Scubapro octo question

[redacted]

Rather than going for one of those expensive R-series regs for an octo, I use a 109 on all my rigs. That gives me higher performance when I want it, user controllable resistance to FF, and simple maintenance in a bullet proof design. And they are reasonably available for less than $50.

 

[Interceptor121]

Those parts are not available in UK so the minimum is an R295 in any case the point is that I would not spend a fortune for an octopus as long as it is functioning as awap suggests

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Rather than going for one of those expensive R-series regs for an octo, I use a 109 on all my rigs. That gives me higher performance when I want it, user controllable resistance to FF, and simple maintenance in a bullet proof design. And they are reasonably available for less than $50.

I agree. You can find very good used high performance and/or balanced regs like the R109, R156, G200, G200B, or even G250 on e-bay for a lot less than a new R295 even after you factor in the service costs.

 

[redacted]

Those parts are not available in UK so the minimum is an R295 in any case the point is that I would not spend a fortune for an octopus as long as it is functioning as awap suggests

What parts are not available? The 109 is long out of production but plenty of used ones are around. The service kits and most other repair parts are still available from Scubapro.

 

[Interceptor121]

OK now I would think that buying another G250 new as octopus is extreme but now sending the guy to get an R190 on ebay is also a bit extreme too considering this is his first regulator he should start with a current piece of equipment new from a shop he can go back to in confidence...

 

[redacted]

OK now I would think that buying another G250 new as octopus is extreme but now sending the guy to get an R190 on ebay is also a bit extreme too considering this is his first regulator he should start with a current piece of equipment new from a shop he can go back to in confidence...

Why?? Did you get your first car new or used? And, he would not be looking for an R190. I'm suggesting a 109 which is a metal cased barrel poppet predecessor of the G250. Ebay is a good source but there are many other places to shop for one including this board. I believe I could find a few long time members who would be happy to sell one all serviced and ready to dive.

 

[SpudRider]

I have been agonizing over the same purchase as the OP. I just have a question about possible octo freeze up in cold water. I've been looking at the Scubapro manual and it shows that the G250V, R395, R295, and R190 all have full metal valve housings. Does this mean that they are all equally good in cold water?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Interceptor121]

Why?? Did you get your first car new or used?

Good point!

 

[halocline]

considering this is his first regulator he should start with a current piece of equipment new from a shop he can go back to in confidence...

It must be nice having a shop you can go to with confidence, I wouldn't know about that one. In fact, it was the total lack of confidence in the local shop that got me started on servicing my own regs. I now have regs that I paid about $50 for that I would gladly take far into a cave system (if I had cave training, that is!) or anyplace I'm likely to dive.

Used regs are a natural; especially the older SPs. I'm not sure what you mean by "current" but I can tell you that the working parts of the barrel poppet SP 2nds are exactly the same for the old metal case (109), old G250, G200B, and current G250V. So "current" is a little meaningless.

 

[Interceptor121]

Nobody should be encouraged on servicing their own regs without proper training or assembling parts starting from a used part estate without good knowledge of the parts you are putting together.
Getting to the point of servicing your own gear is a process not something you wake up in the morning and start doing
I have seen several piece of equipment destroyed by people attempting at improving things that I am skeptical making any observation in that direction without knowing who I am talking to.
In this specific I do not gauge that who started this post knows how to put some parts together and also has no access to service kits or other tools, so I would gear the choice towards something that can be maintained and serviced at a shop close to where our friend lives.
I am not saying you are wrong I am just stressing that you can't go on that path from day one without proper training