Need New Reg Advice

[5513]

I have a very old Oceanic Delta that I have been using. Hooked it to the tank yesterday and blew the top off the first stage. The dealer can repair it for a couple of hundred with a parts kit and a second update kit. Apparently the first stage was kind of weak to begin with and they only made it one year. I just put a couple of hundred into it to get it overhauled (my brother gave it to me, and it hadn't been used in several years). It has two nice old Delta second stages that work perfectly.

The dealer is an Aeris and XS Scuba dealer. He says he can put in the two Oceanic kits and fix the first stage, but that he doesn't recommend it. Instead he thinks I'd be better off pulling one of the second stages to use as an Octo and buy a new Aeris AT400 Pro.

When I had him do the overhaul I had him change all the hoses and add an SPG and compass, so he can use these on the new set up.

I like the thought of a new reg with the warranty and life-time parts, but am choking on the cost right now. Just did a Bonaire trip for four of the family and bought all their certifications and personal gear (plus my wife has gone crazy and had a pool put into the back yard) so I'm cash poor right now.

Any suggestions on a course of action?

Anyone using the Aeris AT400 Pro and have comments or alternatives to that reg.

I really like my LDS and would like to support him.

Thanks,
K

 

[herman]

As an alternative to a new reg, find a good used first stage (ebay?), have it serviced and put all your new hoses, gauges and seconds on it. There are plenty of old Sherwoods and USD Conshelfs out there that are in fine shape. I have gotten several first and seconds for $20 or less. Don't overrate the "lifetime parts" gimmic. The parts are free but you still pay for the labor which is the same warrenty or not. Most parts kits are in the $10-30 range. Then if you want you can get a new reg when cashflow is better...and you have a good backup reg to boot.

 

[scubapro50]

Spend the money and buy a new regulator...... in the long run you'll be better off.

 

[tfsails]

I work at an Aeris dealer. The AT400/Pro is a fine regulator and I don't know of too many people who don't like it. I've never dove (dived?) one, but I've rebuilt plenty of 'em. They are quite nice breathers when they're properly adjusted. Aeris just came out with the AT400/Ion; my coworker dives one and loves it.

One advantage of a new regulator: you know its history, because it's your history. If the top blew off that Oceanic's first stage, I would suspect it was mistreated in some way. Some way you have no way of knowing, since you bought it used.

If you want to get a used first stage, it'd be hard to beat a US Divers Cousteau/SEA. They're balanced diaphragm firsts, and damn near bulletproof. Sherwoods are bulletproof, too.

 

[Couv]

As an alternative to a new reg, find a good used first stage (ebay?), have it serviced and put all your new hoses, gauges and seconds on it. There are plenty of old Sherwoods and USD Conshelfs out there that are in fine shape. I have gotten several first and seconds for $20 or less. Don't overrate the "lifetime parts" gimmic. The parts are free but you still pay for the labor which is the same warrenty or not. Most parts kits are in the $10-30 range. Then if you want you can get a new reg when cashflow is better...and you have a good backup reg to boot.

Concur, but if you are not comfortable with a "used off of eBay " route, contact Laura Betts (123scuba.com here on SB) for a new first stage and just hook up your old second stages to it.

see this link:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...-diaphragm-first-stages-yoke-din-60-each.html

 

[helimvee]

I agree with ScubaPro50, go with a new one.

You make a good point about wanting to support your LDS. Tell him/her that. They do like to hear that. It sure helps when you are looking for help with something or need your tanks filled in a rush.

On another note,

"Just did a Bonaire trip for four of the family and bought all their certifications and personal gear"

Ouch, that must have hurt$$Where did you stay and what shop did you dive with?

 

[5513]

I agree with ScubaPro50, go with a new one.

You make a good point about wanting to support your LDS. Tell him/her that. They do like to hear that. It sure helps when you are looking for help with something or need your tanks filled in a rush.

On another note,

"Just did a Bonaire trip for four of the family and bought all their certifications and personal gear"

Ouch, that must have hurt$$Where did you stay and what shop did you dive with?

We did the Plaza and Toucan diving. Great digs and the scuba service was superb. I paid for the certifications with my local dive shop and bought all their personal gear from him. I did cheat on the BC and bought a Zeagle Brigade from ST. I really liked it and he doesn't deal Zeagle. Rented all the families gear from him too, so they used what they trained with in Bonaire. Certs, gear, trips, Nitrox cert for me, all been a very expensive year at the scuba shop.

I picked an Aeris Pro today and he is setting it up. My work takes me to Pohnpei in two weeks so I want to grab a local dive here to ensure it works fine.

 

[5513]

Couv,

Thanks for the tip. I bought a first stage from Laura and a new Aeris At400 from the local dive shop. The LDS put my old Oceanic second stage on as an octo and used my old gauges on the new setup. The extra second stage I'll put on the first stage from Laura for use in the family pool. Thanks for the tip.

K