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runsongas
Contributor
bcd is easier to buy second hand because it just needs to hold air and fit you. a good back inflate like the ranger/knighthawk or bpw can be a good buy used at the right price. regs a lot of times will need servicing and unless if you do it yourself, that can add up quick between parts and labor. take a look at the atx40/ds4 package from fourth element as an alternative.
happy-diver
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divinh
Contributor
Watch some Alec Peirce "Scuba Tech Tips" on YouTube to get an idea of what is important and what are extras.
For BCD's, besides the bladder being able to hold air, make sure the purge valves work and the power inflator works. To test the power inflator, you'll need a tank, which likely you won't have. Hopefully a nearby Dive Shop will be accommodating. What you want to make sure is that the bladder doesn't inflate without you pressing the button the power inflator; that would be bad during a dive!
For regs, you can find new regs that are priced moderately, but you won't get all the fancy features. The videos above will tell you what's relevant.
For BCD's, besides the bladder being able to hold air, make sure the purge valves work and the power inflator works. To test the power inflator, you'll need a tank, which likely you won't have. Hopefully a nearby Dive Shop will be accommodating. What you want to make sure is that the bladder doesn't inflate without you pressing the button the power inflator; that would be bad during a dive!
For regs, you can find new regs that are priced moderately, but you won't get all the fancy features. The videos above will tell you what's relevant.
Brian G
Contributor
Welcome to Scubaboard! It would be helpful to give us an idea of what kind of diving you plan to do (warm or cold water) and where you are located. I'm a fan of used gear, but there are plenty of arguments in favor of buying it new, especially for regulators.
caruso
Banned
I have a favorite regulator technician on EBAY that I buy from and who services my regs.
Typical cost of a recently serviced, used name brand regulator is about $50 and to service it is about $35 including parts and return shiping. If you want his info (or anyone else wants it) then pm me. He does a great job.
Lots of great deals on BCDs on Ebay from reputable sellers- always check feedback. You just need to decide if you want a jacket, rear inflate or even possibly backplate/wings.
I dive a Seaquest Balance which to me is the best of all worlds when it comes to BCDs and you can pick one up for around $200 including a BCD mounted safe second (octopus).
Typical cost of a recently serviced, used name brand regulator is about $50 and to service it is about $35 including parts and return shiping. If you want his info (or anyone else wants it) then pm me. He does a great job.
Lots of great deals on BCDs on Ebay from reputable sellers- always check feedback. You just need to decide if you want a jacket, rear inflate or even possibly backplate/wings.
I dive a Seaquest Balance which to me is the best of all worlds when it comes to BCDs and you can pick one up for around $200 including a BCD mounted safe second (octopus).
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