Hey folks,

I am planning to purchase a new regulator set. I currently have an older Apeks and a new Poseidon Xstream.

I love the Apeks, but it was discontinued several years ago and parts are extremely hard to come by - especially on Bonaire, which is were I do 95% of my diving, and because of that, the likelihood of needing regulator work will occur.

Because of some issues early in my use of the Poseidon, I can't get a comfortable feeling using it. I just don't feel good about it. I know it's a good regulator, but I just don't feel good using it.

So.....In purchasing a new setup, I want to get one that is easily serviceable on Bonaire. I know that everyone has their own opinions, likes, and dislikes when it comes to equipment.

So here's what I am asking:

When it comes to having regulators serviced on Bonaire, has there ever been a time that you could not get your gear serviced? If so, could you specify the specific manufacturer and model?

I am not asking whether the equipment was good, bad, or indifferent - I just want to narrow my choices based on serviceability on Bonaire.

Thanks for your help.

Dave, go see Bruce.

Jerry,

I did go there once. I was told they can't service Poseidon or the Apeks.....

Dave I have Oceanic and they don't do those either. ScubaPro is used by at least one dive operator on Bonaire (Habitat).

Dave - are you going to dive BEFORE you go back to Bonaire? IF not, just go see Bruce and buy a setup from him. If you are, you may want to contact them and find out what they have and then go to your LDS and see what you like from the list.

Hi Mara

Carib also sells ScubaPro & Atomic Aquatics.

The following shops sell ScubaPro

bonaire dive & adventure

dive bonaire

divi flamingo resort & casino

rec tek scuba

carib inn

habitat bonaire

Well, It looks like ScubaPro.
After many e-mails back and forth with Bruce, her has set me up with a very nice system.
And I can't believe how competitive he is on pricing. He is actually lower than anything I have been able to find in the states!

We haven't finalized yet, but I think it'll happen.

Bruce seems like a heck of a guy - I can't wait to meet him. I know my e-mails had to have been driving him nuts, but he persevered....

Can't say enough about Bruce. Since we do 80% of our diving on Bonaire we consider the Carib Inn shop our 2nd "LDS". Last trip my daughter's Seaquest Airsource malfunctioned and he practically rebuilt the thing (disassembled, cleaned, lubricated) spending about 1/2 hr and I think he charged us $10.00. His prices for Scubapro, Seaquest and Henderson equipment are lower than our NJ shop. And Henderson is MADE in NJ!

We have been diving with Scubapro regs for 10 years, love them. Enjoy your new rig.

Same situation in the winter of 2002, but as a new diver. After, a number of emails with Bruce, we purchased from him, VERY competitive pricing and he has done all my servicing, essentially he is my LDS. Yes I live in the states, but make an annual trip to Bonaire.

My Scuba pro set up is great. And so is the Carib and Staff and of course Bruce.

(and NO one pays me to say these things!)