Reg's & Stage warranties, worth it or not??? (sorry if this question had been hammered)

[fmerkel]

The manufactures have done a pretty good job with the 'life-support' push. It isn't wrong, but it's using fear to sell. People that know regs and are inside of them all the time are fully aware that most of the functional difference between modern regs and stuff 20 years old is about 80-90% marketing, as long as the old stuff has been appropriately maintained.My own regs are in that category.

In the NW people spend hoards on regs, computers, and BC's. Then being broke they go for a wetsuit. Drysuits are expensive, hard to manage, and potential dangerous. Then they quit diving because they are freezing. I think the drop-out rate here is 90% or higher. It's not a good allocation of resources.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I wish the cost-benefit analysis were a no-brainer for me, too, but it's not. The question that occurs to me is what might happen during a dive or vacation if my reg develops some problem because I have neglected it for too long. Some reg problems can be fixed just by adjusting in the field. The most common malfunction is a free-flow. I can surface safely from a free-flow and, if the reg can't be fixed in the field by me or the operator I'm diving with, I can probably rent one for the rest of the day/trip. From past threads on the topic of reg failure modes, I think the likelihood of a reg entirely stopping delivery of air without any warning is low. As pointed out in other threads, checking the IP with a gauge from time to time is a great telltale to help judge when to bring the reg in for service. In view of the cost of service, I take really good care of my regs, take generous intervals between service, and am satisfied with what I believe is the level of risk.

 

[markmud]

Hi OP,

There are too many variables with your question regarding the service warranty.

Do you:

1. rinse the regulator while it is still connected to your salty-wet dive tank?
2. rinse-out your salty dust cap cup before putting it on your reg?
3. avoid physical abuse to your regulator set?
4. rinse your regulator underwater while pressurized?

If you answer no to any of the above, you should follow the manufactures service warranty plan, at the least.

If you don't violate any of the above, service the regulator using a cycle system. I feel that my regulators should not require overhaul before 200 cycles; however, they have probably been overhauled about every 100 or so dives.

I have an IP gauge. I check IP before every dive adventure. If they crack well and don't leak, I go diving.

markm

 

[outofofficebrb]

I should get an IP gauge, especially given how inexpensive I have seen people mention them being. Anyone have a link to one they think is good? Bonus points for an instructional video posted on how/what/when/ to use. Thanks!

 

[markmud]

I should get an IP gauge, especially given how inexpensive I have seen people mention them being. Anyone have a link to one they think is good? Bonus points for an instructional video posted on how/what/when/ to use. Thanks!

Hi outofofficebrb,

Here is a link:
Storm Intermediate Pressure Gauge | Dolphin Scuba Center

markm

 

[rsingler]

Hi OP,

I check IP before every dive adventure.

markm

+1000!!!!!

 

[fmerkel]

Last trip to the Philippines I noticed on the first dive our guide's reg was leaking, pretty good too. Of course he was excellent on air so it didn't affect his dive time. I assumed it was the yoke O-ring. 2nd dive > same. I took a closer look. Coming right out of the Scubapro MK25 ambient chamber. I know what that means > piston O-ring shot. I told him on the SIT. He said he knew, didn't have the $$ or the time to have it serviced. I gave him my MK10 backup reg for the duration and then let him have it as a minor part of my tip. I always take a bare 1st stage on a trip. Since I started doing that, I've never needed it. Way to foil Murphy!

I've had 2 regs (ScubaPro and Mares) give me grief in 20 years of trips, both were shop serviced, well within annual servicing time, probably dove locally every weekend for months previously, and both were 1st stage main seal problems with a creeping IP and low grade bubbling. Nothing catastrophic. I recently had my own serviced SP MK 14 do that. Could not find any reason for it at all on disassembly and close inspection. I cleaned everything, replaced nothing, and took it diving. It's fine. Go figure.

There is no absolute guarantee.

 

[markmud]

+1000!!!!!

And if it aint broke, don't fix it!

 

[runsongas]

i just bring an extra first stage and second stage on trips. without the hoses, they don't take up much space.

the dgx mini ip gauge works fine for home use.

Compact IP Gauge (PSI and BAR)

 

[markmud]

Last trip to the Philippines I noticed on the first dive our guide's reg was leaking, pretty good too. Of course he was excellent on air so it didn't affect his dive time. I assumed it was the yoke O-ring. 2nd dive > same. I took a closer look. Coming right out of the Scubapro MK25 ambient chamber. I know what that means > piston O-ring shot. I told him on the SIT. He said he knew, didn't have the $$ or the time to have it serviced. I gave him my MK10 backup reg for the duration and then let him have it as a minor part of my tip. I always take a bare 1st stage on a trip. Since I started doing that, I've never needed it. Way to foil Murphy!

I've had 2 regs (ScubaPro and Mares) give me grief in 20 years of trips, both were shop serviced, well within annual servicing time, and both were 1st stage main seal problems with a creeping IP and low grade bubbling. Nothing catastrophic. I recently had my own serviced SP MK 14 do that. Could not find any reason for it at all on disassembly and close inspection. I cleaned everything, replaced nothing, and took it diving. It's fine. Go figure.

Hi fmerkel,

Did "my own serviced SP MK 14" malfunction right after overhaul?

markm