How long before I should upgrade

divekim · Jul 11, 2006

Purchased the following as my first set. Wondering just how long it my last since I'm sure it's no where close to top of the line, and when should I consider upgrading?

http://www.unrealfind.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=reg14&Category_Code=regu

Thanks
Kim

sasscuba · Jul 11, 2006

I used the same regulator for 25 years before I upgraded....as long as there are parts availbale to do the yearly service a regulator can last a long long time.

Diver0001 · Jul 11, 2006

As long as you can get it serviced and it performs well enough for the diving you're doing I don't see the problem. My first reg--which I got second hand--was 25 years old when I finally replaced it.

Top of the line regs will breathe easier and if you feel this would make a difference to your diving then I would do it, but it's more of a "could do" or "want to do" than a "should do".

R..

herman · Jul 11, 2006

My first reg was used when I bought it in 92 and it's still in service as my pool/backup reg. I am not too sure how old it actually is but I think it's around an 84 vintage-22 yrs old. I dive an Apex as my primary reg now and it was bought more because I wanted it rather than for any real need. My latest "new" reg, is around a 1965 vintage or 41 years old and it still works like the day it was made....or so I am told, I was not diving back then. As long as a reg suits your needs (no way I would dive my 1964 double hose on a deep wreck) and you can get parts, there is no reason not to dive it.

Scottri · Jul 11, 2006

I'm still using my first regulator. I would upgrade only when you need to. It's a balanced piston first stage so it should perform just fine. Congrats and welcome!

divekim · Jul 11, 2006

Thanks for your responses, you never know when a good deal might not be so good.

I'm leaving for Cozumel on Friday, is it okay to pack the first stage with the second and octopus still hooked up to it. I mean will the hoses being coiled in the reg bag make a difference? Should I disassemble everything?

Kim

SteveFass · Jul 11, 2006

No Kim, keep it all assembled, but protect it. Some people use a special regulator bag, others wrap t-shirts around it. Whatever.

Diver0001 · Jul 11, 2006

divekim:
Should I disassemble everything?

No, but go through security early. They're going to want a peek.....

R..

herman · Jul 11, 2006

TSA rarely looks twice at my regs, my camera and strobe do get a quicky look from time to time

DA Aquamaster · Jul 11, 2006

Hmm...The first stage is a Scubapro Mk 5 clone, but exactly what brand is it and where do you plan to get it serviced?

I'm not sure not sure about the second stage an octo - they are no doubt copies of something.

Maybe I'm missed something but unless you can locate service for it, you'll be "upgrading" next year.

How long before I should upgrade

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