Getting a little confused.com

[divebuddy]

Well... I've been reading a little on the SCR rebreathers. I was looking into a Drager dolphin, with the intention of doing a course in the the new year at Stoney. First problem is that I had an email from Stoney yesterday to tell me they no longer do the course, as they are unable to get replacement parts in the UK for the Dolphin. Appears that Drager dont build them now, but you can still get parts abroad etc for maybe the next 10 years. I could get a second hand unit, but if a dive centre struggles for spares how am I going to fair ? So Im now looking at the Submatix scr 100 ct. Does anyone know the cost of these units, and what you get for your money as standard. I've got some details of a course being emailed to me. Also are there any training centre in Birmingham ?

TA

P.S I dont want CCR, I only intend to dive to max of 40 metres so SCR seems to fit the bill.

[davydiver]

Hi, On my understanding you are right about Dragar not producing the units any more so I would imagine parts will be hard to get hold of eventualy, there is a Submatix on ebay at the moment but its bloody expensive, cant see it selling for that price. Whats you reasoning for going SCR, CCR is a lot easier in the long run and you can pick up a 2nd hand inspo for good money these days.

[divebuddy]

Yes I've seen the one on ebay and agree it sounds over priced to me, even if its a new unit. Im pretty sure new units are not that expensive for SCR. With regards to why, well I want to estend bottom time and dont want to be carrying twin tanks on my back. Get more out of photography ie less bubbles, try something different. The idea of using the excess gas you breathe out to breathe again appeals to me. I suppose with CCR its the cost of the training, Im sure you are right that I could perhaps pick up a unit for the same price as the SCR unit. I believe you start with a MOD 1 course if Im correct, any ideas on the cost ? and I assume a classic inspro 2nd would be a good unit

[davydiver]

I went through the same thought process as you a few months ago, and eventually ruled out SCR, and decided to go for a 2nd hand inspo, I paid £1700 for mine and then spent another £500 getting it serviced, so I have a unit which is effectively new for £2300.

As for training your looking at about £500 ish for Mod1 which takes 4-5 days I split mine over 2 weekends and did the BSAC course, if you went for SCR you would still need to trainin on the unit as they can still kill you quite easlily.

Since training on my Inspo and using it I absolutely love it and its re-kindled my passion for diving, I just cant wait to get back in the water again even if its a bloody quarry!

It might be worth doing a try dive on both SCR and CCR then you'll have chance to see and use both units and talk to the instructors about the pros / cons.

Hope this helps.

[David Parker]

Drager parts available from Martin at tecme.com - the drager is a fantastic unit and having it semi closed they are great. providing the set up has been done correctly you have a RB that requires very little extra workload under water. I have converted mine to MCCR & love it to bits. I would consider buying a semi closed as well for fun although It might be worth popping into stony to see if Mick would run a one off corse. I did mine with him origanly & he is one of the most amicable Instructors I have come accross.

Hope this helps

Rgds
Dave

[trimixer]

Only one drawback, I think Mick has parted company with Stoney...I could be misinformed.

[trimixer]

I think you could do worse than contact Mike at Subaqua (01709-877222) to ask about info on SCR, I had my unit serviced there last year and the guy knows his stuff.

Hazel up on the Valkyrie might also have some feedback for you. I would echo David Parker, the Drager is a lovely bit of kit with nothing electronic to go wrong. My unit setup gave a potential bottom time of over 180 minutes and the only limiting factor was the scrubber life. With the twin 7 config it was about the same weight as a single 15 and much better balanced. Still vaguely regret selling it....

[jar_uk1]

I had a Drager for about 18 months and then got an inspo vision.

I did the BSAC course for Both (with Dennis Wigg - highly recommended but a bit further north than you)

I never intended to go CCR, but in the end I got the inspiration as I had the chance to do it, and it is a better all round tool. I dont dive deep, but the Dragers limit of 40m is absolute, with the inspo you could always take another course...

The Drager does what it says on the can and spares should not be a problem, it is certainly a lot cheaper to run than an inspo. When they are set up well they are nice to dive, however I love my inspo. It doesnt take any longer to prep for a days diving than a drager.

Oh and I got my Drager in a suitcase to go to hurghada and came in under the weight allowance I dont see that happening with an inspo

John R