Alex_Garland
Registered
Hello, I could use some advice from owners of TUSA regulators, though comments and questions from everyone are welcome.
My reg setup, a TUSA first stage and octo and Oceanic primary, are in the shop right now for annual servicing. I last had a full service done in September last year, complete with replacement parts, rebuilt from scratch, etc. on all three stages. Since then I've done four dive trips, 23 dives total, with no performance issues. My regs have been solid all six years since I bought them, with about 140 logged dives with them. I've been servicing them regularly. I switched shops last year.
The shop contacted me today to remind me that TUSA recommends full service every year, as opposed to most other manufacturers who recommend full servicing every two years with annual inspections in between. The shop owner asked me if I want to do the full service or just the annual inspection this time. For TUSA owners who do the full service every year per instructions, TUSA provides free replacement part kits. After factoring in the shop's labor costs (cheaper for inspection), the difference in total cost between full service and inspection would be negligible. I asked if full service instead of inspection would make me significantly safer underwater, and the shop owner was understandably reluctant to offer a firm opinion, though we did discuss some variables involved in making that determination.
The rub here is that shortly after dropping off my regs, the shop announced what looks like a fabulous diving trip to Cabo starting on November 6, for which I promptly signed up. I asked about the timing involved with both options, and they told me that an annual inspection would be quicker, but they felt pretty certain they could do the full servicing within three weeks. However, the latter would involve waiting for parts in the mail from TUSA, so there are x-factors and no guarantees with that estimate.
I am a bit worried about doing full service so close to a big trip, because the LAST thing I want is to be without my regulators when I go to Mexico and have to rent others. Assuming there's no significant difference in risk of regulator failure, I'm leaning toward an inspection instead of full service . . . unless other TUSA consumers or experts here think that's unwise?
Eager to hear your thoughts on the matter. Thanks for reading!
My reg setup, a TUSA first stage and octo and Oceanic primary, are in the shop right now for annual servicing. I last had a full service done in September last year, complete with replacement parts, rebuilt from scratch, etc. on all three stages. Since then I've done four dive trips, 23 dives total, with no performance issues. My regs have been solid all six years since I bought them, with about 140 logged dives with them. I've been servicing them regularly. I switched shops last year.
The shop contacted me today to remind me that TUSA recommends full service every year, as opposed to most other manufacturers who recommend full servicing every two years with annual inspections in between. The shop owner asked me if I want to do the full service or just the annual inspection this time. For TUSA owners who do the full service every year per instructions, TUSA provides free replacement part kits. After factoring in the shop's labor costs (cheaper for inspection), the difference in total cost between full service and inspection would be negligible. I asked if full service instead of inspection would make me significantly safer underwater, and the shop owner was understandably reluctant to offer a firm opinion, though we did discuss some variables involved in making that determination.
The rub here is that shortly after dropping off my regs, the shop announced what looks like a fabulous diving trip to Cabo starting on November 6, for which I promptly signed up. I asked about the timing involved with both options, and they told me that an annual inspection would be quicker, but they felt pretty certain they could do the full servicing within three weeks. However, the latter would involve waiting for parts in the mail from TUSA, so there are x-factors and no guarantees with that estimate.
I am a bit worried about doing full service so close to a big trip, because the LAST thing I want is to be without my regulators when I go to Mexico and have to rent others. Assuming there's no significant difference in risk of regulator failure, I'm leaning toward an inspection instead of full service . . . unless other TUSA consumers or experts here think that's unwise?
Eager to hear your thoughts on the matter. Thanks for reading!
