I am looking around at regs right now, leaning towards an Oceanic Alpha 8/PX3. It will be perfect for what I need for now and I don't mind upgrading as needed in the future. Having said that, how "safe" is it to buy used from here or ebay and then send off to be serviced? Anyone had back luck doing it? What to look for?
I've had very good luck (and great deals) buying used regs on ebay then servicing them myself. I was very selective, and waited for the regulator I was looking for and the right price.
Buying on ebay can be a "buyer beware" situation, so:
1.) Know what you are looking for,
2.) Know what you are
looking at (in the pictures and descriptions),
3.) Know
for sure that parts are still available for the reg you are interested in, and where you will have it serviced, and
how much the service will cost,
4.) Know what a "good deal" is on this reg.
The cost of service (and availability of service) is often the deal-breaker when buying on ebay. Be really careful to factor that in.
I do see regulators selling for way too much (in my opinion) sometimes; it seems that folks get into a bidding frenzy. Other times, regs go for less than they are worth. So you just need to be patient.
Oh, and be sure to ask any and all questions before bidding (if you want to see more pictures, confirm shipping costs, whatever). You can usually tell if it is a
diver (or dive shop) selling the regulator, versus a pawn shop. You are more likely to get a good accurate description from a diver based on what I've seen on ebay.
Good luck with whatever you decide, and have fun!
Best wishes.
