Shopping: SCUBA regulators - need today

[JR8]

Yeah wishful thinking, I know.

I'm trying to buy a new 'primary' SCUBA reg.

I.e a 1st stage into a primary 2nd stage, that I can then fit my existing Octo, SPG, transponder, into...

It being 'holiday season' seems to make it more or less impossible.

Item: Mares Abyss 22.

Best price ex US, US$360/S$456
Ex UK £275/S$573
In Singapore, S$903!!

Well the discussion with that SGn retailer ended with me rather intemperately telling him where to stick his reg! (I queried the margin, and he then simply went nutso on me!). The second dive shop I contacted (e-mail) last night, it's noon and he hasn't replied... service, Singapore style.

So, I'm taking my exisiting regs, and will get the destination dive outfit to either tweak them, or worst case I have to hire ...

If you're here and into sports, or diving, or stuff that needs specialist equipment... check your gear a month+ prior to any outing, to give you lead-time to ensure it's all functioning etc... and that you can get parts if you need to order them. Don't rely on getting stuff locally, as, with my situation, it will cost you up to a 100% premium, if you can do it at all.

[PNGMK]

I have to agree that dive equipment is over the top in Singapore. However where I am in Oman right now it's much worse!

[JR8]

I've heard the diving in Oman can be good (there are some offshore islands?). but it's niche, and I can imagine gear is $$$

[ecureilx]

.... l.

Did you try Sports Center in Beach road ?

[JR8]

Did you try Sports Center in Beach road ?

Thanks Ecu, that was a good suggestion! I've bought gear from before (years ago) and had rather forgotten about them.

Anyway I just called, but they don't stock Mares, or perhaps just that model of reg.

Ah well, nice try, and thanks again.

For this trip I think I'm just going to have to go with what I have. The dive centre there have said they can probably 'twitch' the problem reg for me. Not ideal... but we'll see.

Probably better if I go through the process of buying a new set (it's been 10+ years on the current set, maybe time to move on to newer technology?) when I return, and at leisure rather than under duress and in haste.

[ecureilx]

Thanks Ecu, that was a good suggestion! I've bought gear from before (years ago) and had rather forgotten about them.

I bought some non-diving stuff, and some other gear, and they were not like those in Orchard area trying to make a fast buck .. and were more than happy to help out for some other stuff too

[JR8]

Called another place (the one that didn't reply to my e-mail from yesterday). They don't have the Abyss 22, suggested the Abyss 52.

Scubawarehouse/SG price S$990

UK price S$625

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The idea of paying £500 for a regulator (a single regulator, NOT a full set) would never have occurred to me, unless I had a 'moment of madness' and started looking at the legendary Poseidon brand or similar. But S$1k for a good but nothing special workhorse of a reg... it's insanity. ... the above one, just offered, is not even the one I want FFS.

[Right I seriously give up this time, until the new year.... (harumph!])

[JR8]

I bought some non-diving stuff, and some other gear, and they were not like those in Orchard area trying to make a fast buck .. and were more than happy to help out for some other stuff too

Yes, that's what one would wish for from a dive shop. A more holistic offering, rather than a fast buck. Diving, diving instruction, diving gear, it's a strangely personal and tribal thing. [Hence the expression 'Tribe', and 'Dive Tribe' - you're either in it, or not. A very strange social concept when you stop to consider it for a moment]. Nothing turns me off quicker than a retailer trying to gouge me... especially in a field where we're unspokenly all meant to be 'Tribe'.

This place you mention, Sports Centre, it's where I bought my wife her first full set of full snorkelling gear, some years back now. I think at the time we were staying opposite at the Park Royal on Beach Road.

Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, mini-fins. We had plenty of time, to check various bits of gear for size and fit. No rush (nice for my stressed wife > not a born water-baby). The owner was very friendly, and gave us all the time in the world ... I'd happily shop there again, if they happened to have what I wanted in stock.