Not that I'm trying to protect dive shops...
But here's some things you may not know. I'm not sure if any of these dive shops I've been reading about are actually adhering to this or not...feel free to judge for yourself.
Zeagle requires that you send all used parts back to them when you do a rebuild. They will not send the free parts to the LDS until they get the used parts back. They do this to inspect the parts so they can improve the regulators. So I am told. My dive shop explains this to Zeagle owners and we show you the used parts before we send them back.
Used parts should always be returned to the customer (if the manufacturer does not require them back, I don't know if anyone besides Zeagle requires that) so that the customer can see the wear on the parts and to ensure that the parts have been changed. HOWEVER, those parts should NEVER be used again. As a matter of fact, when we return your parts, we include a small slip of paper warning you not to use them. These parts were removed for a reason, and some of them will not function correctly or seal correctly if used a second time.
Regulator servicing is not difficult, but ensuring that the first stage is set to the proper pressure can be. Most LDS (I hope) are equipped with a flow bench to test the pressure and make adjustments to ensure proper airflow. Many regulators also require special tools (that even the dive shops have to buy unfortunately) in order to facilitate the service. While servicing your own regulators is certainly possible, I honestly feel that it is in the best interest of the diver to have a professional, certified technician work on his or her reg. Ask to see the technician's certificate, or ask when they last attended a repair update. It's not only your money you are spending to have your equipment worked on, your life depends on this equipment and its ability to function correctly.
Wow...I need to keep off the soapbox.
