Matteo:
also ask if they are getting rid of any rental gear now that the season is drawing to a close....that way, if you find something you like such as a BC or reg while renting it, you could possibly pick it up pretty cheap
I've had the "same thoughts" in the past before, but found that many "full price shops" that sell off their rental gear every year (or two years) often want too much for it considering it's been worn out by people who don't take the best care of it. (admit it, people do not take care of rental anything. rental cars, equipment, scuba gear, etc).
Also as much use as rental gear gets, sand, pool chlorine, etc. it's well on it's way to being worn out.
I've found that they typically ask as much for it as you could buy it "new" from an online retailer and get it brand new.
If you do buy it "used" as rental gear, do the following:
* ask when the last time it was serviced and find out exactly what parts were replaced.
* ask how the warranty (if any) is handled. it might not have warranty. If it does, get this in writing.
* Ask if you still get the "free parts for life" warranty when you get the regulator serviced. I'd get this in writing also.
Chances are if they aren't willing to put it in writing, then you don't have "squat".
Now, if the free parts for life" aren't included in regulator service, you'll be paying an extra $60/year for parts. over the next 5 years, you'll be paying an extra $300 total. Now, did you save more than $300 buying it as a worn-out-used gear set?
Chances are, you can buy it cheaper (in the long run) by buying it new.
Just something to think about.
One other example of this is that one of my LDS's was selling used tanks for $110 each and used 3mm wetsuits (pee'd in and all) for $100 each. You can pick up tanks on sale "NEW" for that much and the same thing for the same brand wetsuits. Just be leary of what dive shops try to push on you as a "deal"
