Does Anything Seem Odd About This?

[Fairfax22032]

I came across two listings on eBay which strike me as a bid odd, mainly that they focus on the computer even though there is a regulator and octo inlcuded with the auction. I know that there a lot of cautions about buying used gear of unknown origin, but what are the risks and/or potential issues with the Gekko, SPG and compass?

I really don't need the regulator, so if I could get this for $150-200 I feel like this would be a good deal. The seller has already told me that they are not the original owner and hasn't responded to a question about how they came to have this, but it does seem like of an odd item for a non-diver to have on eBay.

Suunto Gekko Dive Computer ,Pressure Gauge AND COMPASS - eBay (item 270301511021 end time Nov-18-08 13:27:31 PST)

Suunto Gekko Dive Computer ,Pressure Gauge AND COMPASS - eBay (item 270301531901 end time Nov-18-08 14:08:41 PST)

 

[Charlie59]

Not sure what you see as a problem. The seller seems to be a pawn shop (redpawn) and has two computers and regs. I'd think that if you got one of them for less than $150 you'd be doing okay.

As you seem to already know, buyer beware. But if you get them, have them serviced. The computer and spg/compass should be okay.

 

[NudeDiver]

The computer could be broken. Research "pressure transducer" with respect to Suunto. The only way to know is to take it underwater and see what it does. Mine would not read depth at all, and after a few minutes, defaulted back to surface mode because it didn't know it was underwater (even though it did give the "active contacts" indicator. Mine went out after only 89 dives on the computer - had to replace the computer.

Also, could have a low battery. Even if it doesn't, I'd replace it anyway, all things considered. If you replace it yourself, be aware you should replace the o-ring too. So that's maybe $10-$20 in parts, depending on where you source them. If you have a shop do it, you're looking at (around here at least) $50-$70 for parts and labour.

One thought to consider is to find out how many dives it has. E-mail the seller, tell them how to report the logbook history and find out how many dives it has on it. Bid on the one with the least number of dives, if you bid at all.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Well just make sure to do some very conservitive diving 20 ft or so and give them a good few trial dives. Maybe go gradually deeper in increments to gain confidence in the equipment.

Get the regs serviced and hand in the comp. etc too as not much us done to those anyway.

You should also replace the swivle o-rings on the SPG IMO.

 

[jmitch3938]

always remember the saying " if it seems too good to be true..then it probably is "...

 

[bfw]

The cautions about buying used gear are just that - cautions. As with anything you buy, caveat emptor. Look into the seller's feedback, and as for what specific pieces of equipment to buy in this manner, look to your own personal competencies. I have repaired my own dive computers, but I've designed, prototyped, installed and tested half million dollar industrial systems that perform very similar functions, and the whole watertight issue shouldn't be daunting to anyone who's owned a Nikonos camera. Only you know what you know - if you don't feel confident checking and/or fixing it, then factor the potential cost of having your LDS handle it into your bid.

One thing about used equipment - after the first outing, your OWN equipment is used equipment. Unless you think you're the do-all, end-all, psychotically anal retentive ubermench of equipment maintenance, you know there are divers out there who maintain their gear at least as well as, or better than, you, and some of them may have reason to sell it.