Is AquaLung ACD worth it?

[Panulirus]

I can get a 2005 Legend (unused from LDS) for $100 less than a new 2006 AL Legend ACD. In case you don't know what ACD stands for this is from the Aqualung website.

Auto-Closure Device (ACD) seals the regulator’s inlet fitting, both Yoke and DIN, as soon as the regulator is removed from the cylinder valve.
º This will keep water and contaminants out of the regulator’s first stage during rinsing and storage.
º It allows the first stage to maintain peak
performance over time
º The first stage will retain its internal lubrication longer
º Makes the first stage safer for nitrox use
The new ACD feature coupled with the environmental dry chamber, results in a first stage that is completely sealed off from the environment.

If I want the Legend LX ACD it would be additional $200 from 2005 Legend. All come with free matching Octopus from AL. Wondering what you guys recommend.

 

[cerich]

$200 bucks is a lot!

The ACD (and our DVT) does work and will have all of the benifits you mention with less effort on your part.

If the money isn't an issue go for it, if it is don't.

Or spend $449.95 on a Delta 4 get all the performance and DVT and use the extra money to go diving!

Best,

Chris

 

[Diver Dennis]

I have two Legend LX Supremes I bought last year and have never had a problem with them or any other reg I've owned, so I don't think it is really necessary in my opinion. It is something new though and that may boost sales. I wouldn't pay an extra $200 for it.

 

[Panulirus]

Thanks maybe I should clarify. The $200 extra would also be a step up from standard 2005 Legend to Legend LX ADC. Prices I was quoted today are:

$395 = 2005 Legend + Legend Octo
$495 = 2006 Legend ADC + Legend Octo
$595 = 2006 Legend LX ADC + Legend Octo

So $200 more for ADC and air flow control knob.

 

[jmps]

Thanks maybe I should clarify. The $200 extra would also be a step up from standard 2005 Legend to Legend LX ADC. Prices I was quoted today are:

$395 = 2005 Legend + Legend Octo
$495 = 2006 Legend + Legend Octo
$595 = 2006 Legend LX + Legend Octo

So $200 more for ADC and air flow control knob.

I have the Legend without ADC. I think any advantage of an adjustable reg is very small so I skipped the LX. The ACD is a nice feature but for $100 I think it is easy to put on the cover. If you can get the combo for $395 that is amazing. I had to pay over $600 for the same combo. If you have to have the latest then I would go for the Legend.

 

[mike_s]

$595 for the Legend LX (ACD) is "List price". If the dive shop you went to can't give you a better deal than that, then I'd shop elsewhere. The "minimum advertised price" for the Legend LX is $535 per Aqualungs dealer agreement. Your shop should be able to sell it to you for at least that.

BTW... Aqualung didn't change the price for 2006. That's just your dealer/LDS trying to clear out inventory so he doesn't get suck with it by seling the non-ACD regulators for cheaper. (nothing wrong with them doing this... it's pretty common... but that extra $100 bucks he's charging will show you how overpriced he is. He paid the same thing for each of the regulators. In fact, to show this, LP has it for $449)

The Delta 4 that CeRich mentioned has ACD and is much cheaper. I'm betting that you can find it cheaper than that also.


After the way that I've seen Aqualung treating it's dealers lately, I'd rather buy the Oceanic.

 

[Red Vette]

I have a LX ACD and love it. It breathes better than my Black Pearl's and better than my old Legend Supreme's. If you can afford it, buy it!

 

[Diver Dennis]

Yeah Mike, I checked with my LDS and the price is the same as last year here too.

 

[tribaltim]

My buddy just bought the new 2006 Legend ADC and got the Legend Octo for free with the deal they have going on right now and it was only $332.00 here.....

 

[Panulirus]

Thanks, I know $595 for the Legend LX ADC is list price. I had another dealer quote me $535 a while back so I guess that's the standard low quote. Maybe I'll play the numbers game with them but I like to buy stuff like this from this particular shop. The 2005 Legend was "marked down" 20% because obviously it's last years stock and being replaced by and updated 1st stage. The shop explained everything to me. I've bought plenty from this LDS so I'm sure they would cut me some slack on pricing if I asked. I don't think I'd come out any better with a Delta 4 when you throw in a matching octopus like AL is offering for free with any new purchase. Same goes for LP when you figure in the octo and no factory warrantee.