Opinion on Reg

[halocline]

I also think the parts-for-life bit is a scam to get you to have your reg rebuilt every year when it is absolutely not necessary. The "parts" are typically a few o-rings and seats that cost pennies to produce, and are sold at an absurd mark up to artificially inflate the value of the free parts programs.

Standard size o-rings can be purchased from a number of sources, in small quantities and excellent quality. Seats are the problem, and there are some industry 'generic" sources like the trident catalog. In particular, 2nd stage seats are easily found at a reasonable price. The titan 1st stage uses the same seat as the old Royal Aqua Master I believe; that seat is high quality and should last years with normal use and care.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

@mattboy: I agree with you. Overhaul kits are overpriced. Annual overhauls shouldn't be necessary for the typical diver.

An alternative is DIY servicing. The problem with the DIY route is that the vast majority of the diving population regards a regulator setup as a "magic box" that delivers gas. Every weekend I see divers who unceremoniously whack their freeflowing second stages to get them to stop. When that doesn't work, they cuss up a storm and scramble to borrow someone else's reg because the magic box is broken. Rarely do I see someone use a gauge to check the IP, remove the face cover on the second stage to check for sand, and make a small adjustment to the orifice. It would take only a couple of minutes to do.