Scuba Pro vs. Aqua Lung regulators

[Nemrod]

This regulator stuff is way over done. Just get yourself the AL Titan LX (though I prefer the previous generation) or a Scubapro something other like this and be done with it:

MK11/R395 - SCUBAPRO-UWATEC

I prefer the Titan LX myself.

I like my new R109 on clone MkV but I think it needs a rebuild, seems to want to leak unless I run the knob full in.

The MkV and any clone thereof of which some are better than the real deal is my favorite first stage, I like the turret and the piston design but followed closely by the Titan first.

N

 

[Larry D]

I have used Aqualung regs for years , my newest is a Legend ACD, but my previous reg was a Titan Lx . I would buy the new Titan LX for the price , but the Legend breathes great in cold deep midwest dives.

 

[scubafanatic]

Aqualung Titan LX is a solid performer and has been for a LONG time.....also, since you spend a lot of time in Europe, I would think Mares would be another reasonable option...Mares is really big in Europe.

 

[FloridaRanger]

The water in Monterey and the Channel Islands doesn't get icy cold (avg. 50°F, high 57°F, low 44°F.

Avg. 50 degrees isn't cold?

Lordy. That's Ice Station Zebra to us down here.

 

[FloridaRanger]

This manufacturer-supported DIY servicing is a refreshing approach in direct contrast to those policies in place at Scubapro and Aqualung.

Scubapro (and maybe AL too?) provides lifetime replacement parts for servicing regs and BCDs if you buy them new. Personally I don't blame them for discouraging do-it-your-selfers from working on their regs. Warranties on all sorts of products are void if you try to fix them yourself. Products that may cause your death if serviced incorrectly might reasonably be expected to be on that list.

Having said that, I've no doubt Bubble and others are perfectly capable of servicing their own regs.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Scubapro (and maybe AL too?) provides lifetime replacement parts for servicing regs and BCDs if you buy them new. Personally I don't blame them for discouraging do-it-your-selfers from working on their regs. Warranties on all sorts of products are void if you try to fix them yourself. Products that may cause your death if serviced incorrectly might reasonably be expected to be on that list.

To clarify, Scubapro and Aqualung's "lifetime replacement parts for servicing regs" only covers the parts in the overhaul kits (o-rings, first stage filter, first stage diaphragm, HP valve, etc.). It doesn't cover mouthpieces, second stage diaphragms, and any other plastic/brass/stainless steel part that could chip or break.

Scubapro offers the lifetime overhaul-parts-for-free deal, but requires that an annual overhaul be performed by a Scubapro-authorized reg repair tech. Aqualung offers a similar deal, but requires a full-blown overhaul every other year...with only an "inspection" done in the in-between years. If you forget to have your regs serviced/inspected according to this schedule, then the overhaul-parts-for-free deal is no longer valid. (I believe that Scubapro may have some kind of unwritten policy in effect whereby a lapsed reg can get back on-track and qualify for the free overhaul parts.) I would prefer that the manufacturers keep the free overhaul parts deal going regardless of how often the reg has been serviced. That would be a significant advantage to buying the reg from an authorized dealer.

IMO, I think customers should be given the option of taking a class to learn how to overhaul/repair their regs. HOG/Edge is really doing things right in this regard. It's just one step removed from learning how to check whether your regs are tuned properly...which is essentially the same thing as learning how to do a comprehensive pre-dive inspection of the regs. Unfortunately, too many newbie divers who rely on reg rentals aren't taught how to do this. I see divers rent regs at my LDS all the time without testing them out first. Big mistake.

 

[FloridaRanger]

Unfortunately, too many newbie divers who rely on reg rentals aren't taught how to do this. I see divers rent regs at my LDS all the time without testing them out first. Big mistake.

None of them are. That's because they want to charge them for a tech specialty course (SSI's is "Equipment Techniques") to teach those simple skills.

 

[halocline]

Warranties on all sorts of products are void if you try to fix them yourself. Products that may cause your death if serviced incorrectly might reasonably be expected to be on that list.

Well, a car with brakes serviced incorrectly is probably more likely to kill you than a regulator, so maybe all car warranties should be voided if you change your own oil, and all auto parts should not be sold to the general public. After all, cars can definitely cause death.

Eventually divers will realize that diver behavior and choices, not regulators, are the "life support" we depend on when diving.

 

[halocline]

My favorite (single hose) regulator is an Aqua Lung Titan (or Conshelf) first stage with a Scubapro Metal Balanced Adjustable second stage (109/ 156). I can’t conceive of a regulator combination that will produce any better performance, more durable, more reliable, easiest to service, easiest to find parts, and stock minimal amount of parts. To me that show that both companies make such good products that to get all the best features I personally need to take parts from both.

I have new respect for the titan first stage from working on the PRAM, but I still think you should get a nice MK5. If it's a money issue I'm sure we could take up a collection.

 

[Luis H]

I have new respect for the titan first stage from working on the PRAM, but I still think you should get a nice MK5. If it's a money issue I'm sure we could take up a collection.

I own about a dozen of them. Some I bought new when I worked for the dealer in the early 70's. It was my favorite 1st stage when I lived n the Caribbean. They are not so good in cold water and I developed a liking for the dry environmental chamber on the Titan (and I retrofitted several Conshelf's).

The swivel turret seemed as a good idea, but in practice I never really cared that much for them. In general I still like the Mk-5, but the issue with the turret bolt bothers me a bit.