Need some info on used regulator and computer

[NC-Norm]

Hey everybody,
I recently got dive certified and looking to piece a set together. I have everything I need except for a regulator. I know buying used is iffy at best without any history or warranties. I cam across this set being sold and would like to know if this is worth investing into and then taking it to the shop to get serviced. I actually bought a Zeagle Ranger BCD from this person for $135 and it is in great condition. If you could please give me an honest opinion that would be great(the sooner the better) I feel this may go soon. Is this worth $300?
Thanks, Norm

This what the ad says:

Sherwood Regulator Set with Oceanic dive computer
Top of the line Regulator
30 Dives only
Very good condition
Surface whistle
Under water Whistle
Knife on line
Attached Oceanic Dive Computer New $720 selling for $300

 

[herman]

Nothing wrong with Sherwoods in general, they make some of the most dependable regs on the market HOWEVER, what it is worth really depends on model and age. I personally would avoid the newer SR-1s, they have not had a steller record. The older models are fine, not super performers but solid dependable workhorses. The value of the regs depends on model and age...only 30 dives means nothing, that could have been 1 dive pre year over the last 30 years , all on one vacation 10 years ago or all 30 last summer. Find out what model it is and photos will help. Same goes with the computer, I have some 10+yo Oceanic computers. They still work but their value is a lot less than new. Also, what model of computer...is it nitrox capable or not? Model numbers will help a lot. Reguardless of age/model plan on spending another $100-150 on service. About $25-30 per stage is common plus parts. Parts for the older Sherwood models (non-SR-1) are fairly inexpensive as reg parts go so that is in your favor. So, is it worth $300, maybe but without specifics it's hard to tell and plan on spending another $100-150 on service.

On the other hand $135 for a good Ranger is a good deal.

 

[NC-Norm]

down below are the pics

 

[herman]

Don't think you can post images for a while, PM them to me if you like

 

[NC-Norm]

I may have figured how to post the pics.
Now I am no pro when it comes to these but looking at the factory pic and the computer on the wall, they look to be a little different. I am not sure because one pic has power on and the other is off. Can anyone tell?

 

[herman]

From what I can see it appears to be either a Magnum or a Brute, both reasonable regs. My guess is it's a Magnum based on the cost of the computer that goes with it. Their age is 3 or 4 years, maybe a little more, I am not that up on Sherwoods but they are newer models, age give or take a couple of years is pretty much mute point. With all the other toys $300 is not bad, just be aware it will need ....or at least should....be serviced before diving it so plan on another $100-125 for that. A pool dive would be OK but I would not do a trip or offshore with it without a checkup....being a Sherwood, it's most likely fine. They are pretty hard to hurt. The computer will do, my personal preference is to use a mechanical pressure gauge and seperate computer. I can dive without the computer, grab my tables and go but no pressure gauge is a dive trip killer. If it were mine, I would put the computer on ebay with a reserve of $250ish. Take the money and buy a mechanical pressure gauge and a less expensive, either console or wrist computer.
All in all, not a bad price if the computer works. I would want to see it hooked to a tank before handing over the cash but assuming it breaths reasonably and the computer is OK, $300 is not bad and chances are you can get a good bit back selling the comp on ebay.

 

[halocline]

I would not buy it. Older sherwood regs are good, solid performers, but they are available cheap; they were cheap when they were new. Buying a used bulky console computer is almost certainly something you'll eventually regret and replace with a wrist computer.

Spend some time on ebay and you'll get an idea of how inexpensive old sherwood regs are. I suspect you could buy a decent used reg and a new wrist computer with a warranty. (with computers it's worth it, as they generally can't be fixed and they do fail) for close to $300. Used computers have VERY low resale for that reason.

 

[NC-Norm]

OK,
Thanks for the insight. Now if I decided to pass on this set. What would you recommend as far as regular set-up? What would I be looking to spend? I checked out ebay and see tons of choices but not sure which brands are better than the others. I know some have been bought and have new names/brands. I have a trip planned in a month and would like to make an educated purchase rather than a whim. Is there anyway to say "xxx" brand is great but don't spend more than $xxx on it? What do you think the Sherwood reg and hoses are worth by themselves? I may do as Herman said, use the regs and sell the computer.
I know this is a random post but I am just not sure where to turn.

Thanks, Norm

 

[Kunundrum]

Regulators are the one piece of equipment I strongly suggest buying new or buying from someone you know (IE: dive buddy)

For the Most part if you get a good reg it can serve you your entire diving life, as 20+ years out of a good quality reg is not unusual. Most people I know still own the first reg they ever bought, service is Key.

The added advantage of purchasing a new Reg is most of the bigger companies will offer Free parts with annual servicing, this can save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

$300 reg + $~120 service each year can end up costing quite a bit in the long run, 25-60$ in service per year is alot easier to swallow.

You should be able to get a good quality reg set for 500$ Brand New, Something like the Apeks AT20/DS4 or SP MK2, AL ABS Octo and Gauge console. Granted they are not cold water rated.

Talk with your LDS and see if they can put something together for you for 500$ I would be surprised if they can't.

Regards

Kunundrum

 

[Waterskier1]

I believe that is the Sherwood Maximus (SRB5600) Second Stage from what I can tell from the picture. It is the only one of the more recent Sherwood's that has a user adjustable (underwater) orifice. At least it looks like there is a small adjustment knob adjacent to where the LP hose connects to the second stage.