Learn me about the ScubaPro G500

[milbournosphere]

I've been passively looking for a G250 or similar to use as my primary second stage. A friend offered me an older G500. It seems to be in good shape. I dont' really know anything about the design and the internet can't tell me much about the regulator...can ScubaBoard help? Should I snap it up or pass on it? Is there anything I should watch out for?

 

[ams511]

From my understanding the G500 came in 2 flavors. The first version (older) had a black S on the purge cover and was made in USA. The second version (newer) had a grey S on the purge cover and was made in Europe (Italy, I think). The newer G500 is essentially the same as an older S600. The only difference the parts diagrams show is different covers. Some have claimed that the earlier G500 was actually a better breather because Scubapro needed to retune it meet some sort of CE regulation. I have the latter G500s not the earlier ones so I cannot personally attest to which is the better breather. If the regulator is in good shape and reasonably priced I would purchase it.

 

[milbournosphere]

Thanks for the information. The one in question is a black regulator with a black inset ScubaPro 'S', so I'm guessing it's the earlier model. I heard that the early ones had a metal barrel, is this true?

 

[ams511]

I heard the same but I do not have one to check. This thread may give you some further insights.

 

[rhwestfall]

In the past, I'd suggest looking it up on the independently run and maintained ScubaPro Regulator Museum web-page, but......

 

[ams511]

 

[cerich]

the first gen g500 had a metal barrel and breathed great, I had three of them. There was a recall on the viva switch that was what I was told the reason they went with the Italian made g500 verus the first gen made in America.

Buy it, it's a great reg, have a good sp ntech check the recall was done and service it and you have a reg that will outdive any of us.

 

[milbournosphere]

Thanks for the replies everybody. Looks like the first gen is a good buy; we'll see how much it ends up costing me and how much my LDS will charge to service it. Is this the recall in question?

---------- Post added March 26th, 2013 at 12:28 PM ----------

So it looks like the reg in question is post-recall. The CPSC page talks about 13xxxxxx serial numbers or less; the one in question is 19xxxxxx. I should be okay on the VIVA valve issue if I pick up this particular G500, in an official capacity, anyway.