Buying used regulators

[alphonsis]

I was wondering what things you would look for if purchasing a reg used from a stranger? Well, other than not doing it.

Would you bring a tank? Ask for receipts of maintanence?

Thanks

 

[Hemlon]

Bringing a tank is a good idea.

Have it serviced prior to use if you buy it...ABOVE ALL!

 

[alphonsis]

What are average costs to get apollo regs serviced? Two secondarys and a primary, for example. I've never had an apollo before so I'm unfamiliar.

 

[TimAZ]

Yeah, I agree on the tank. Also, peek in the 1st stage air inlet for corrosion (green stuff). Also pull back the hose guards & check for corrosion at the fittings as well cracking and splitting of the hoses themselves. The presence of a little corrosion doesn't not mean the reg wont be perfectly safe after servicing, but it can give you an idea of the kind of care it received from the previous owner. Trying to breath it w/o the tank on will tell you some about the 2nd stage. If you get air, there could be a bad diaphragm, exhaust valve, and/or cracked housing.

 

[TimAZ]

What are average costs to get apollo regs serviced? Two secondarys and a primary, for example. I've never had an apollo before so I'm unfamiliar.

Usually $50 to $150, depending on the shop and the regs needing servicing

 

[Scottri]

I would buy it expecting to get it serviced. I would not take someones word for it on the regs history unless I knew that person well. I would check around the local area to see of it's a brand that you can get serviced as well.

 

[mike_s]

Unless you can buy it used for $300 or more off what it cost new, I wouldn't buy it.

Why?

To get it service the first time is going to run you about $50-$60 parts and about $50 to $60 labor at a minimum. Maybe more depending on parts needed. Bur fo the sake of this discussion, lets say $120 total.

Also most new regulators come with "free parts warranty". A used one will not. So you'll be paying $60 a year on average for parts each time you service it.

Easy math here.

$120 for initial service (parts and labor)
$180 for next three years parts ($60/year) (after first year)
-------
$300 Cost of that used regulator over a new one over the next 4 total years.


Now... did you save $300 bucks on that used regulator that you'll have to pay later in service? If not, then it's not a good deal.


Just something to think about.

 

[diverdowndh]

I bought a pair of used regs off craigslist. The guy made us a deal on 2 bc's, the 2 regs, and even threw in a really nice suitcase/bag that has rollers, etc. made for flying with dive equipment. All this equipment was a few years old but hardly a scratch on any of it, meaning they were only used briefly (which coincided with his story). I couldn't pay for half of the new Titan reg I've been drooling over with what I got all this for. So, I paid $175 for the whole shebang, paid $140 to have both regs serviced right off the bat, have used them for 3 trips and love them (about to take them on a Fiji trip this October).
You can justify it either way, if the deal presents itself better either way. And if the person selling is as honest as this guy was!