Zeagle Systems, Inc., is recalling 931 first stage regulators sold
between January 20, 2003, and May 19, 2003. If you have one of these
regulators -- or a Zeagle regulator serviced during this period --
don't dive with it until it's been inspected by a Zeagle dealer. The
problem, according to Zeagle's press release and website, is a defective
high-pressure seat that could cause the first stage to over pressurize,
interrupting the air supply and making it impossible for a diver to
breathe from the regulator.
Or is it? Jim Fox, Zeagle regulator product specialist, told
Undercurrent that a few shop owners reported creeping intermediate
pressure when they turned on a full tank, causing a free-flow hissing
in the second stage. Zeagle engineers found that a small crack formed
in the seat at high pressure, which then closed when the pressure lowered.
Although all reported incidents occurred on the surface, and
Fox is not aware of any in-water incidents, Zeagle was concerned that
a diver could run out of air prematurely with this problem. Fox says
the wording on Zeagle's website is incorrect.
Either way, the following models' first stages are affected (the serial
numbers are stamped on each first stage body):
FlatHead Six F001391 to F001476
50D B003315 to B003652
DS-IV A001352 to A001571
Envoy C001117 to C001403
Call 800-771-5568 or contact any authorized Zeagle dealer for
information on obtaining a free repair.