BC Longivity question

[Narced44]

I am buying a bc from a guy on the internet..it's too late to back out...It's a zeagle ranger. with an Air 2 for only like 300. it has only been used twice. and the pictures look like it is in almost brand new shape. But it is like 10 years old. in the zeagle manual it says that the shelf life is 7 years or something..is this bc going to be bad..I know that I could just buy another bladder from zeagle. and it would still be cheape than new one? did i really screw up? how long do these things tend to last if taken care of?

 

[PerroneFord]

I think you'll be fine. I've used bladders (wings) that were over 30 years old and they worked just fine.

 

[DiveMaven]

When you get it, inflate the bladder and let it sit overnight. If it's still holding air, you're good to go. Might not be a bad idea to take it to your LDS and have them check out the inflator hose and service the Air 2 though.

 

[Ed Palma]

How about the rubber seals such as those that can be found in the dump valves and the corrugated hose collar? do those need to be checked and changed regularly?

 

[herman]

Most likely it will be fine. I have a BC thats no where near the quality of a Zeagle that's at least 22yrs old and it's still fine. My Zeagle is around 5 yrs old with several hundred dives on it and it looks almost new. As long as it has been stored reasonably (out of the sun and the like) I suspect you will get a lot of years out of it. Have it checked at a Zeagle dealer. The Air2 should be serviced and maybe the LP inflator.

How about the rubber seals such as those that can be found in the dump valves and the corrugated hose collar? do those need to be checked and changed regularly?

Checked and cleaned but this is really something anyone can do. Rarely do they need changing.

Speaking of the LP and Dump valves. Narced77, I would check the connections and maybe dissamble them and make sure they are clean. A little sand or salt deposit can cause them to leak. No big deal, just clean them in warm water and put them back together- snugg- not tight.