Downside of Used Gear (Computer)

[Fairfax22032]

I don't think that my situation is unique, but as a new diver I am trying to strike a balance between lots of cool, shiny new gear and a budget that does not have a lot of wiggle room. I was fortunate to be given an AL Titan by one of my wife's friends whose husband passed away suddenly. She was cleaning out the garage and just handed it to me without know much about the pedigree and my LDS just gave it a clean bill of health after a $125 annual service. My wife also managed to buy me a brand new Seaquest Balance off eBay for Xmas for around $225 - sure it is not this year's model, but it is still in the original packaging with all the tags.

So, next on my list are a wetsuit and computer with the computer at the top. I try to buy the best that I can with the money I have without getting too caught up in feature creep. I know that there is a strong 'buyer beware' admonition around used gear, but I am trying to understand the real risk with a used computer if I will be diving with small groups for the foreseeable future. I know that a regulator can have lots of failure points with some of them being catastrophic, but if I buy a used Gekko my assumption is that it works or it doesn't. Am I missing something here?

The biggest downside I see is not being able to talk to my LDS with questions since I really don't feel that that is right. However, as I spend $50 here and $75 there I feel that I am getting to the point where I have become a customer and not just someone looking for free advice.

Sorry for the long winded message, but hopefully my question makes sense. Input from all sides is appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Teamcasa]

The biggest risk of buying a used computer online is the warranty. Other than that you can get all your questions answered right here on ScubaBoard.

 

[redacted]

The scuba industry's limited warranties and users lack of knowledge about dive gear results in some really great buys in used gear if you are willing to take a little risk. For the most part, the risk is you could buy something that does not work. But that risk seems to be fairly low and almost nil if you can inspect the gear before buying. Most dive gear seems to lose almost half its value (msrp) the first time it gets wet.

 

[Fairfax22032]

The computer that I am considering is over a year old with about 200 dives on it, so I am not too concerned about the warranty. As an electronic device I see this either working 100% or not - giving erroneous information about deco time, safety stops or depth is possible, but seems highly unlikely. Am I wrong about this?

 

[bleeb]

There have been cases of pressure sensors gone bad. (For the small amount of additional information available, see over in the Computers forum.) However, the depth values are way off, and not just an amount small enough not to be noticed. At this point you treat it as a complete computer failure, and most computer manuals have a recommended abort procedure, if you don't have another computer or timer+tables backup.

So, it's as you said. With this sort of failure, they're still pretty well either working or not. It's just that when they're not, the display may still show data, but you can probably be pretty sure you aren't at 381'. :blinking:

 

[emoreira]

I'm also considering buying a used Dive computer.
I'm also concerned how acurate could it be after many dives.
I think that the depth sensor could be stuck or misread/overread the depth. If it's an AI Computer, again the tank pressure sensor could be aged and read nonsenses.
Is there any experience out there ?

 

[Super]

What I have always done, as far as used equipment goes, is a lot of research. Most of it right here on Scubaboard. The more homework you do, the more you begin to get an idea of what equipment (computer) works best for the kind of diving you plan to do. You'll become familiar with all the different models, name brands and prices and will feel comfortable with your final choice.

My only real advice is to try to decide how far you want to go with your diving, as far as certifications, before you buy gear. There's no use buying a basic computer now and then deciding you want to move up into nitrox or tech diving and then wind up needing a nitrox capable computer resulting in buying a computer twice.

Don't be afraid to buy used gear, just do the homework.

 

[vel525]

The computer that I am considering is over a year old with about 200 dives on it, so I am not too concerned about the warranty. As an electronic device I see this either working 100% or not - giving erroneous information about deco time, safety stops or depth is possible, but seems highly unlikely. Am I wrong about this?

I have a friend who's computer started giving him the wrong depth I think it was off by 3-5ft), and he never noticed until one day i was pointing at something and he happen to see my computer. He's been diving with my backup (until the backup crapped out). Maybe rent a dive computer and take two until you are comfortable that yours is good to go.

 

[kwflfire]

Nothing wrong with buying used, just figure that it might cost another $50-$80 to send it to the manufacture to have it calibrated, pressure tested, and new battery.

 

[ScubaSarus]

I know 2 people who have bought used computers and neither of them can replace the battery. One the battery was non-replacable and the other the slot was too chewed up to unscrew the batter compartment.

I'd get a new computer unless you can use it for a few dives to test it out and get a chance to look it over.