Need some info on used regulator and computer

[halocline]

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

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.

I disagree with this. Regs are probably the best dive gear to buy used, other than tanks, because they do last a really long time, and they have not really improved in the last 15-20 years or so. The "free parts" bit will absolutely NOT save you money, it's really just a scam to get divers in the store paying for mostly un-needed service by sometimes unqualified service techs. The dive gear industry inflates the so-called value of this service by marking up service kits to an absurd price. Almost all of the replacement parts are standard size o-rings that are available for pennies from suppliers that have very high quality o-rings.

Instead, you can buy a solid used reg, like the sherwood pictured, or any of a number of older scubapro regs, usually for under $100, pay to have them serviced once, then have them serviced when they need it, not every year.

 

[Luis H]

I disagree with this. Regs are probably the best dive gear to buy used, other than tanks, because they do last a really long time, and they have not really improved in the last 15-20 years or so. The "free parts" bit will absolutely NOT save you money, it's really just a scam to get divers in the store paying for mostly un-needed service by sometimes unqualified service techs. The dive gear industry inflates the so-called value of this service by marking up service kits to an absurd price. Almost all of the replacement parts are standard size o-rings that are available for pennies from suppliers that have very high quality o-rings.

Instead, you can buy a solid used reg, like the sherwood pictured, or any of a number of older scubapro regs, usually for under $100, pay to have them serviced once, then have them serviced when they need it, not every year.

Very good post… I agree… with one small exception. Regulator mechanisms have not changed since the late 70’s (With many regulators still using the same mechanism and even parts as in the mid 60’s)… as you know many use the exact same parts that were made over 30 years ago.

The only “improvement” has been the introduction of cheaper to manufacture plastics for the second stages. That would have been an improvement if it would have reflected on the price of regulators, but… Well maybe they would be even more expensive if they were made out of metal.

And yes, the yearly service defies at least one basic engineering principle: “If it isn’t broke don’t fix it”

 

[Kunundrum]

I disagree with this. Regs are probably the best dive gear to buy used, other than tanks, because they do last a really long time, and they have not really improved in the last 15-20 years or so. The "free parts" bit will absolutely NOT save you money, it's really just a scam to get divers in the store paying for mostly un-needed service by sometimes unqualified service techs. The dive gear industry inflates the so-called value of this service by marking up service kits to an absurd price. Almost all of the replacement parts are standard size o-rings that are available for pennies from suppliers that have very high quality o-rings.

Instead, you can buy a solid used reg, like the sherwood pictured, or any of a number of older scubapro regs, usually for under $100, pay to have them serviced once, then have them serviced when they need it, not every year.

Hi Matt, it's your right to disagree with me.

you make valid points

Though I am of the opinion that regs should be at least inspected & tuned once a year, by qualified techs, if your LDS do not have authorized/qualified techs might be time to change shops.

You are right most service kits are just a bunch of O-rings, and the High Pressure Seat. but most people don't want to hunt down the o-rings at a hardware store even if they cost mere pennies as most divers don't service regulators.( not to mention the consequences if the wrong type of o-rings are used) I would say 5-10% at most service regs.

For most Divers the Free parts is a good program, keeps the regs in tip top shape and no need to end a dive because the reg malfunctioned.

$300 used Reg + $120 Full service = 420$ before it even gets wet. like I mentioned before that a new reg set should be able to be purchased for $500 (maybe even less).

 

[NC-Norm]

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.

If it is this one, how would you rate this set/regulator?
Norm

 

[halocline]

Very good post… I agree… with one small exception. Regulator mechanisms have not changed since the late 70’s (With many regulators still using the same mechanism and even parts as in the mid 60’s)… as you know many use the exact same parts that were made over 30 years ago.

Yeah, I was going to say "in the last 30-40 years" but I didn't want to sound too reactionary!