Every scuba diver is aware of the rebreather and its contribution to divers. In the world of sport, there are always innovations made to ease the sport for the benefit of its lovers. But sometimes, we ask the question, is the innovation worth it when it comes to cost. The rebreather comes with juicy advantages, but for the cost and the benefit of the sport, should one spend so much for a rebreather. 

There is this common saying that “if something happens to me, don’t let my spouse sell my device at the price I told them I paid for” this might be because they paid a higher price and declared a lower price to their spouse.

But how much does a rebreather cost? We will break this question down in this article. Read on to learn more.

How much does a rebreather cost?

The cost of a rebreather is worth appreciating. Rebreathers come with accessories, which add to the total cost of the equipment. Also, there is extra training needed before one can use it. This training also adds to the ownership cost of the rebreather. Let’s take a treat through the accessories that make rebreathers expensive. 

Because of its high cost, you are required to make inquiries about the type of unit check and double-check with multiple instructors to know exactly what you will be purchasing so when you finally decide to go in for one; you won’t just be buying what the shop owners are trying to push through.

The rebreather

This piece of equipment itself is quite expensive. Though there are several models (later in this article, we will associate each model with its price), the average price of a rebreather can be somewhat around $7000.

Rebreather accessories

Buying the rebreather is not yet it. You have certain elements to purchase to complete it before rendering it usable.

• The first thing or so you have to buy is the tank. This is the oxygen tank, and a 13 ft double tank will cost you around $400.

• The wing and backplate are yet another accessory. They are of various kinds and at various prices. For example, the Dive Rite Nomad System, a soft Transpac backplate, and a side mount kit costs $700. If we do our mathematics well, we will be around $8000.

Training required

You can’t just get this equipment and start using it. You won’t even be able to start, by the way. After your purchase, the next thing you will have to do to get nearer to using your rebreather is the training to be able to use it.

The training varies depending on three items; the type of rebreather, the instructor, and the size of the class. You can, however, do your training locally at your convenience. 

The training begins with the equipment assembly, and then diving lessons will follow. If you decide to go with this type of training, it will take you a few weeks and cost something close to $2000.

This amount includes all boat fees, fills as well as consumables. This takes the cost to about $10000.

Class equipment

You will need a bailout bottle with a regulator for the proper class training. Although some individuals may prefer to use an onboard bailout system, if your rebreather doesn’t have very large tanks, it won’t be able to carry sufficient gas; as a result, most people will go in for an external bailout. Many divers have them, which means they will need to buy another one again.

But if you do not have one yet, you may have to estimate to spend between $400 and $500. This depends on where and when you purchased it and the type of regulator. If you require an ideal tank, then a forty cubic feet tank that has two clean regulators.

Our bill at this stage is now $10500

Further safety considerations

You have done well if you have completed your training lessons. The oxygen sensors on rebreathers are not usually reliable. Therefore, you will require an additional computer for deep decompression wreck diving; this computer calculates the decompression based on the fourth cell.

This may add to the cost by about $2,500 or so. Add this amount to our cumulative cost above, and you will have $13000.

Spare parts

An experienced scuba diver knows that they don’t go to the shop with empty wallets, nor do they leave the shop empty-handed, so it’s no surprise at all.

You will have to purchase spare parts, lift bags, batteries, reels, loop cleaning supplies, and even an extra set of doubles if you don’t want to run the shop each you run out of gas. Were you concluding already? The list of items presented here is not yet all about what you will always buy when you get to the shop. 

So keep an extra budget. That is what a rebreather demands. This list of items can cost way between $500 and $1000. We are now at $14000. Is your pocket dry already! Don’t worry. We are almost there.

Maintenance.

So far, we have looked at purchase cost, training cost, accessories, spare parts, and much more. Your rebreather equipment requires maintenance just like any other piece of equipment.

If your rebreather uses Extended Air Cartridges (EAC), you should be ready to budget $30 for one that can last between 3-5 hours, but its shelf life becomes shortened after two dives.

But if your unit has got a granular scrubber, you will be looking at some $20 for the same duration. Finally, when you add the gas refill cost to about $20, you will have $50.

The table below gives some rebreather types and their associated costs.

Conclusion

In terms of cost, rebreathers are quite expensive, but the extra dollars won’t bother a diver to spend compared with the comfort they offer.

The information provided above is especially about cost is subject to change and at the same time can be different from one shop to another.

The table above presents the most expensive rebreather ever. So when you make your choice, you can therefore add the other costs to the cost of purchasing your rebreather.

If you are looking for snorkeling gear we have a huge list of lists to help you find just the right snorkeling gear to get you up and moving, check it out here!

Generally, have between $14000 and $15000 if you want to enjoy diving with a rebreather.