New long lasting regs?

[northernone]

Regs like the R109, mk5, conshelf (you get the idea, not intending to exclude any or make a definitive list) from yesteryear have stood the test of time. For ability to service, dependability, durability and ease of use.

Which current production regs do you expect to have similar or better legacy in 30 years?

I'm interested from the perspective there's a finite supply of these old regs I'd like to develop some "modern" alternatives I'll eventual start looking for.

Regards,
Cameron

 

[lexvil]

Atomic

 

[diversteve]

Atomic's T3 since it's milled from and all the component pieces are Titanium. Probably the ST1 also since they use a high-grade saltwater resistant Stainless Steel instead. Add their Seat Saver Orifice and the recommended service interval is 2 years/300 dives. I have a T2 that regularly has gone 4-5 years between overhauls. (not recommended)

Also Scubapro's Mk25EvoT/S620T - the non-titanium version of the Mk25 has been around for decades.

You will pay dearly (T3-$1749, SP-$2200) for exotic metals like Ti but it doesn't corrode - ever.
Both companies are owned by large conglomerates also which adds to their potential longevity.

 

[BoltSnap]

I have had my first Atomic B2 (was B1 but then upgraded to B2) since circa 1997 and it is still working like new. I expect that it will just keep going forever.

 

[herman]

It may be easier to eliminate regs and see what is remaining. Any reg that has unique service parts should be eliminated since finding parts is the biggest problem with keeping the reg going. This alone eliminates regs like the MK-25 with the bunch of seal parts it has. Pretty much every single balanced second stage on the market would be eliminated since the poppets are unique to most regs as well as the LP seat. The 109 has survived because SP has continued to use the poppet design in a lot of regs, the seats are common (and easily reproduced) and they have a good reputation for keeping service parts in production. The MK-5 and Conshelf first stages have survived because they use common parts (orings and diaphragms) and because USD/AL still uses the same HP seats in most if it's regs. Because there are so many of these regs around (USD/AL), aftermarket seats will likely come on the market if AL stops making them.

Based on the above, if you want the reg to be serviceable for a very long time, I would look for either a AL diaphragm first stage without an enviromental seal or a simple flowby piston like the MK-2 and pair that with a simple unbalanced second stage, preferably an older metal one (no cracked housings).

 

[oldschoolto]

Find as many NOS or lightly used 109's or Conshelf regs and stock a box full of parts.. This I'll last till you die... Then your grandkids will still be diving them.

Jim..

 

[rhwestfall]

The mindset of industry is no longer "to make it last". That doesn't make them enough money... Discontinuing parts/support is the mainstream business model, forcing the consumer to buy again. Time will tell, but I also don't believe the "plastic" products will hold up in the long haul.

Good luck finding the next "keeper".....

 

[Insta-Gator]

Find as many NOS or lightly used 109's or Conshelf regs and stock a box full of parts.. This I'll last till you die... Then your grandkids will still be diving them.

Jim..

FYI, Aqualung still stocks parts for the US Divers regs (SEA and Conshelf) Good on them!!! The parts kits are not that expensive, if you feel the need to stock up.

 

[BoltSnap]

The mindset of industry is no longer "to make it last". That doesn't make them enough money... Discontinuing parts/support is the mainstream business model, forcing the consumer to buy again. Time will tell, but I also don't believe the "plastic" products will hold up in the long haul.

Good luck finding the next "keeper".....

I have had my Atomic B2 for over 20 years now and Atomic upgraded it to B2 from B1 and even upgraded it again when the B2 parts were upgraded. I am sure that it will be around for at least 5 years from now (I am sure longer), and if they decide they won't make it any more in five years, I am sure that they will have parts for it for at least another five years. In other words, I am certain that it will be OK for another 10 years which makes it 30 years. If I decide to not use it and replace it with something else it is probably because new technology or product came out that is better than the current B2 design and I "want" to replace not but definitely not because I "have" to replace it.

30 years for a scuba regulator that cost me few hundred dollars ain't bad at all. Other things that cost 10's of times more don't last that long. I am satisfied with that.

 

[rhwestfall]

I just finished resurrecting/refreshing a 1960 DA Aquamaster. 2018 - 1960 = 58 (and still going).....

I was certified in 1989, and my first regulators were a 1970's $20.00 garage sale set of SP 109's. I still have them, and they perform flawlessly.