Newbie needs Reg advice- Zeagle 50D

[Six2Life]

I am new to diving and looking to pick up some gear. Locally I came across a guy selling an older Zeagle 50D reg set with an Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus computer. There is no octo. The regs look like post-apeks, Zeagle manufactured parts. I offered $150 for the set. He said he'd think about it but really wanted around $200.

So is this a good deal for regs to start out with? The 50D seems to be good equipment that won't leave me wanting an upgrade in 2-3 years. From what I've read about it, it should be more than adequate for any type of diving I see myself doing. (Recreational, mostly on vacations)

Or would I be better off buying new, warrantied regs that won't nickle and dime me as much on service costs?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

From what I hear, the 50D is a good reg. $150-$200 for a package consisting of a used reg (+ octo?) and a used dive computer (working?) sounds like an excellent deal. But there are a lot of good deals out there if one is patient.

With regard to the computer...
The Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus computer is an air-integrated nitrox-capable computer. I'd ask whether it works properly (accurate depth reading, accurate tank psi reading, etc.). You should know that this computer uses a Tadiran TL-2150 battery which costs about $6-$7 online. It is user-replaceable.

With regard to the reg...
Before buying anything, I'd inquire about the date of the last reg servicing, when it was last used on a dive, how it was stored since then, and the current specs of the reg (i.p. being delivered by first stage, cracking pressure of any second stages connected to it). I'd also ask about the overall cosmetic appearance of the reg setup (if that's important to you). I would then verify these things in person if at all possible. If the reg requires any servicing at all, as purchaser of a second-hand item, you'd be on the hook for those fees (labor + parts). How much does such repair work cost? Do your research on this. It can run anywhere from $50-$200 for a used reg setup (two 2nd stages and one 1st stage).

If you have the time, patience, and enthusiasm to learn how to DIY service the reg, purchasing a used one in good condition can make a lot of economic sense. I overhaul my own Apeks regs, and it's a fairly straightforward process. The design of Zeagle regs is very similar, so I'd think that working on them would be rather straightforward, too.

If you plan on having a local reg tech overhaul the reg for you as needed (when the reg actually requires servicing as indicated by periodic checks), buying a used reg can also be a good deal since lots of regs with the proper maintenance can go 2+ years in-between overhauls.

You should know that Zeagle provides a free-overhaul-parts-for-life policy for new regs purchased from an authorized dealer as long as that reg is overhauled once every year...but the new reg owner must still pay labor costs on that servicing ($50-$80 for a typical reg setup consisting of two 2nd stages + one 1st stage).

FYI, ZeagleExpress.com sells official Zeagle reg overhaul kits for a reasonable price ($25.30 for 1st stage kit, $16 for 2nd stage kit).

Take all of the above info into consideration before deciding to make the purchase. One nice thing about buying a new reg from an authorized dealer is that you are guaranteed to have a working reg for at least a year or two (probably longer with the right maintenance). If the reg has any issues, you simply take the reg back to where you bought it and say, "Please fix it."

For people considering buying used regs, I usually recommend that they check out the cost of buying a new reg at Scubatoys.com. Scubatoys is an authorized dealer for all of the gear it sells. The company has excellent prices and wonderful customer service. Scubatoys also does mail-order reg servicing for a very fair price. Turn-around time on reg servicing is surprisingly quick.

 

[Colliam7]

Locally I came across a guy selling an older Zeagle 50D reg set with an Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus computer. There is no octo. The regs look like post-apeks, Zeagle manufactured parts. I offered $150 for the set. He said he'd think about it but really wanted around $200.

What second stage does the reg come with? You mention there isn't an octo (a 2nd second stage), but what is the primary second stage? If it is a ZX (what the 50D usually comes with, great. If it is not, the price / value would (probably) go down for me.

So is this a good deal for regs to start out with?

Possibly. If the computer works, that adds value in itself. The challenge is knowing whether there are any problems with the first stage, that cannot be addressed by simple service (i.e. replacement of the usual parts). Does it have a problem with IP creep, for example (possibly reflecting scratches made in the wrong place from previous service)? Unlikely, but, worth asking about. Why is he selling?

The 50D seems to be good equipment that won't leave me wanting an upgrade in 2-3 years. It is. My first reg was a (new) 50D, I now have 8-9 of them, all except the first one purchased used (on eBay) and I have been very happy with all of them. They are easy to service. Yes, you really don't need a turret reg for recreational, warm water diving but it doesn't pose any problem.

Or would I be better off buying new, warrantied regs that won't nickle and dime me as much on service costs?

Not necessarily.

 

[Six2Life]

I did turn on the computer to make sure that it at least worked. Is there an easy way of testing if it functions properly or not?

The seller did have a receipt from the last service which was about 2 years ago at a LDS. Overall everything looks to be in good shape with a few scratches/scrapes on the 2nd stage which is a ZX. I didn't think to ask about storage conditions.

I'm starting to think maybe I should have paid the $200 asking price. Being new and all I didn't really know if $150 would be too high or too low for them. There is supposed to be another interested buying going to look at them later today so there is a good chance I may lose out on the deal.

 

[elan]

Be ready to put at least another 100 on the service. So the deal would be 300 at least. Add some more on the mouthpiece as even original zeagle mouthpiece is junk. Check scubatoys i think they had an awesome deal on DSv sometime ago. Averall the deal sounds good if you know how to identify issues like IP creep, sealing of the exhaust valve. But you might as well get a lemon. You either know what to look at or take chances when you buy used stuff.

Overall zeagle regs are awesome i have 4 of them. I serviced my second stages and recently started servicing the first and they are easy to overhaul.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I did turn on the computer to make sure that it at least worked. Is there an easy way of testing if it functions properly or not?

Take it for a dive and check it against a dive computer known to be accurate.

The seller did have a receipt from the last service which was about 2 years ago at a LDS. Overall everything looks to be in good shape with a few scratches/scrapes on the 2nd stage which is a ZX. I didn't think to ask about storage conditions.

If you were able to look at the reg in person, you probably should have done a comprehensive check of the reg.
If you lack the knowledge/training to assess the value of a reg and whether it is dive-able, then I recommend taking it to a trusted reg tech who can inspect it and bring to your attention anything that needs to be fixed (approx. cost of repair?)...or if the reg should be overhauled at this point in time.

I'm starting to think maybe I should have paid the $200 asking price. Being new and all I didn't really know if $150 would be too high or too low for them. There is supposed to be another interested buying going to look at them later today so there is a good chance I may lose out on the deal.

There's always "another interested party" looking at used gear.
If you don't know how to assess the value of something, I don't think you should be taking a leap of faith in buying it.
You could get lucky and get a great deal on a dive-able reg/computer, or you could get stuck with a piece of junk that isn't worth much at all.

 

[Six2Life]

There's always "another interested party" looking at used gear.

Oh, I'm definitely familiar with that tactic when buying used stuff. Unfortunately this time it wasn't BS since the regs are now sold.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. At least now I think I'll be much better prepared the next time I come across some used gear.

 

[Capt.Gene]

There is a factory authorized trade in program available for owners of Zeagle branded Apecs regulators.
Zeagle no longer has the ability to provide Apecs service parts for those old regulators, and what parts still on the market are expensive, imho.
I do still service those regulators and I do have a supply of parts, but the time to trade up is before you spend a $100 or more on an annual service. It's even a more compelling offer if you are in need of a couple of new hoses.
FYI the service parts kits used for annual service are provided at no charge to orrigional owners of new Zeagle regulators. Some other brands as well.

 

[Peter_C]

In the past I purchased two Tech 50D with the DST second stage off ebay for $150 each. Put them together with new hoses, gauge etc, to build a Hogarthian setup regulator. Worked great and is still in use today.

This past time in setting my g/f up we purchased HOG regs brand new for less money. The rebuild kits are cheap, and they are similar to other major brand regs so service should not be an issue. They do not generally come with hoses, but places like Dive Right In Scuba have kits they have put together for a complete package. Then all you would need is a wrist computer of your choice.
HOG Gear D1 Singles Regulator Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL