Wanted Scubapro 109s

[Bald Wookie]

Also might be worth chatting to @buddhasummer for parts - he has great knowledge.

 

[Geo7]

The internal parts can easily be sourced from current kits, as others noted above. If the clamps are good and the front rubber cover, you're good. The main diaphragm can be sourced from donor regs like R190 I think. Exhaust valves, there will be alternatives including not OEM. Finding a nice body without too much corrosion (a little internal corrosion should still be functional) is the thing. The third of the regs I listed for sale is in sad condition cosmetically, but won't quit working.

Where Buddhasummer comes in is especially when you want optimal performance, you have to swap some springs, perhaps orifices, and maybe even levers to make parts work at highest performance. These are bulletproof simple regs, but lacking a microadjuster, the three above parts need to be in good order and with the right tolerances. Then these fit together like magic and deliver great performance.

Historically, non-balanced seconds have the reputation of being more robust, but that is for Conshelfs and R-series regs. The 109 still has a poppet, albeit non-balanced. The lever ears could still jump the poppet, which is the only "worry" with balanced regs. However, that is never reported and expedition level tech divers pretty much only use balanced regs nowadays, so not really a worry... What is great though is the possibility to cut your own seats from EPDM seats for the 109!

 

[James79]

To add to what @Geo7 said, The Scuba Museum has silicone purge covers as well. You may well run into most shops not being willing to work on them, but parts are either indestructible, available from 3rd parties, or can be made (like punching your own seats out of sheet rubber).

 

[buddhasummer]

I've not read the whole thread but I'm sure I can help with buying, parts or advice. Feel free to DM me.

 

[buddhasummer]

To ensure all plays well when converting a 109 to 156 using a.141 lever is recommended.

As par for the course I will use a new orifice, plastic ones are cheaper. I used to use metal ones but recently I've been using the plastic ones, mainly due to cost but bonus they won't corrode either. S-wing poppet of course is required.

You can use any G250 adjustment knob but only the satin G250V ones are still available new.

For springs, which I also replace as par for the course, it's good to have a few on hand as even new they are not all the same. I keep a stock of .216 and the supposedly stiffer .218.

2 additional O rings, a soft -010 or 902 for orifice and a -011 for adj knob and you're done.

 

[buddhasummer]

I haven't heard any dependability issues from any of them to be honest. The trade offs really come down to preference issues. If you are looking for something to learn on for dealing with newer air barrel designs, the 109/156 will be the way to go. For bullet proof simplicity a 108 (or USD Conshelf) is the way to go. A balanced second stage will go longer without needing to be retuned, and won't react much to changes in intermediate pressure (read that as unbalanced piston first stages). An unbalanced second stage will need retuned more often, and will breathe stiffer as IP drops (read that as dropping tank pressure with unbalanced 1st stage). Main benefit of a 109 vs. a 108 is the ability to crank down the adjuster to reduce chance of freeflow when using the 109 as an octo. Seats for a balanced reg cost more, but last longer. So it all comes down to preference really.

Just my opinion... but I find myself leaning into the Conshelf/108 designs more. Dirt simple, reliable, and breathe great if tuned properly.

Respectfully,

james

Indeed, with patience I'm amazed at just how well you can get the humble Conshelf to breathe. When I was using them I'd set primary to 1.1" (which was, IIRC, the lowest I could get one)

 

[buddhasummer]

@Justin Phillips I see a couple of 156 on yahoo auction, happy to pick some up for you if you like.

 

[Bald Wookie]

As promised. Great for tinkering, the body is good condition so if everything was set up (really just needs balance chamber and rubbers) would be a good reg.

There is one guy I know that sells silicone versions now that VDH is not selling.

I do have another that just needs the exhaust tee (from memory). But like others on here my dive gear is scattered across a few locations so I can grab a photo tomorrow.

 

[Bald Wookie]

About Us

For those looking.

 

[Ghost95]

Just checked ebay. Search "vintage scubapro" and you'll find about half a dozen in the results. Sometimes searching scubapro mk5 will also pull up some that are attached to first stages.

I'm rebuilding 2 right now. They are a lot of fun and breath great.