My Blacktip Leaked Yesterday

[MrChen]

I looked up a phone # on Google Maps, as suggested by ChrisMBC. A woman answered and she was very familiar with my case. In fact, she's the one who sends the emails. I pleaded my case for a warranty. She said that by default, if the tech sees flooding, they always mark it as an unwarranted repair. She said my case is flagged and they'll be reviewing it further today and discuss in more detail with the tech about what may have leaked. She was very nice and was empathetic to my case. She mentioned scenarios where people who know they did something wrong will likely just pay, but those who didn't are more inclined to challenge it. I told her, though I've used it a lot in 8 months, I took good care of it. She confirmed this by saying the condition was rated "B". An "A" is new, "B" is used in good condition. I'm hopeful they'll do the right thing. I made sure to be polite. Sometimes treating people like people goes a long way.

 

[Manatee Diver]

Which DPV companies offer full coverage leak warranties?

A warranty that doesn't cover at least some leaks is pretty pointless.

 

[justinthedeeps]

A warranty that doesn't cover at least some leaks is pretty pointless.

Agreed!

But I am curious, how many of us have succeeded on a warranty claim for a flooded DPV, from any company?

It seems like camera housings. We are usually also on our own.

Communication, reviews and reputations matter though.
It's not wrong to open a thread about the nature of unsatisfying results.

A systematic day zero defect might be different. If enough incidents suggest shipped issues with the tail cone, shaft seal and/or LED battery/speed indicator, then I do hope that this is getting a serious look, something helpful to those experiencing this issue, and improvements going forward.

 

[rjack321]

A warranty that doesn't cover at least some leaks is pretty pointless.

Of course blacktips seem to have more leaks than all other currently popular brands combined. Even SS and Gavins never leaked this much

 

[Manatee Diver]

A systematic day zero defect might be different. If enough incidents suggest shipped issues with the tail cone, shaft seal and/or LED battery/speed indicator, then I do hope that this is getting a serious look, something helpful to those experiencing this issue, and improvements going forward.

I don't think it is just one thing, it just isn't a durable scooter. I have the vacuum bulkhead so I have some way to check now, but the amount of problems I've heard dwarf all the other brands. And a lot of the problems aren't in user maintained seals. Like the LED window or the tail cone.

Of course blacktips seem to have more leaks than all other currently popular brands combined. Even SS and Gavins never leaked this much

Leaks certainly don't seem common among the brands popular in cave country, except for the Blacktips.

 

[MrChen]

I have good news!!! It sucks you have to challenge it, but it's the end result that really matters. I just received this email update to my support ticket.

Thanks for your patience, I have evaluated your items further and found your unit to be covered under full warranty.
We do recommend that you are Vacuum Checking your unit in the future prior to every dive as you have the Vacuum Bulkhead.

These issues fall under our warranty, no payment is required. We will fix them ASAP and return them to you.

If you would like to add any additional items to ship in the same order, please let me know and I will add them.

 

[MrChen]

My order email:

And I have a tracking# already.

 

[MrChen]

It's already on the way and is scheduled to arrive Thursday.

06/14/2024 3:32 A.M.	On the Way Departed from Facility Portland, OR, United States
06/14/2024 1:40 A.M.	Arrived at Facility Portland, OR, United States
06/13/2024 9:38 P.M.	Departed from Facility Everett, WA, United States
06/13/2024 7:38 P.M.	We have your package Everett, WA, United States
06/13/2024 2:27 P.M.	Label Created Shipper created a label, UPS has not received the package yet. United States

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Excellent news!! Are you going to sell it or keep it as a backup?

 

[MrChen]

Excellent news!! Are you going to sell it or keep it as a backup?

I'll end up selling it. The Tusa fits my needs better based on the activities I'm doing. I credit the Tusa in helping make my catch of the 33 inch Black Grouper possible. Being hands free to manage the gun and the additional power (and battery life, it was my 4th dive of the day) were instrumental in following the fish and getting in position to shoot.

At least I don't walk away from the experience saying I would never buy a Dive Xtras product. Yes, the process could have been faster and easier, but I'm happy with the end result. If I had to pay for the repairs, I wouldn't even consider their other products in the future.