Reefrat: Yes, there is a simple way to get the cover off once you have been trained as a technician. Any life support equipment could be unsafe if taken apart without specific expert knowledge, training and drawings with part numbers. No, we are not assuming the owners are morons. Our engineers have determined this cover does not need to come off to rinse the product, if you want/need it disassembled/tested/inspected we are directing you to a technician.
If there is a "simple way to get the cover off" then this should be available to the owner!
I personally would not be comfortable diving for 2 years with a reg that I've never been able to see the condition of the interior. We are not talking about servicing a reg or disassembly of functional components (I have been a professional maintainer of "life support systems" for underground mine rescue and recovery teams- so I am not completely ignorant here!)
We are talking about a process that should be done as part of routine, periodic cleaning to ensure there is no build up of crud on components or debri lodged in the second stage- that's all! This IS a safety issue- and I'm not going to mention the other obvious issues relating to using this reg in a technical or overhead capacity- a market that Sherwood obviously is not targeting.
Herman: No, it it not BS or to generate profit, it is to provide quality safe life support equipment. The reason the other manufacturers are consistant with Sherwood is this is an industry standard. We are sorry you feel our terminology does not go over well on Scubaboard, we feel it does but we know we will not please all of the people. The liablility line is not a cover story, safety is number one in our industry.
The number of other manufacturers consistent with this approach is declining and will continue to decline because the diving community is becoming more educated and discerning- if the "adult" section of the diving community is not Sherwoods target then time will tell if that significantly impacts the sales of your equipment.
Sherwood remains committed to providing quality life support equipment by only allowing authorized dealers access to our repair parts and manuals.
Once again, time will tell!
I like the look of my new magnum reg but the inability to properly clean and inspect it after each 20 dive trip is not an option. I will be looking at the front cover very carefully to determine the best way to remove and replace it- safeguarding a warranty does not interest me- safeguarding the condition of my "life support equipment" does!
Safe diving,
Team Sherwood
