buying used?

[jaclovesanimals]

i am new to scuba diving, and i am looking to buy some gear. as you all know it can get pretty expensive so i have been looking at used stuff.

i was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what i should check for when buying a used reg set.
i have heard that Dacor has gone out of business and it is hard to get their regs serviced or buy new parts. should i basically stay away from Dacor for this reason?

any advice is appreciated. thanks : ).

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'd recommend checking the same things that you should be checking when testing out a rental regulator. A ScubaBoard member (couv) compiled a pre-dive reg inspection list that should be very helpful.

IMO, parts availability should definitely be considered, so I'd avoid Dacor.

In general, for novice divers who consider the regulator a "magic box" that provides air while diving, I'd recommend buying a new, middle-of-the-line, robust reg that can be serviced locally by a trusted reg tech. In most cases, the new reg will come with a warranty, so the user is guaranteed to have a working reg from the very beginning. Some reg manufacturers provide a free-overhaul-parts-for-life deal that remains in effect so long as the user adheres to the manufacturer-recommended service interval (overhauls every year or every other year).

For people who know how to work on regs and assess the condition of a used reg, it makes a lot of economic sense to buy a used reg. Alternatively, you can have the used reg checked out by a reg tech before deciding to buy it. Some sellers will be OK with this.

Let us know if you have any specific questions regarding brands/models of regs.

 

[Jorgy]

I am a big fan of buying gently used gear.....

Unless you are a vintage diver I would stay away from really old stuff.....

Wetsuits get compressed over time and therefore loose their thermal properties so be very careful with them...only if they are like new and in great shape......

I have bought used:

Halcyon SS BP/W, HID can light (replaced the battery pack), Aqualung Titan reg, Cressi and IDI gauge sets, compass, Whites Catalyst 360 drysuit, ScubaPro jet fins (2 pair), Suunto Vyper dive computer, Poseidon xstream first stage, Genesis Athena BCD.

As far as regs and BCD's have your LDS service them after you buy them......

I would also steer away from stuff that has not been used in a long time......rubber dries out and cracks......if properly stored I guess it is OK, but if the items were tossed in a bag to left in an attic at 120 degrees for 8 summers......don't buy it....

Hope this helps.....good luck....M

 

[ajduplessis]

I am not a great fan of second hand diving equipment ... that is just me. However, the guys before me posted some good suggestions, so take it into serious consideration when making your choice. Enjoy your diving.

 

[fnfalman]

Check with the LDS and see if anything of them have used gears for sales and make sure that the regs have been refurbished before they sell them off. I got a secondary set of reg used from an LDS for half the price of it brand new. I took it to another LDS for inspection to make sure that it was furbished as claimed by the original LDS, and it was furbished as claimed. The $25 inspection fee went a long way with making me feeling warm and fuzzy and I still come out way on top. I got the Aqualung Titan LX with octo for $200.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

...i was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what i should check for when buying a used reg set....

The first things to consider is where you will get the regulator serviced, how much it will cost, and most important: Are parts still readily available???

Most used scuba equipment does not maintain its resale value, even though well maintained equipment will last a lifetime. This means you can get amazing deals on used equipment, but you do need to know what you are looking far, and looking at. How good a regulator was it when new? Were there any recalls for critical parts upgrades, and were the upgrades performed by the prior owner? Etc.

I've bought (and rebuilt) used regulators for a fraction of their new cost, and have been extremely pleased... but I knew what brands and models I wanted, knew that I could get parts, etc. Doing the work myself helped make the purchases worthwhile.

Buying a new regulator does not have to "break the bank". If you look at midrange models, you can find good deals.

Good luck with whatever you decide!