Buying a used BC

[redacted]

Leak check is easy - no tank required. With my own, I blow them up tight and see that it does not change overnight. If there is a change or I'm in a hurry, I use the bath tub. You may have to do it a piece at a time as it can be difficult to submerge the whole BCD when full of air. Work a piece of the BCD at a time (I start with the inflator). There will be some initial trapped bubbles that have to work their way out so don't worry about the bubble you first see. It may take a few minutes to start to identify small streams of bubbles. Then work on them to make sure it is a leak and not just trapped bubbles being released. Leaks are not necessarily bad (in my book). Seam leaks are usually had to fix so that is a deal killer. Other leaks can usually be repaired fairly easily but really take off from the price.

Also, understand: There are a lot more used BCD available than there are divers shopping for them. Take your time and don't pay too much.

 

[Capt.Gene]

That is a SQ Ladies Diva BC, and a first generation as it has the automatic weight loosing pouches that fall out all by themselves. Pouches relied on velcro to stay with the diver. They might already have escaped.
If the pouches are missing you may not be able to replace them as SQ was purchased by AquaLung sometime after that was made.
That BC might be 20 years old. Maybe older.

 

[beaverdivers]

It looks like you need a XXS B.C. for your size.

 

[GlowWorm]

Is it really 20 years old? It doesn't look like it. Also would I just be able to buy a weight belt since the Velcro isn't very reliable? And since it is an older style would it still be able to be serviced?

 

[TSandM]

You can wear a weight belt with it.

If it is as old as stated, it may be problematic to find parts. I'd definitely check with the shop you intend to have service the air source, to make sure they can do it. A BC that old is almost certainly not worth $200, except as a collector's item.

 

[redacted]

You can wear a weight belt with it.

If it is as old as stated, it may be problematic to find parts. I'd definitely check with the shop you intend to have service the air source, to make sure they can do it. A BC that old is almost certainly not worth $200, except as a collector's item.

I don't remember a Diva with integrated weights being an option in 1994 when my wife bought her Seaquest BCD. And that Air Source looks to be a fairly current model. I would think it is in the 10 to 15 Y/O range and would not expect any trouble finding parts and service support. I have picked up too many lost weight pouches to even consider integrated weights to be a desirable feature. $200 may be a bit high even if you want the octo/inflator rather than a std inflator.

 

[nimoh]

After I inflate it, how will I know if there is a leak? It's hard to tell out of water isn't it? I don't have a tank to try it on with either. Would I Just be better off getting a new one from a dive shop? I just don't have the money for that. I don't want to get the wrong thing though

you might ask the seller if you can test it in their bathtub. Doesn't hurt to ask.

---------- Post Merged at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 10:57 AM ----------

sorry, my last post came before I got to page 2

a quick search, and here is a much newer sequest with locking weight pouches, for under $200. A little more searching could probably save you some more money.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AQUA-lung-SeaQuest-Pro-QD-BCD-w-Surelock-Size-Large-/221071881029?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3378e93345

 

[redacted]

Option: SeaQuest Diva QD BC Buoyancy Compensater Size: XS Ladies | eBay

 

[acteg]

That's way too much for that BC imo.

If you have $200 to spend on a BCD, you could get a brand new Aeris elite travel BCD from leisurepro for $175.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_964/Context_954/Sort_Price/DescSort_0/Page_5/AEREXL.html

Cressi start BCD for $180

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_964/Context_954/Sort_Price/DescSort_0/Page_5/CSBS.html

Aeris EX300 womens BCD for $185

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_964/Context_954/Sort_Price/DescSort_0/Page_5/AEREX3.html

or a bunch of other options for just a little bit more.

Personally, I'd wait for a better deal. You can always rent until you find what you're looking for.

 

[GlowWorm]

She said I could have all her diving stuff for 200. And it's a pretty long list! So I'll probably get it and then sell what I can't use. There are like 2 wetsuits, and some diving booties, all of which are too big for me. And there is a ton more stuff