Omega HP3 Valve: Received Without Packaging and Appears Used - Need Clarification on Gauge and Original Packaging

[Billions]

Hi everyone,

I just bought an Omega HP3 valve, but it arrived without any branded packaging, only the delivery box. It looks slightly used with some scratches and fingerprints, which is frustrating since I paid for a new one.

The gauge says "Hydro Tech," but I’ve seen other HP3 valves with Omega brand gauges. Is the Hydro Tech gauge standard for this valve, or is it from a different model?

I also can’t find any unboxing videos or info about what the new HP3 valve packaging looks like. Does anyone know?

I want to get more info before making a formal complaint. I’m concerned about using a possibly used valve with my high-pressure tank (9L).

Thanks for your help!

 

[Billions]

The dealer mentioned that the valves are sourced from Arizona Airguns and arrive in this state (minor scratches), with a different brand gauge (Hydro Tech), and without branded packaging, only bubble-wrapped.

 

[tibor]

looks fishy..I'd be pissed,send it back
check these..https://airtanksplus.com/product/omega_hp3_valve_with_gauges

 

[Wauzoo]

Yes, it appears to be an Omega HP3 valve. But wow, definitely not new! I have a HP3 valve on my Omega cylinder purchased new from AoA and it doesn't have any liquid in the small gauge? Or is that a scratch or a crack in the face plate? And the inside of the small gauge looks bad! Look at the HP3 valve assembly on the AoA website as a comparison. https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/air-cylinders/omega-hp3-valve-with-gauges/ As badly scratched up as that is, I wouldn't trust it and I'd send it back.

 

[Billions]

Yes, it appears to be an Omega HP3 valve. But wow, definitely not new! I have a HP3 valve on my Omega cylinder purchased new from AoA and it doesn't have any liquid in the small gauge? Or is that a scratch or a crack in the face plate? And the inside of the small gauge looks bad! Look at the HP3 valve assembly on the AoA website as a comparison. https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/air-cylinders/omega-hp3-valve-with-gauges/ As badly scratched up as that is, I wouldn't trust it and I'd send it back.

@Wauzoo
How was the packaging when you received the valve? Did it come directly from AoA?

It doesn't look like liquid; it's more like dirt or possibly chipped glass.

 

[Humdinger]

I've got an HP3 and the two gauges are the same as yours. There is a round plastic peel off protector on the smaller tank gauge that looks like it hasn't been removed from yours. I've found screen scratch protectors on stuff I've had for years and never realized I hadn't removed the plastic. Yours doesn't appear as new in the box but the small gauge might look better if that's what's covering the gauge.

The HP3 is the best valve and gauge I've ever owned and I've had many from the competition. None better or more user friendly, IMO.

 

[Billions]

@Humdinger hey!
How was the packaging when you received the valve? Did it come directly from AoA?

Did yours arrive with the omega gauge or the hydrotech gauge?

or

?

 

[Humdinger]

Hydrotech valve. It came already attached to an Omega Tank so the packaging was for the tank not just the valve. My large valve has PSI markings like your large Omega valve but it has the Hydrotech logo at the bottom.

 

[Justaguy]

What do the threads look like? Do they look like they have been used? It could just be an old valve that has been moved around a lot and got some scratches.
What is the date on the tank?

 

[Humdinger]

Mine came used on an Omega tank I purchased on this forum. The tank was in the original tank box. Yours looks well used with wear and tear. Your small gauge still has the clear plastic protective covering which you can peel off. I like the HP3 as it is the easiest knob to open without any resistance like most valves which are stiff to open. I'd ask for either a substantial partial refund to reflect it's condition or ask for an exchange for one that isn't well used as yours is. Here are pics of mine.

 

[Billions]

@Justaguy @Wauzoo @tibor @rcs9250

I contacted AoA, and they defended the supplier, claiming that minor scratches and bubble wrap packaging are standard. But here's the kicker: I didn’t even attach pictures in my email, so how could they know how scratched the valve was?
On another note, I got a new tank from Acecare, and the threads are different. I tried using the ST tank valve adapter, but the male fitting length on the valve didn’t match the female adapter length.
That said, I really like the quality and feel of the valve, especially since it’s stainless steel.
With AoA supporting my dealer, I’m willing to overlook the minor scratches. Now, I just need to find the right adapter.

• Male thread: M18x1.5
• Female thread: 7/8-14
• Female thread length: approximately 3 cm

Any advice?

 

[Humdinger]

What dealer sold it to you? I suggest returning for a refund.

Since you're using a metric threaded tank, get a metric threaded valve. An HP3 valve on an Acecare tank is like trying to mount a V8 engine into a VW Beetle.

 

[AlanMcD]

I have that same Acecare tank, and I use the Saber Tactical valve on it with that ST adaptor. Works great. I did have to fix leaks on the ST valve as received, but other than that all is well (I tested it out on a 500cc bottle to verify all was good before filling the big tank, and I was glad I did).