Buying used gear

[dan.g]

I'm new to diving and I want to start buying my own gear but its very expensive. Everyone i've met seems very anti-internet for buying gear. Stressing that your life depends on the gear and a local shop needs to service it etc... I'm with them on that concept for at least the regulators, I like breathing. But I am thinking about buying a used BC on eBay and I already bought a (new with tags) wetsuit on eBay.

I like the shop I've been going to, I want to support them where I can, but buying new gear from anyone isn't in the budget.

Whats the consensus from experienced people who aren't trying to sell me anything about buying used / online / ebay?

 

[macado]

There is nothing wrong with buying used gear. Just make sure that you know what you're buying and have it checked out and serviced before using it.

There is also nothing wrong with buying new gear online as prices will be substantially cheaper. In a perfect world, I would buy everything locally but it's just not possible, mark up at shops can be over 100% percent on some items.


Keep in mind, buying a regulator at a local dive shop (LDS), they will sometimes throw in free parts/service and are sometimes happy to answer questions for you. Some online stores however aren't authorized dealers and you will have to pay a lot more to have your regulator serviced or repaired if it doesnt have a warranty.

For what it's worth, I've bought most of my regulators online exclusively and I'm still alive.

 

[kathydee]

I've purchased used drysuits, tanks, fins, BC, light canister, reel, etc and have had zero issue.

The key is, do some equipment research here & decide what you'd like to purchase. Then check scubaboard, ebay, craigslist, divematrix.com, thedecostop.com frequently and be patient. Often excellent equipment appears for a great price. For example I purchased a $1400 light (for much less money) that had only seen 9 fresh water dives, a set of double tanks just a month out of hydro with less than 25 dives for $425. An almost new set of Jet fins for $25 which could retail for somewhere around ($80?). A brand new (with tags) $2800 drysuit on ebay for $870. But sometimes it takes months to find these deals.

Don't rule out purchasing used regulators. A friend just found a set only used 8 times in freshwater. Just be patient, look for well cared for equipment and make sure to service it properly before diving.

Best of Luck!

 

[Couv]

Hello Dan.g and welcome to ScubaBoard.

There is nothing wrong with buying used scuba gear including regulators. If you want to support your LDS, why not explain your situation to them and ask if they have any rental or used equipment to sell you.....support works both ways. If they don't have anything in your budget, yes, you are taking a chance buying used gear but you can better your chances by contacting one of the gurus on the board who service gear. Try DA Aquamaster http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=12863 or BlueWaterDiving http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=7753 and see if they can help you out.

Good luck,

Couv

 

[scubadiveilat]

Hey! dan.g

Being under a budget signifies responsibilities!

When it comes to Regulators, Octopus and BCD's. Used is not that bad. Under certain conditions. Ensure that you have documentation that it's not to old. Ensure that you have an inspection certification or verification that it passed inspection. This means that it in working condition and may not break on you immediately. If you a frequent diver avid used. If your an occasional diver used equipment may be sufficient for you as the "wear and tear" is minimum. There are excellent deals online for new gear that are not that expensive. Research very well and make a decision.

Have fun and enjoy!!!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

The bottom line- make sure the equipment you use is in good condition, working order, and properly serviced. When I have bought used equipment (which is some but not most of my gear) I have bought it from people I know or have met in person and know where they are to be found if there is an issue. I get that a person wants to get a good deal. So do I. But buying used equipment sight unseen from a stranger in another state is never going to be on my agenda. Many LDS's have a for sale or swap board, and many have a trade-in/trade up sale now and then. Check those for good deals from people you know or can get to know.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Dive Bug Bit Me]

I'm new to diving and I want to start buying my own gear but its very expensive. Everyone i've met seems very anti-internet for buying gear. Stressing that your life depends on the gear and a local shop needs to service it etc... I'm with them on that concept for at least the regulators, I like breathing. But I am thinking about buying a used BC on eBay and I already bought a (new with tags) wetsuit on eBay.

I like the shop I've been going to, I want to support them where I can, but buying new gear from anyone isn't in the budget.

Whats the consensus from experienced people who aren't trying to sell me anything about buying used / online / ebay?

First off there is nothing wrong with buying gear on the internet. About half my kit was Internet bought, the other half store bought. I am open about this, my LDS owner and I have a good relationship.

Thing with buying second hand is to make sure you know what you are getting. I assume this is the brand / style BCD you really want. It's then just about making sure that it works (valves, hose, bladder, straps). I would probably get it serviced before I dive it.

Unless it's really what you want, there is nothing wrong with renting. I spent many years renting gear cause I couldn't afford what I wanted.

Also worth checking with your LDS if they have any rental gear that they will be selling in the near future. I have seen some shops sell decent gear for a fraction of the new price.

 

[redacted]

If you really be;lieve that your life depends on your regulator, you may want to rethink this sport (activity) you are getting into. ALL gear is subject to fail including regulators. While the level of care and maintenance will effect the failure rate, there is no way to totally eliminate failure. When the fit hist the shan, it is your training and skills that will make the difference.

That said, there are some excellent bargains in high performance used regulators that you could take advantage of. If your LDS gives you a hard time about servicing them, check with scubatoys.com. And then find another LDS

 

[JahJahwarrior]

There is an art to buying used gear. Lots of great deals, but even more bad deals.

It is good to get used regulators and other gear serviced if it needs it, and it's hard to be certain it doesn't when you buy used. It's easy to buy a regulator and pay so much in service fees, that it is no longer a good deal.

Tanks are another thing that can be tricky, lots of misinformation out there, and lots of people unloading tanks that aren't worth the asking price.

That said, I've never bought a tank new, and consistently buy them cheaper than other's find them, but I'm also very patient, and I check the local Craigslist like it's going out of style.

I have bought a few regulators new...two first stages out of 9, and two second stages out of 12. Now that I'm set up to service all of my own regulators, I know exactly what brands and models I'm interested and buying, and I pick them up at great prices when I find them.

My first tank was a 6351 which was a writeoff to lack of education on my part. My first regulator didn't have enough LP ports and cost more than I paid for it to get serviced. My first BC, also used, was a piece of junk. The wetsuit lasted for a year though. I learned a lot after that first purchase! For a new diver, it can be overwhelming trying to learn what gear you want, and how to find good deals, to buy used. Heck, it can be hard enough to know what you want to buy it new!

 

[smorneau]

I am a new diver myself. I purchased most everything I have used with the exception of my new Drysuit. I saved enough buying quality used gear I was able to buy the drysuit. Spend some time here on Scuba Board and read, read, read and post questions. You will figuere out what is good stuff and what is junk. Look on Ebay for pricing of used gear. Alot of good stuff is also sold here on SB. I have purchased things from here, Ebay, and Craigs list (just be sure to have the regs serviced). All with good luck, just be educated on what your looking at. There is often many used tanks avalible locally, (avoid shipping cost). Most used steel tanks will pass a hydro/viz. May need some brushing, but they will most likely outlast you. Aluminums are a different story, as other posters have mentioned, alot of bad information. Generaly most AL younger than 20yrs old you should be all set.