Too old?

[gj62]

Quit diving for awhile :-(. Had a full setup - ScubaPro Mark V regulator (don't know 1st stage model), plus the old "orange" ScubaPro BC jacket. Last used about 12 or 14 years ago - yikes!

Still have all that stuff, and am getting back into it (since my kids are starting).

Here are my questions:

1) Are these still "quality" pieces, assuming they are in good condition? I know I'll need to replace hoses/seals, but it seems silly to spend $500+ each (reg/jacket) if I'm just getting a "cooler" look.

2) Can I still get these serviced? I've recently moved and haven't found a local store - just wondering at this point.

Lastly - and I *know* from reading this is mostly personal preference, but since I have no recent experience, would you please throw your $0.02 in on the following:

1) Is it worth getting Nitrox certified?
2) Will my current reg work with Nitrox?
3) Can you recommend a computer?

Looking forward to getting wet again!

Thanks!

 

[Walter]

"ScubaPro Mark V regulator (don't know 1st stage model)"

The Mark V is the 1st stage.

"Are these still "quality" pieces, assuming they are in good condition?"

Yes.

"I know I'll need to replace hoses/seals"

Maybe not.

"Can I still get these serviced?"

It shouldn't be a problem, the BC is virtually identical to the Classic Sport.

 

[gj62]

Thanks!

Ahh - memory is a fickle thing. As far as the stage 2 then, it has a metal knurled wheel for breathing adjustment, and you can see the diaphram through the metal "S" in which the purge button depressor goes in.

Now, I'll just have to see if my kid's will be seen with me in this old rig...

 

[ElectricZombie]

1) Are these still "quality" pieces, assuming they are in good condition? I know I'll need to replace hoses/seals, but it seems silly to spend $500+ each (reg/jacket) if I'm just getting a "cooler" look.

2) Can I still get these serviced? I've recently moved and haven't found a local store - just wondering at this point.

1. The Mk5 is still a good reg...I don't see any point in buying a new one unless yours is in bad condition. You didn't say what 2nd stage you had, but I'm guessing it's the old metal 109. Those are still decent too. Someone gave me a BC like the one you have. I would replace that if I were you. (I threw mine away!) That is a really old BC and you would be better served with a new one. As always, I suggest a backplate and wing setup.
2. Yes...if you can find a shop that knows how.

1) Is it worth getting Nitrox certified?
2) Will my current reg work with Nitrox?
3) Can you recommend a computer?

1. Sure. Absorbing less nitrogen is always good.
2. Yep...will work up to 40% O2.
3. Your brain. You don't need a computer, just a bottom timer to monitor depth and time. Save money by not buying a computer and get a new BC.

 

[Walter]

I disagree, that is a much better BC than the majority on the market today.

 

[lhpdiver]

Sounds like we have alot in common. I too have a 30+ year old Mark V. Got it as a Christmas present in 1973. I too was away from diving for awhile. I had my reg overhauled (about $100) last year and the guy renewed my lifetime warranty (for what that's worth). I have since bought a new MK25/600 for my primary but the Mark V is going on the pony I'm about to get. Not only is your reg (if you kept it in decent condition to begin with) still good, it can spark some interesting conversations.

My wife got back into diving with me last year. We are both 50ish and pretty much only dive nitrox anymore. I didn't think it made a difference at first but I am truely less tired on nitrox after say 4 dives in a 24 hour period. Also - where we dive it is almost the socially correct thing to do. If we are all on nitrox we have roughly the same profile. Heck - an around here the cert is only $90 and 2 dives.

I bought myself a Suunto mosquito and my wife the Cobra. For a guy that used to dive with a bib and a CO2 cartridge things sure have changed. Our computers work for us. Not only do they pay attention for us but they log the dives etc.

Here's a piece of advice I wish I was given a year ago. Look around before you buy. I've made some rash equipment decisions I'm going to have to eat. And get ahold of a LeisurePro catalog. It will level the playing field. When you are talking to your LDS about computers etc let him know you are aware of LP. Just that knowledge should save you some money.

 

[gj62]

Thanks everyone!

The 2nd stage is the old metal 109 (with the 2 metal half-circles to close the body). Seems in pretty good shape - I'm going to take it into the LDS and see if anyone there was alive when it was made

Sounds alot like I can make due with what I have (I, too, really liked my stab-jacket - lots of dives on it...) - thanks for everyone's help...

 

[redacted]

In the past year, I retired my newer regulators (Mk20/G500) and am now diving Mk5/10's and R109's. Unless your 109 says "balanced adjustable" on the cover, it is probably not the balanced design (like a G250) rather than the unbalanced adjustable (poppet like the G200). You can have it converted during annual service. The service kits have the complete poppet (with balance chamber for the BA) and the only other part change is a $10.00 spring. It should perform a bit better but not so much as to be readily noticable. Only other thing is to make sure the yoke is suitable for 3000 psi service. Most are but some of the older ones may require a yoke upgrade also.

 

[gj62]

The 109 is a metal circle with a hole in the middle where you can see the diaphram (which has the original PBD!) - I seem to remember they made a plastic 109 for awhile and I think those were balanced. I'll call my shop and see what they can do...

 

[gj62]

OK, according to my LDS, ScubaPro is recommending replacing the Mark V 1st stage. Anyone out there familiar with why? Just to get my $$$'s, or is it safety?