Scubapro wants $225 for new battery on Aladin Air Z Nitrox Computer

[clc3251]

That's surprising. My Uwatec Air-Z Nitrox has been back to Scubapro twice and both times it was free. The first time they replaced the transmitter with a new one. The second time, it died on a dive on me and they replaced the batteries in both the transmitter and wrist unit for free. This was just last year. My local dealer sent it back for me with others he was sending in and Scubapro never charged a thing. He didn't even take my info (just my name and phone #) so I know they didn't match it up to me. This is also not the dealer where I purchased the unit. I purchased the unit in Bonaire several years ago. When I tried to return the unit myself to Scubapro, they told me that they don't accept units for service from individuals and directed me to my local dealer. Perhaps you could have a local dealer send it in using the original owners name?

 

[Scott L]

That's surprising. My Uwatec Air-Z Nitrox has been back to Scubapro twice and both times it was free. The first time they replaced the transmitter with a new one. The second time, it died on a dive on me and they replaced the batteries in both the transmitter and wrist unit for free. This was just last year. My local dealer sent it back for me with others he was sending in and Scubapro never charged a thing. He didn't even take my info (just my name and phone #) so I know they didn't match it up to me. This is also not the dealer where I purchased the unit. I purchased the unit in Bonaire several years ago. When I tried to return the unit myself to Scubapro, they told me that they don't accept units for service from individuals and directed me to my local dealer. Perhaps you could have a local dealer send it in using the original owners name?

Yeah, that's what I am talking about...

 

[tzeyap]

ScubaPro states, right in the first line of their warranty, that it applies to the original purchaser only. Whether you agree with this policy or not is somewhat secondary at the moment, and this topic has been repeatedly debated on this forum. Many of the Uwatec units are oil/gel filled. It's not as easy as swapping a battery in the Oceanic units. SP changes the battery, replaces the 'fill' and re-calibrates the unit to factory specs. Is it worth $225? Considering that the battery usually needs to be changed on a 3-5 year cycle (depending on use) there's a good chance that when the next cycle comes around you might be wanting something new and might offer this unit to someone else.
So while SP's policies may be more restrictive than other manufacturers they are up front about it. If you work within their warranty they take care of you as stated. If you buy used then you accept that you will not be covered. Pretty straightforward.

3/5 years ????? I have had 2 smartpros and a smartcom died on me within 6 months !!!

Learn't the hard way. The computer and pouch have to be completely bone dry before you place the comp in the pouch or else the battery will drain really fast. I have never had this with other makes such as Suunto. What I
find annoying is that Scubapro does not highlight this and one has to read the manual thoroughly and not miss this line or else.........

So, I would suggest that the computer should NOT be placed in the protective pouch after immediatly after the dive. Make sure everything is bone dry !!!!!!!

 

[judothrow]

I am currently trying to have the original owner send it back for me, thx.

 

[judothrow]

there's a good chance that when the next cycle comes around and I want to sell it to someone they will have zero interest in buying it when I tell them how much battery replacements are and that it's in need of one soon or will be. I guess one could deceive! not me though. I just won't reccommend a computer of Uwatec/Scubapro

 

[judothrow]

I do have the original owners name but how would that work to suddenly become them, are you saying to just mail it to SP with there name on the packaging, any chance of it never making it's way back to me via the Postman, since that's not my name and what if they never sent in a regitration form, wouldn't that be a waste of shipping back and forth?

 

[AbyssalPlains]

I still like my old Aladdin Pro from the 80's, but these days, I'd keep my hands off any Uwatec/ScubaPro instruments. They're way overpriced for what they do and the service issues you mention don't seem worth the trouble. After I heard that the batteries in the transmitters are not even meant to be replaced, original owner or not, I decided to move on to other manufacturers altogether. This whole "We-won't-do-anything-unless-you're-the-original-owner" crap sends me up the wall. I hope you get yours sorted out through the original owner.

 

[clc3251]

Scubapro wouldn't take it direct from me. Take it to a scubapro dealer and tell them to send it in under the previous owners name. They will return it to the dealer and you can pick it up. No problem.

 

[judothrow]

if the transmitter battery can be replaced so easily and can be purchased at a drugstore, then why would SP want to tell me or anyone that the cost is $100?

 

[judothrow]

when I take it to the dealer and give the original owners name, will I have to produce a reciept or show id when I pick it up, I just want to make sure it's done correctly?