So do you spend $300 or $800?

[Couv]

To the OP,

If you want to save money without sacrificing quality, consider buying used. If you’re not into DIY, contact (send a PM) someone who rebuilds regulators like DA Aquamaster http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=12863 or BlueWaterDiving http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=7753 Tell them your diving needs and ask if either has a rebuilt ready to sell.

Service frequency and so called free parts:

If you're determined to keep the useless and expensive warranty intact, you must follow the manufactures suggested service interval. However, whether or not you want to keep the useless and expensive warranty intact, learning to check your equipment is very important and will help YOU determine if your equipment needs servicing. See this link for a set of checks everyone is capable of and should be doing: Regulator Checklist and Inspection Sticky: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/346813-regulator-inspection-checklist-rev-7-a.html

Good luck,

Couv

 

[johnnyscience]

What I'd really suggest you do - unless you plan to learn how to service your own regs - is find out what brands your local dealer can service. And buy one of them. I pay $60 every other year to have my reg serviced.

Don't be too taken in by the plastic vs. metal debate either.

The Aqualung Titan LX 2nd stage is ABS. Aqualung is a solid, reliable brand that has been around for decades.

An easy way to tell plastic vs. metal is that if the 2nd stage body (not the face) looks black - it's ABS. If it's shiny it's metal. Compare the Scubapro S600 (ABS) vs. A700 (Chrome over Brass?) to see the difference. Many are some combination of both.

For recreational use, you'll probably never exceed 40% Nitrox. Most boats can't pump more than 32% and low-30%'s are about all you can safely dive at recreational depths. I'm stressing recreational so I don't start any debates.

You won't be able to get free service on any reg you buy from eBay. Unless you buy it new from one of the few authorized dealers who also have a storefront there.

Mouthpieces are replaceable. They start around $7 and the comfort bite ones go to around $25? A lot of them are interchangeable - certain brands use a slightly different size.

Ok I'd say I'd like to service my own regs, but I have no idea what is needed or if any special tools are needed. I'm a smart guy and guy do if if I knew how though. But sending it away every other year for $60 is still not a bad option.

Yeah I only plan on doing recreational warm water reef dives a few times a year (If I'm lucky) so I'll never exceed 40% Nitrox.

Any idea what the difference between an Aqualung Titan & an Aqualung Titan LX? (Other than the LX being the new model, any real differences? There is someone selling a new Titan for a great deal)

But obviously as you mentioned these are ABS. I was taking a look at the other regs that Aqualung sells & noticed the Kronos, I seen it on LeisurePro for $349, so I'm guess I can find it around $300 or less if I look hard. Is the Kronos a metal second stage? It looks to be that way?

Is the Kronos a much better model than the Titan line? (I do prefer the metal 2nd stage)

I really like Aqualung producs, I hope to find a local shop that will service them. (There seems to be a few within suburbs of the cleveland area)

But I guess I'm a little confused on the warranty and whats covered. So is "servicing" ever free, or is it always a $60 charge? Does the LDS repair it or do they send it back to Aqualung? Where does the warranty fall into place if youre spending $60 to have it serviced?

If you buy a used one off ebay that isnt covered under Aqualungs warranty, will the LDS still service it to brand new condition for $60?

 

[Paladin]

Getting back to the OP's aqualung titan question, the answer is that the titan is frequently cited as a best buy and has a stellar reputation. I would suggest that you consider the service options before buying, as aqualung is very restrictive with it's parts. If you can get parts from the same source as you're buying from, no problem. Any decent reg tech can easily rebuild this reg; the first stage is one of the classic designs that stretches back decades. It's getting the parts that can be challenging. For example, my LDS sells me SP parts when I ask nice but balked on aqualung parts, go figure.

Metal 2nd stages are not common these days. If you really want one, buy an old scubapro 109 on ebay for about $40. They're a breeze to rebuild and excellent performers. A titan 1st stage with a 109 (upgraded to balanced/adjustable) 2nd would be a rock solid excellent regulator. You could then use the titan 2nd as an alternate.

Of course, you could forget about the metal 2nd stage and just dive the titan.

Parts for the Conshelf/Titan regs are not hard to get at all. My LDS sells me anything I need. Plus, they can be found on the web:

Aqua Lung Titan & Conshelf 1st Stage Regulator Rebuild Kit

I like the old metal 2nd stages because they're tough and and I don't have as much problem with dry mouth.

Here is a manual for servicing the Conshelf 14. Remember, the Titan and Conshelf regs are identical except that the HP volcano orifice in the Titan is replaceable. This is the only difference. Otherwise, if you look over the Conshelf 14 manual, you'll learn how simple and dependable the Conshelf/Titan regs are and get an idea how to service one yourself, if you want to.

http://www.aqualung.com/militaryand...nical_Manuals/Conshelf_XIV_Tech_Man_02_10.pdf

 

[johnnyscience]

Yeah I think I do want metal to help with dry mouth.

Is the Aqualung Kronos a metal 2nd stage? (I believe it is?)

 

[Paladin]

The Kronos 2nd is plastic. If you want metal, why not just pick up a good, used Conshelf and have it serviced? The service cost is the same as for the Titan and you'll have a rugged, dependable reg that will last you for many years. Plus, it is a simple regulator to service and you could easily learn to do it yourself. Don't get hung up on the Titan just because it's the latest incarnation of this venerable design. The Titan, simply put, is a Conshelf 30 with a new name stuck on it.

To give you an idea as to what is inside the AquaLung regs, check here:

Vintage Double Hose • View topic - 3D model of the Phoenix and the RAM guts.

This is a drawing of the parts for Luis' Phoenix nozzle for the AquaMaster double hose reg, which uses Titan parts. Look it over, then go back to my previous post and click on the Conshelf 14 manual. It won't take you long to get an idea of how these regs are put together.

Whether you choose a Conshelf or a Titan, you'll be getting a regulator that will give you many years of good, dependable service.

 

[johnnyscience]

The Kronos 2nd is plastic. If you want metal, why not just pick up a good, used Conshelf and have it serviced? The service cost is the same as for the Titan and you'll have a rugged, dependable reg that will last you for many years. Plus, it is a simple regulator to service and you could easily learn to do it yourself. Don't get hung up on the Titan just because it's the latest incarnation of this venerable design. The Titan, simply put, is a Conshelf 30 with a new name stuck on it.

To give you an idea as to what is inside the AquaLung regs, check here:

Vintage Double Hose • View topic - 3D model of the Phoenix and the RAM guts.

This is a drawing of the parts for Luis' Phoenix nozzle for the AquaMaster double hose reg, which uses Titan parts. Look it over, then go back to my previous post and click on the Conshelf 14 manual. It won't take you long to get an idea of how these regs are put together.

Whether you choose a Conshelf or a Titan, you'll be getting a regulator that will give you many years of good, dependable service.

hmm. Let me ask this, any idea how much a metal 2nd stage weighs compared to a ABS one like the kronos or Titan? Half as much?

Are there other brands that still make and have new metal 1st stages to consider? Oceanic, Mares or Atomic? (maybe someone else to consider)

I just want high quality & right around $300 or less preferably (Brand new) and depending on the weight difference preferably metal.

Otherwise if the Titan and Conshelf are identical yet the Conself is basically metal, then that does really make a lot of sense. I would assume I want the Conself 30? That was the last model they produced in that line?

What do other think of the smaller regulators like the Mikron? Are they really much more comfortable?.

I know I could learn to service my own regs, I can service my own guns & I build computers, so regs would fit right in.

But it seems you may need a 1-2 hundred dollars worth of tools based on the tool list on that Aqualung Conself instruction booklet... it almost seems cheaper to just have it sent off every couple of years...?

 

[Paladin]

hmm. Let me ask this, any idea how much a metal 2nd stage weighs compared to a ABS one like the kronos or Titan? Half as much?

Are there other brands that still make and have new metal 1st stages to consider? Oceanic, Mares or Atomic? (maybe someone else to consider)

I just want high quality & right around $300 or less preferably (Brand new) and depending on the weight difference preferably metal.

Otherwise if the Titan and Conshelf are identical yet the Conself is basically metal, then that does really make a lot of sense. I would assume I want the Conself 30? That was the last model they produced in that line?

What do other think of the smaller regulators like the Mikron? Are they really much more comfortable?.

I know I could learn to service my own regs, I can service my own guns & I build computers, so regs would fit right in.

But it seems you may need a 1-2 hundred dollars worth of tools based on the tool list on that Aqualung Conself instruction booklet... it almost seems cheaper to just have it sent off every couple of years...?

Scubapro makes a metal 2nd, but it will cost you more than $300.

I have never dived a Mikron, so I can't comment on it.

The metal 2nd weighs a couple of ounces more than plastic. I really don't feel much difference underwater.

The Conshelf 30 and the Titan are virtually identical. The 30 has a plastic 2nd (usually). If you want a metal 2nd on a C30, pick up one from a Conshelf XI, XII or XIV and put it on the 30. In fact, you could pick up a Titan, put a metal 2nd from one of the older Conshelfs on it and use the plastic one for your octo. Used metal Conshelf 2nds are going for $25 to $35 on EBay.

In fact, all the older metal AquaLung second stages are the same. A second from an Aquarius will work just as well.

The choice between metal or plastic is one of personal choice. Some of us prefer metal, but there are many divers that swear by plastic. Both types are good and it depends on what you want.


There is a Conshelf 30 on ebay that has two metal 2nds, gauges and inflator hose included. If you look at the 1st stage body, it is the same as the Titan. Considering the selling price, the outfit could be cleaned and serviced with a total outlay of less than $300. For that you would get a complete reg system rather than just the 1st and 2nd stage you would get if buying new.

U.S. Divers Conshelf 30 Complete Regulator - eBay (item 250724155377 end time Nov-13-10 21:32:37 PST)

In the end, the decision is yours whether you want to go the used or new route. Here on SB, you will find advocates for both. Myself, I buy used regs and put a little work into them. I have several Conshelfs and I dive them all. I really like the AquaLung regs.

 

[johnnyscience]

Scubapro makes a metal 2nd, but it will cost you more than $300.

I have never dived a Mikron, so I can't comment on it.

The metal 2nd weighs a couple of ounces more than plastic. I really don't feel much difference underwater.

The Conshelf 30 and the Titan are virtually identical. The 30 has a plastic 2nd (usually). If you want a metal 2nd on a C30, pick up one from a Conshelf XI, XII or XIV and put it on the 30. In fact, you could pick up a Titan, put a metal 2nd from one of the older Conshelfs on it and use the plastic one for your octo. Used metal Conshelf 2nds are going for $25 to $35 on EBay.

In fact, all the older metal AquaLung second stages are the same. A second from an Aquarius will work just as well.

The choice between metal or plastic is one of personal choice. Some of us prefer metal, but there are many divers that swear by plastic. Both types are good and it depends on what you want.


There is a Conshelf 30 on ebay that has two metal 2nds, gauges and inflator hose included. If you look at the 1st stage body, it is the same as the Titan. Considering the selling price, the outfit could be cleaned and serviced with a total outlay of less than $300. For that you would get a complete reg system rather than just the 1st and 2nd stage you would get if buying new.

U.S. Divers Conshelf 30 Complete Regulator - eBay (item 250724155377 end time Nov-13-10 21:32:37 PST)

In the end, the decision is yours whether you want to go the used or new route. Here on SB, you will find advocates for both. Myself, I buy used regs and put a little work into them. I have several Conshelfs and I dive them all. I really like the AquaLung regs.

Getting a Titan and using it as an Octo is a great idea. I needed one anyways and it seems the only way to get a metal reg is to go with an old Conshelf.

So the most up to date version of the metal Conshelf series is the 14?

I took at look at that ebay listing & asked for more detailed pics, but from what I can tell they look pretty used...

If I'm going to buy something I'd rather get it as new looking as possible.

It seems on a lot of the older Conshelf regs (1st & 2nd stages both) look like the chrome has stated to pit.

Has anyone noticed this as a consistent problem with all of the chrome plated stages that are 10+ years old?

So other than the Scubapro model that you mentioned is well over $300, no one is really making metal regs at all any more huh?

 

[johnnyscience]

Dont forget that I want to use Nitrox, will these older metal Conshelf 2nd stages work fine with Nitrox?

 

[Paladin]

The older Conshelfs can be serviced to use Nitrox. Remember, the Titan and Conshelf regs are really the same regs. The differences are external. If you just take your time and look around, you can find a Conshelf in mint condition for a good price. I recently bought a like new Conshelf 22 1st stage and a mint Conshelf SE 1st stage for $60 each. A couple of weeks ago, I also bought a brand new Conshelf 14, still in the box, for $198. The Conshelf 14 was still in production until last year. It is the most popular reg AquaLung ever made.

Just take your time and keep your eyes open. Ebay is a good source of quality, used regs.

That 30 on Ebay doesn't look pitted to me. It just looks like it has water spots on it. A quick soak in white vinegar and it would probably clean up nice.

True, some of the regs listed on EBay show heavy use, but a lot of them haven't been used much. You just have to look for them. Just don't get in a hurry. Buy from a seller that allows returns in case you're not satisfied with your purchase. I've bought Three Conshelf XIs, a Conshelf XII, a 14, an SE and a 22 off EBay and am satisfied with all of them. My 12 year old son is currently using the SE and one of the XIs as a backup. My oldest son has the 22 and one of the XIs as a backup.

Myself, I dive a 1959 US Divers AquaLung DA Aquamaster double hose reg, a new Conshelf 14, a Conshelf XI, a Conshelf XII and a USD Aqualung Aquarius.