Opinion on Reg

[Jloren9]

I have the opportunity to get an Aqualung Titan LX new for a good price, $200.

Does anyone have any experience with this reg that they can share? Whats the general opinion of it?

 

[H2O 70]

Fine regulator. If all you're doing in diving in FL, it may be overkill.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Hmm. Is that "new" or new from an Aqualung-authorized dealer?

If you buy the new reg from an authorized dealer, you'll get the manufacturer's warranty which includes free-overhaul-parts-for-life so long as you service it at the manufacturer-specified intervals. The value of these parts is about $50 whenever you decide to overhaul the reg.

If you buy a secondhand "new" reg, you don't get any of these benefits.

Before you jump on this deal, I would research how much a new Titan LX costs through an authorized dealer. New with the warranty the MSRP is $440, but I think you could do significantly better if you try to cut a deal with a local shop.

The Titan LX is a great, workhorse reg. Titan regs are used by a lot of rental operations. The inner parts of the second stage are identical to that of the Aqualung Legend, but the first stage is definitely different.

 

[Jloren9]

Hmm. Is that "new" or new from an Aqualung-authorized dealer?

If you buy the new reg from an authorized dealer, you'll get the manufacturer's warranty which includes free-overhaul-parts-for-life so long as you service it at the manufacturer-specified intervals. The value of these parts is about $50 whenever you decide to overhaul the reg.

If you buy a secondhand "new" reg, you don't get any of these benefits.

Before you jump on this deal, I would research how much a new Titan LX costs through an authorized dealer. New with the warranty the MSRP is $440, but I think you could do significantly better if you try to cut a deal with a local shop.

The Titan LX is a great, workhorse reg. Titan regs are used by a lot of rental operations. The inner parts of the second stage are identical to that of the Aqualung Legend, but the first stage is definitely different.

Good point it is second hand new, although for over 50% off idk if I can pass it up

 

[Jorgy]

The Titan is a great reg......

We bought a former rental for our son........

Works like a champ and breathes well at depth......

Parts for life makes a new unit very attractive......

M

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Good point it is second hand new, although for over 50% off idk if I can pass it up

FYI, Titan reg setups sell for $200 - $250 fairly regularly on Ebay. That usually includes SPG, first stage, second stage, and octo. If you're lucky, sometimes you'll see one with a Suunto Gekko dive computer (nitrox-capable) in the console. A reg setup with a Gekko usually goes for a little over $300. That's a wonderful value IMHO.

Does the reg require service/overhaul? Even if it hasn't been used much, it might need to have a bunch of stuff replaced (o-rings, diaphragm, etc.).
If this is the case, add the cost of that to your overall cost. In my area, overhauling 2 second stages and a first stage will cost about $125 (parts + labor).

Some local reg shops will sell off their rental regs (Titans) annually and replace them with brand new regs. Often times, the shops will overhaul the rental regs just prior to selling them. You can save a great deal of money this way because the regs are ready to be dived.

 

[H2O 70]

I personally hate it when manufactures do the 'parts for life' program.

You will pay around $35 a stage to get your regs serviced annually. Can we agree that this may be average?

I think saving $50 a year is a bit high for the value of the parts. I can buy from a dealer the parts for my regs for $47 a year, and this is including the markup of the dealer. How much is markup on parts? I think 50% is uber generous.

So your really saving $10-15 a stage for buying a new with warranty.

So how many years is that $240 going to pay off?

Now here is where I may go off the reservation a wee bit. Let's say you are remotely inclined. Let's say after a few years you own four or more regs. At that point in time is behooves you to maintain your own regs. So where does that $240 for paying for brand new really pay off?

I'm now in the habit of checking e-Bay weekly for any Apeks regs. If I can get a used one for cheap, I will.

So look at your abilities and desires before falling for the 'parts for life' argument.

 

[Jorgy]

Other than my SP and Poseidon regs I send my older IDI and AL regs out for service.....

MARgarita's Underwater Breathing Systems

$25 a stage including parts......so $75 each for a full reg set......

Hope this helps......M

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You will pay around $35 a stage to get your regs serviced annually. Can we agree that this may be average?

$35 x 3 = $105. OK. That sounds reasonable for a full overhaul.

I think saving $50 a year is a bit high for the value of the parts. I can buy from a dealer the parts for my regs for $47 a year, and this is including the markup of the dealer. How much is markup on parts? I think 50% is uber generous.

Kindly re-read what I wrote. I wrote "whenever you decide to overhaul the reg," not every year or annually. Approx. $50 is the going rate here in SoCal for the parts kits to service 2 second stages and 1 first stage. Perhaps we're getting ripped off, I don't know. Another thing to keep in mind is that if the owner isn't able to access the free-overhaul-parts-for-life deal, then it probably makes little sense to overhaul the reg setup every year. Better to overhaul once the performance deteriorates.

BTW, Chris, where are you getting parts for your Apeks regs? The best online price I can find is $30 for first stage kits and $17 for second stage kits. For a full setup, that's 1 first stage kit and 2 second stage kits totaling $64. $47 for all three kits is a steal.

I agree that DIY servicing in the long-run will probably be cheaper. Unfortunately, most people lack the motivation, attention to detail, and patience to learn how to service regs properly.

 

[H2O 70]

Didn't you just give me the link?

Buy Apeks Regulator Service Kits at northeastscubasupply.com - Regulators - Regulator Service Kits - Apeks Regulator Service Kits - Northeast Scuba Supply

Also, maybe I slipped on this one. I don't look at rebuild at 1st, 2nd and Octo. I look at 2 frist and 2 seconds. I've been enjoying the Woodchuck

Learning to rebuild is by far the most cost effective thing to do, even if it is a bi-annual thing. Right now I'm pretty psyched with my regs. I see no reason to replace them in the near future, barring some new advancement. I'll agree it is a cost benefit scenario.

The OP is looking a reg that will last for some time.