New Equipment Check

[Peekay]

We just got our first set of gear (1st/2nd stage, BC, Gauges/computer). My question is this: Is it ready to use out of the box? Do we need to service this equipment at all before we go live with it?

We're headed to PDC in a week and would hate to find out that the gear was not ready to go out of the box. Thanks everyone for the great info!!!

PK

 

[waterwraith]

If you bought it at a LDS then they should have given the gear an inspection and set up your reg/octo/guage etc.

If you bought it on-line I do not know if they do this inspection. Also if you bought it on-line it would be a good idea to have a LDS take a look at it.

I am not really sure if the equipment is ready to go out of the box or not, but I would not trust my life on gear that had not been inspected either by an LDS or an on-line shop.

 

[redacted]

With 1st stage on a tank or dust cap firmly attached, gently blow into each 2nd stage, with & without depressing the purge. Only right answer is you blow nowhere - no air is expelled.

Then connect to tank and air it up. First listen for leaks. then turn tank off & check SPG. Wait 5 min and make sure SPG reads same. If you find slow leak (maybe a couple hundred psi) then go to the bath tub and locate where it is coming from. Loose hose connection you can fix. Hand tighten and just a little more with a wrench. (A slow leak is not a major problem in and of itself, but the sooner you get then fixed the better).

Blow up the BC & leave it sit for 20 minutes. It shouldn't leak. Give it a bath also to locate leaks if necessary.

If you can get to a pool & give it all a try before PDC, that would be good. Even a hot tub will build a little confidence in your new gear.

I have seen brand new, out of the box regs leak because hoses were loose (easily turned by hand). These came from Leisure Pro where you shouldn't expect much dealer prep, but a sloppy LDS can slip one thru also.