July 2003

Vol. 18, No. 7     What's this?

Zeagle Regulator Problems

from the July, 2003 issue of Undercurrent  

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.