Regulator kits

[havaiisteve]

For a newbie, this is fascinating stuff. Take a step back and consider this...what do you think would happen if the makers of parachutes implemented a policy that didn't allow parachutists to pack or repair their own chutes? That chutes had to be taken to an approved dealer with factory certified training to repair and pack chutes. The company lawyers would tell them you're nuts to consider such and idea! By putting corporate controls on repair and packing your increasing your liability for a wrongful death suit.

You can buy hang glider and parasail kits and put them together and repair them your self.

I think all we are dealing with here is Scuba companies and Scuba lawyers are comfortable with the things the way they are.

But Darwin taught us that species that adapt survive!

I wonder what would happen if ABC Scuba Company bought out DEF Parachute Company and GHI Hang Glider Co and then asked their respective corporate lawyers to hammer out a common policy?

 

[yknot]

For a newbie, this is fascinating stuff. Take a step back and consider this...what do you think would happen if the makers of parachutes implemented a policy that didn't allow parachutists to pack or repair their own chutes? That chutes had to be taken to an approved dealer with factory certified training to repair and pack chutes. The company lawyers would tell them you're nuts to consider such and idea! By putting corporate controls on repair and packing your increasing your liability for a wrongful death suit.

You can buy hang glider and parasail kits and put them together and repair them your self.

I think all we are dealing with here is Scuba companies and Scuba lawyers are comfortable with the things the way they are.

But Darwin taught us that species that adapt survive!

I wonder what would happen if ABC Scuba Company bought out DEF Parachute Company and GHI Hang Glider Co and then asked their respective corporate lawyers to hammer out a common policy?

You have to look at the foundations of the sports to appreciate the uniqueness of what scuba diving has become. I would assume that sport jumping evolved from ex military people looking for a thrill. I know that the people that charge you to jump out of their plane want you to progress in experience but I'm not aware of the existance of any type of "C" card you have to posess. Diving training and gear sales have evolved for the primary benefit of the LDS, not the diver. Training agencies exist by selling training material to their member dealers, not the diver. Manufacturers keep insisting that only an authorized dealer can set-up and service their gear and that only certified divers can use it with risking certain death. The whole sport, at least at the recreational level, isn't much more complicated than breathing from a hose and remembering not to hold your breath. Even though alot of us are passionate about scuba diving, in terms of participation and public awareness, it's really a marginal enterprise. I went into a local book store some time back and looked thru their extensive magazine rack for something diving related. All I foung was one rag full of ads for tropical travel. By comparison there were at least six bow hunting magazines entirely dedicated to a sport with about a three month season. While alot of industry practices are illegal (price fixing, federal warranty regulations violations) until a judge gets involved nothing's going to change.

 

[scubatoys]

Ok... This is easy. Their policy is to get free parts, they have to be serviced by an authorized dealer. We do annual service on Zeagle, or any other reg purchased from us for $39.95 and parts are free. But if you want to do your own rebuilds, there is no problem buying parts kits from us if want. Just give me a call, and you can buy any Zeagle rebuild kit you want.

 

[captain]

There were some earlier post about the possibility of a company producing aftermarket regulator parts. I am involved in vintage diving and there are several individuals in the US and overseas who have taken it apon themselves to produce no longer available parts for the old two hose regulators. If there is enough demand for these parts I would imagine there would be even greater demand for parts for more modern regulators.

Captain

 

[Zeeman]

Ok... This is easy. Their policy is to get free parts, they have to be serviced by an authorized dealer. We do annual service on Zeagle, or any other reg purchased from us for $39.95 and parts are free. But if you want to do your own rebuilds, there is no problem buying parts kits from us if want. Just give me a call, and you can buy any Zeagle rebuild kit you want.

My question is, will this count for items purchased in another country? ie - I'm planning on buying some Envoy Deluxe regs from Scubatoys within the next week or 2, does the parts free/pay for labour only cover Australia as well if I go to a local service agent? Or will I have to pay for parts as well as labour if I bought it from the US but service it here? I have will have to pay for both parts and labour, then the free parts replacement lifetime warranty doesn't apply and int hat case, I think I'd rather learn to service my own regs properly.

Z...

 

[ScottZeagle]

My question is, will this count for items purchased in another country? ie - I'm planning on buying some Envoy Deluxe regs from Scubatoys within the next week or 2, does the parts free/pay for labour only cover Australia as well if I go to a local service agent? Or will I have to pay for parts as well as labour if I bought it from the US but service it here? I have will have to pay for both parts and labour, then the free parts replacement lifetime warranty doesn't apply and int hat case, I think I'd rather learn to service my own regs properly.

Z...

If you buy a reg in the USA, I would not expect to have "parts for life" in a foriegn country. If you want to send it back to the place of purchase every year, then you should be covered.

Looks like Larry has stepped up and taken care of your parts issues, so I guess we are done here.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Zeeman]

thanks Scott. I was assuming as much, but just wanted to be sure.
Z...

 

[Scuba]

But if you want to do your own rebuilds, there is no problem buying parts kits from us if want.

Larry, of the regulator name brands you carry, (and others you may have knowledge of, if you're so inclined) which allow you to sell reg. parts kits to the public, and which do not, if any?

 

[Marek K]

My question is, will this count for items purchased in another country?

I think you'll find that for most products -- not just scuba -- the applicable warranty is the one in effect in the country in which you find yourself... not where you bought the product.

That's the case with cars -- my U.S.-spec VWs had a 10-year powertrain warranty when we bought them in the U.S, but here in Europe the normal one- or two-year powertrain warranty was in effect. If we bring the cars back to the U.S., the 10-year U.S. powertrain warranty would kick back in.

Same with Sherwood regulators... two-year free-parts warranty in the U.S.; but a 30-year free-parts warranty here in Europe. The 30-year warranty would have covered my old U.S.-bought Sherwood reg here in Europe, if I'd been able to prove that I'd had authorized annual service done for all those years.

Bottom line -- check what the warranty says in Australia, and that's what you should be covered under... assuming you buy from an authorized dealer.

--Marek

 

[Dive4Life]

I have just finished reading every post on this thread and I am honestly impressed. First, thanks a whole lot Scott for listening. I honestly wish I had purchased a Zeagle product after your demonstration of how much you care.
I purchased Dive Rite regulators because parts and the manual were readily available.
I am kicking myself in the butt for not reading this sooner because I definitely would have registered for Dive Rite's public seminar.
Once again Scott just thanks for listening. That goes a long way with this Florida boy and I am going to be sure to rant and rave about how a manufacturer actually cares.