Secondhand regs

[Yellowmask]

I'm looking at buying a job lot of scuba gear from someone I know at work who had to stop diving for medical reasons.

One of the items she's selling is a regulator: first stage, second stage, instrument console. Since it hasn't been used in a few years we've agreed that I can take it into my LDS to be checked out before I consider buying it... however, there's a wrinkle.

It's set up for a BCD where the alternate air source is on the inflator hose, which my own BCD doesn't have. I'm assuming that if I walk in there tomorrow and say "is it possible to replace the hose for the AAS with an octopus?" I won't be laughed out of the shop, but am I right?

I'm still a newbie diver so still learning the ins and outs of equipment.

It's not the be-all and end-all if this isn't possible or financially feasible, but I wondered if anyone had any comments. Your advice much valued.

 

[claymore]

You will need a second second stage for an octo and a new standard inflator hose if the alternate air source is not with the reg set. If the alternate is there you can probably just attach it to your corrugated hose and use that.

 

[AquaNSun]

Your idea to have your LDS to check them out first is great. You'll get a second opinion and also to find out how much it will cost to service them so that you can decide if the total cost is better than buying new. If you would provide some info about what regulators you're getting that would also help.

Are you getting something like an Air2 to put on your BC? If you have an older BC from AquaLung, for example, the hose is 3/4" so an Air2 (1") won't fit. If you try to put a standard octo on your inflator hose that won't work either because a standard octo doesn't have the power inflator.

Hope I understood correctly.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

As with these other posts, just ask your LDS if you can convert the BC with an AIR2 or similar models. Maybe you can use the existing parts that you will buy, or already have. I'm sure your LDS will be more than happy to help you out. Second opinions are well worth the time, if you feel you should follow that route. Hope this helps.

 

[halocline]

Unless you know you want to switch to an octo/inflator combo, I would suggest that you just get a standard octo and LP inflator hose and leave your BC the way it is. If you're looking for opinions about a standard octo vs the octo/inflators, there are about a million endless threads debating it.

Losing a hose (the primary 'advantage' of the octo/inflators) is no big gain, BTW, and it does not simplify diving. As long as you're looking up those threads, you might consider looking at others that discuss the use of a 5 ft hose (long hose) on your primary 2nd stage, while the octo is on a 22-24" hose and worn attached to a bungie necklace. IMO this is the most streamlined, comfortable, and reliable-for-air-sharing arrangement for recreational diving; there really is no downside.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

Unless you know you want to switch to an octo/inflator combo, I would suggest that you just get a standard octo and LP inflator hose and leave your BC the way it is. If you're looking for opinions about a standard octo vs the octo/inflators, there are about a million endless threads debating it.

Losing a hose (the primary 'advantage' of the octo/inflators) is no big gain, BTW, and it does not simplify diving. As long as you're looking up those threads, you might consider looking at others that discuss the use of a 5 ft hose (long hose) on your primary 2nd stage, while the octo is on a 22-24" hose and worn attached to a bungie necklace. IMO this is the most streamlined, comfortable, and reliable-for-air-sharing arrangement for recreational diving; there really is no downside.

Hey Matt:

I read and understand your post. I'm all for streamlining, since I go in wrecks. But I really don't use an AIR2 for that reason. I dive with an isolation manifold on all three sets of my doubles, so I can use one port for my primary reg, another port for my octopus (bungee necklace), the AIR2, and a 30 sling bottle. I like my 4 reg set up, and I know it's overkill, but it makes me comfortable (the LDS loves me at overhaul time!).

I was just trying to lead the OP in a direction that he may have most or all the gear to set up his rig, without breaking the bank. Safe Diving.

 

[bhanson]

I also have a question regarding secondhand regs....I've recently come upon the opportunity to purchase a ScubaPro MK25t/S600t (first/second and all titanium). This particular one has about 400 dives on it (mostly boat/few shore), has been maintained extremely well and is about 5 years old. The owner was an instructor and has been sidelined due to medical complications. I'm wondering what the normal life expectancy is considered for regs? Could use some help. Thanks.

 

[knowone]

You are correct. When you walk into your local dive shop ask them for a straight, second hand hose swap for minimal, quid expenditure.
Second hand regs lasts as long as they are looked after.

 

[herman]

I also have a question regarding secondhand regs....I've recently come upon the opportunity to purchase a ScubaPro MK25t/S600t (first/second and all titanium). This particular one has about 400 dives on it (mostly boat/few shore), has been maintained extremely well and is about 5 years old. The owner was an instructor and has been sidelined due to medical complications. I'm wondering what the normal life expectancy is considered for regs? Could use some help. Thanks.

Forever or until you can not get service parts, which ever comes first. Seriously, all the internal parts that wear or age are replaced at service. Other parts that way wear out or break are replacable as well. The main body and other major parts are either chromed marine brass, stainless steel or in your case titanium with a lifetime in hundreds of years as long as they are taken care of- a good rinse after saltwater diving. Scubapro has a reputation of providing service parts for it's regs for a very long time, as long as they keep with that policy, the regs will be servicable for many years. Some dive shops will try to convince you otherwise but their motives fall into 2 basic catagories, greed or ignorance.......they either want to sell you a new reg or don't really understand the internals of a regulator. I restore and dive vintage double hose regulators, some are over 50 years old. They show signs of age, scratches and dents but are still diving and as long as someone is still making parts, they will still be diving way past the time I am.

 

[Yellowmask]

Thanks for the posts! Sorry, I guess my original post wasn't clear enough. I'm not planning on making any changes at all to my BCD, I just wondered if it's possible to basically "put another mouthpiece" on the regulator, so that it will have a first stage for me and an octopus second stage should my buddy need it - and whether this is indeed possible, or I am just revealing my own ignorance about scuba equipment!

Your idea to have your LDS to check them out first is great. You'll get a second opinion and also to find out how much it will cost to service them so that you can decide if the total cost is better than buying new.

I like to adhere to that well-known saying about buying secondhand scuba gear: "24M below the surface of the ocean is the wrong place to be wondering why your life-support equipment was sold so cheaply".

PS not that it matters, but I'm female .