U.S. Divers SE3 Second Stage...

[DiveKitty68]

I am thinking of purchasing (from a friend) a USD SE3 2nd stage...does anyone on here have one? If so how do ya like it? Thanks

 

[gaudencio]

I am using one se2 conshelf. But i'm thinking of upgrading to a mr22 abyss. though se2 is good breathing reg. . I've dived it to 130 ' and i hav'nt any problem with it.

 

[freedive]

I'm not familiar with the SE3 but I use a Conshelf SE2 1st stage, Second, and Octo. Just recently brought them in for their yearly service and I have no plans of changing them in the near future. They breathe great and are built to last.

 

[Tiny Bubbles]

I have an SE3, & like it a lot. Although it may look a little different, the internals of the SE3 2nd stage are like an SE2, except the valve body is metal and it is removable from the plastic housing (instead of molded-in to the plastic housing like on an SE2). I think the conshelf 22's are the same way, but I don't have one to compare. It takes the same service kit as an SE2, and uses all the o-rings in the kit including the 2-015 o-ring for the removable valve body (you guys with SE2s may have wondered "what's this extra o-ring in my kit for?").

The service port plug holds down an alignment key that keeps the diaphragm cover from being unscrewed. If you're trying to make this reg DIR, I think you would have to remove the key so that it could be opened up with no tools. (I'm not DIR, just a DIR-wannabe, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Having said that, it's easier to open up (without the key) than an SE2, because the cover sticks out farther and comes out flush with the sides of the housing, and is much easier to grip. The plug takes a larger 8mm allen wrench than the 5/64" wrench for an SE2, so it won't round-out as easliy. Happily, it's the same wrench that fits the thermo DIN/K valve inserts, so that's 1 less allen wrench in the save-a-dive kit. The same Peterbilt special tools that fit all the conshelfs (poppet holder-downer, and 1/4" hollow nutdriver with screwdriver inside) fit this reg.

The purge button is a little larger than on an SE2, making it easier to push (or get pushed). It breathes the same as an SE2 (as it should -- it has the same guts).

The SE3 1st stage is identical to an SE2.

-Tiny-B.

 

[DiveKitty68]

I heard great things about the Se2s - bombproof, breathes great, etc. but so little on the Se3. Thanks TinyB for all that awesome info. We DID get the Se3 (price was too good to pass up - a nice computer and gauges included) and my husband is going to use it. He was kinda bummed that there was so little info on it so you just made his day. Something else to take apart and fiddle with (men!)....thanks for the service info!!!
I got a B2 (-: It was prettier. LOL j.k. Got a good deal from ScubaToys (very nice to do business with!) on it and it's the one I wanted.