Is it worth replacing?

[Dlgwarner]

Hi,
I'm new to the board and this is my " first time" so please be gentle.

After I got certified in 1990, I bought my first reg, a Sherwood Brut. Money was tighter back then and I knew I wasn't going to be diving very frequently. I knew the Brut was a workhorse and inexpensive.

After a couple of years, not diving frequently became not at all for the next 15 years. My husband and I picked it up again a few years ago and plan to continue this time, though only resort diving a few times a year. When preparing for that first trip after so long, I fished out my old equipment and took the reg into the LDS to have it checked out. Other than needing new O-rings and one spring replaced, it was in perfect working condition.

That was three years ago and still working fine. I just replaced my ancient, off brand BC with a Zeagle LaZer and am wondering if it's worth it to replace the regulator, considering it works fine and I will likely only take 2-3 (at most) dive trips a year. I know technology has come a long way since then, but will I experience enough of a difference to make it worthwhile?

$$ are a lot less of an issue, but if I should replace, I would be looking for good performance, great reliability, but at an expense commensurate with frequency of use. Ie, I'm not looking to spend money on stuff I don't really need.

So, replace, and if so recommendations appreciated.

FYI, I have PADI Advanced Open Water and Nitox certification.

 

[Tortuga68]

If you're happy with it for the type of diving you do, and aren't planning on diving deeper/colder/whatever, then no. Spend the money on somethign else

 

[GillScales]

Since 1990 reg technology has advanced slightly
less than baseball glove technology, but that's one mans opinion, someone else will be along shortly to tell you how badly you need to "upgrade" to either the latest brand x $1200 wonder or brand h $200 Chinese knockoff. Good luck and happy diving. G.

 

[supergaijin]

If it aint broke....

 

[DMDavid]

I have a few old Dacor Pacer regs (1992) that I still use from time to time and they still work just as good as my newer regs.
Just make sure that you keep them in good working order and serviced.

 

[ams511]

From my understanding the difference between a Brut and a Magnum is that the first stage of the Magnum is balanced while the Brut is not. The balancing is accomplished by using cupped compressible washers that work like a spring while the Brut uses flat non-compressible washers. You can have the tech swap out the washers during the next rebuild for a cheap cost effective upgrade.

 

[The Chairman]

I admire divers with older gear... it shows they've been around a bit. Reg technology hasn't really changed all that much: air goes in one side and out the other. If you are comfortable and happy diving with your Brut, I would continue the relationship.

 

[herman]

I pretty much agree with the rest. If however you would like to improve the breathing preformance of the reg a fairlty inexpensive alternative would be to replace just the second stage. One of the new HOGs would do nicley, otherwise enjoy the dives.

---------- Post Merged at 07:22 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 07:22 AM ----------

I pretty much agree with the rest. If however you would like to improve the breathing preformance of the reg a fairlty inexpensive alternative would be to replace just the second stage. One of the new HOGs would do nicley, otherwise enjoy the dives.

 

[Graeme Tolton]

Imo, a computer would be a better place to spend money, if you havent already. Bruts are pretty tough. Thats why many rental fleets consist of them.

 

[Rich Keller]

Reg technology has not advanced much so if it works for your needs keep using it. I still dive old Scubapro regs from the 70s that are every bit as good as the regs made today and in some respects better in my opinion. The only significant advance I have seen in reg manufacturing came from HOG who now makes regs that divers can service themselves.