LDS's for a 1st, 2nd and hose of your choice. and it's BRAND NEW, with Warranty.


For $260 bucks (cost of used Tri-Metal), heck you can get a better performing HOG D1 for cheaper and it's brand new. To me this would be an easy decision.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Well it's offered by LP, so at they prob at least hooked it to a tank to see if it works and gave it a quick inspection. (or at least you hope so... )


HOG D1's (w/o cold kit) are going for $249 to $275 from most LDS's for a 1st, 2nd and hose of your choice. and it's BRAND NEW, with Warranty.


For $260 bucks (cost of used Tri-Metal), heck you can get a better performing HOG D1 for cheaper and it's brand new. To me this would be an easy decision.

I checked out the HOGs, but the closest service area is all the way in Sacramento, which is a 2.5 hr drive...

 

[knowone]

So in three years time plan a road trip or post it return for twenty bucks.
You may have decided to look after you own by then and those second stages shouldn't even be discussed on the same page.
Plenty out there much more better for $200 SH with extras that may not require servicing.