Which is the better first stage?

[QuentinNZ]

Hi All, having not diving for a while I am currently getting my gear organised for the up and coming summer. I have my old original US Divers Conshelf SE2 which has served me well for 25 + years, but just recently I was also given a Dacor set (unknown first stage and Eagle Reg) which I thought I could use as an octopus. What I am now wondering is, do first stages vary much in quality and if so would I be better using the newer Dacor first stage over my original US Divers one that I have now owned of approx 30 years? If anyone knows these two first stages and how they compare for quality reliability etc it would be great. Thanks

 

[northernone]

I had my Conshelf SE2 down to 176ft a couple hours ago. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Easy to service and parts can be found if you're so inclined. The Dacor I don't recognize.

- edit: realized my reply is
of little help given the lack of actual comparison. -
Cameron

 

[QuentinNZ]

I had my Conshelf SE2 down to 176ft a couple hours ago. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Easy to service and parts can be found if you're so inclined. The Dacor I don't recognize.

Cameron

Thanks, yeah I have never had an issue with my Conshelf set, hopefully I can get it serviced locally, its been a while since anyone looked at it. Maybe I am best to just continue using that, and use the Dacor Eagle Reg as an octi.

 

[shurite7]

It will be much easier to get parts for the US Divers reg than the Dacor. That alone can be your deciding factor.

 

[JackD342]

That first stage is an Italian Dacor, made by Mares. Looks to be a D12 1st stage. Not a bad unit, I think it was based off of the MR12 from that period. Same with the Eagle second stages - Italian by Mares. Both use current Mares parts kits, so no issue at all there. Most but not all major parts are N/A. The only service part I remember that you can't get is the little Dacor sticker that covers up the screw head on the venturi switch - cosmetic only. And there are a variation or two that I have to add a couple of O-rings not included in the current appropriate kit.

 

[QuentinNZ]

That first stage is an Italian Dacor, made by Mares. Looks to be a D12 1st stage. Not a bad unit, I think it was based off of the MR12 from that period. Same with the Eagle second stages - Italian by Mares. Both use current Mares parts kits, so no issue at all there. Most but not all major parts are N/A. The only service part I remember that you can't get is the little Dacor sticker that covers up the screw head on the venturi switch - cosmetic only. And there are a variation or two that I have to add a couple of O-rings not included in the current appropriate kit.

Thank you very much for the info