Time for new regs? or rent?

[G&G]

My husband and I have been diving for the past 20 years, currently using our Sherwood Maximum regs/Sherwood octo from 2006. Our LDS says they are no longer servicable as some parts may not be obtainable due to their age (or a crap shoot if they start to service them and can't get parts). We've been quoted $575CAD for the new Sherwood Maximum reg, and $390CAD for the Sherwood HP SR2 Octo (+ taxes) - are these prices in line with comparable regs of other manufacturers? Recommendations for alternate regulators?

Or rather than buying new (especially pricey when we have to buy 2 sets), do we just rent for here on? We are in our late 60s/mid 70s and do not know how many more years we'll be able to continue diving (due to a possible change in health of either of us). We no longer do any cold water diving, but try to do 2 dive trips a year to warmer climates (we have over 450 dives each so far). Our problem with renting is that we are used to air-integrated dive computers (hubby still working on his original Sherwood Wisdom from 2006, mine is Aeris Atmos ai from 2011 - so either may have to be replaced sometime in the future). If we go to a wrist computer, there would be that expense (if renting regs). Plus I prefer the larger digits on the integrated computers plus I use inserts in my mask that help.

Toss up in our minds as to which way to go (buy or rent).

Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.

 

[Mobulai]

Regarding the computers, you can always just travel with them (without the rest of the regs) if you plan to rent

Prices wise, there has been a bit of accelerating inflation in prices but these numbers seem relatively in order (if I didn’t mess up the currency conversion rate)

I can’t speak for parts and such for Sheerwood, but others with more experience can comment on that
What I can say is lots a LDS do choose the „easier path“ and would rather just sell a new reg than put in (sometimes considerable) effort in sourcing parts
(Doesn’t necessarily mean that your LDS are trying to upsell you, they could be absolutely on point and that your regs are not serviceable anymore)

A 3rd route is buying used regs

Hopefully you’ll be in good health and fit to dive regardless of which path you choose

 

[Scared Silly]

I would definitely suggest updating your computers. My suggestion would be to buy local, very local, and visit the good folks at Shearwater over in Richmond. Their computers are top notch and have good resale value. We have owned several, updating multiple times.

The cost for the new Sherwood seems reasonable for that line. However, you might contact Sherwood directly and ask them about parts. Parts may well be available that will get you a few more years down the road.

Buying used regs may seem daunting but there are few folks on SB who for rebuild regs and sell them for fun. Fun as in not really making any money but for a few beers. Myself included - I focus on Atomic regs but currently only have titanium first stages. And there are some very knowledgeable people willing to give guidance.

Finally I should note I am not a fan of renting gear as it gets used hard and is often not well maintained. I have helped more than one diver on rental gear. And as I am starting my 5th decade of diving I certainly do not want such gear hassles on my vacation.

 

[davehicks]

I you can buy a set of quality major brand regs (think ScubaPro Mk11/C370 as a lower cost option) you will most certainly be able to sell them here on ScubaBoard a few years down the road. These things are not getting cheaper, and you'll likely be able to get a respectable percentage of your cost if you keep them in good shape. Sherwood is not a brand that seems to do well on the secondary market.

Rental regs are asking for trouble and spoiled dives. Not worth it if you ask me.

 

[lowwall]

Sherwood Maximus?

Regs are built to be serviced, the parts that wear get replaced at the service and the other parts are good for many decades.

I'm not familiar with Sherwood in particular, but in general, when a shop tells you that your functioning regs from a company that is still in business need to scrapped for nebulous reasons, you should be looking for a second opinion — if not a new shop.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm not familiar with Sherwood in particular, but in general, when a shop tells you that your functioning regs from a company that is still in business need to scrapped for nebulous reasons, you should be looking for a second opinion — if not a new shop.

This. @G&G , the shop has an inherent bias, as I'm sure they would gladly sell you new regs. Twenty years is not THAT old as regs go, though perhaps there is something about Sherwood. Get a second opinion from another shop.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Given your histories of diving and how long you've been involved I would say you would be disappointed renting. IMO it's not worth it.
Like was mentioned above, Scubapro MK11/C370 was designed perfectly for travel. It's compact, light, and they breathe like a dream. Those would be the last regs you'd ever need and you would never have to worry about it.
There are some die hard Sherwood fans here on SB like @Bob DBF and a few others.
Somehow I think you were fed a little rotten fish when your dive shop told you they were obsolete IDK?
There people still diving stuff older than those.

 

[TrimixToo]

Sherwood Maximus?

Regs are built to be serviced, the parts that wear get replaced at the service and the other parts are good for many decades.

I'm not familiar with Sherwood in particular, but in general, when a shop tells you that your functioning regs from a company that is still in business need to scrapped for nebulous reasons, you should be looking for a second opinion — if not a new shop.

I'd add...

1. Call DRIS. Ask about parts availability. They're good at finding and stocking parts for older regs (mine, for instance).
2. Call NESS. Ask the same question, and if you get a second "so sorry" answer, ask about what used regs John has in stock that's used and has parts availability for the foreseeable future.

 

[lowwall]

I'd add...

1. Call DRIS. Ask about parts availability. They're good at finding and stocking parts for older regs (mine, for instance).
2. Call NESS. Ask the same question, and if you get a second "so sorry" answer, ask about what used regs John has in stock that's used and has parts availability for the foreseeable future.

NESS are these folk:

Sherwood Reg Service Kits

Sherwood Reg Service Kits

northeastscubasupply.com

Link is to their Sherwood parts page, but give them a call.

 

[BRT]

My husband and I have been diving for the past 20 years, currently using our Sherwood Maximum regs/Sherwood octo from 2006. Our LDS says they are no longer servicable as some parts may not be obtainable due to their age (or a crap shoot if they start to service them and can't get parts). We've been quoted $575CAD for the new Sherwood Maximum reg, and $390CAD for the Sherwood HP SR2 Octo (+ taxes) - are these prices in line with comparable regs of other manufacturers? Recommendations for alternate regulators?

Or rather than buying new (especially pricey when we have to buy 2 sets), do we just rent for here on? We are in our late 60s/mid 70s and do not know how many more years we'll be able to continue diving (due to a possible change in health of either of us). We no longer do any cold water diving, but try to do 2 dive trips a year to warmer climates (we have over 450 dives each so far). Our problem with renting is that we are used to air-integrated dive computers (hubby still working on his original Sherwood Wisdom from 2006, mine is Aeris Atmos ai from 2011 - so either may have to be replaced sometime in the future). If we go to a wrist computer, there would be that expense (if renting regs). Plus I prefer the larger digits on the integrated computers plus I use inserts in my mask that help.

Toss up in our minds as to which way to go (buy or rent).

Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.

I suspect you are talking about Sherwood Maximus. Parts are easily available. If you want rid of them I'd be a buyer. I like having spares.