Good buy?

[Fish_Whisperer]

I have the opportunity to buy a "Dive-Rite" BCD, (back-inflate) with many extra accessories, with only 12 dives on it, for $600. I was told that it normally retails for $1028. I've seen it and it appears to be in like-new condition. To date, I've used a Cressi-Sub jacket-style BCD.

What are your thoughts on this BCD, and what differences am I likely to encounter with using a back-inflate type, rather than a jacket-style BCD?

Thank you.

 

[TheRedHead]

I don't think $600 for a Dive Rite Transpac is an exceptional price, even though the weight pockets are expensive if purchased seperately. I have dived the Transpac and liked it, though not as much as a backplate. One thing you'll notice is the need for less lead because a jacket like the cressi sub has a lot of fabric which traps air. You'll also be much less *cluttered* in the front with all that fabric wrapping around you. I really don't like having all that fabric wrapped around me.

I know you are going to Cozumel soon and you can rent a Transpac if you dive with Aldora. It would be worth it making one dive with them to be able to test drive it.

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Excellent. Thank you. I'm friends with the guy, so getting to test-drive it isn't a big deal anyway. It would be nice to be less cluttered, to have more D-rings, more pockets, and less fabric to deal with.

 

[mike_s]

Frank.... why pay $600 for a used one when you can buy it new for $529 and pick it up and get it fitted for only an about 1.5-2hr drive from you? (He's located just across the state line from you)

Dive Sports sells the Transpac, wing(your choice), cam buckles, weight pockets, and crotch strap BRAND NEW for $529.
http://www.divesports.com/mall/diverite_bc_transpacwingsssystem.asp
(you have to a 'add to cart' to see the price)

Call Phil at Dive Sports (800-601-DIVE) and tell him I sent you.

-Mike

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Nice, Mike. Bookmarked it. Thank you!

 

[rawls]

May want to go to www.blueseaadventures.com. Click on "close outs" in the selection margin and scroll down. You will find a 2005 Transpac package with Rec wing and other additions for $499.00.

 

[artek]

http://www.northeastscubasupply.com/specials/bp_famous_specials.html

try this one

 

[SangP]

$600... way too expensive.

And the $499 is a transpac with a Rec Wing, 51 lb lift... way to much lift.

For that price you could get a DSS rig with a standard harness,
http://deepseasupply.com/page12.html

SangP

 

[scubadobadoo]

I have seen them for under $400 brand new, online and with weight pockets (a little more with weight pockets), wing, etc...$600 is expensive for a new one IMHO. I second the North East Scuba Supply link! I have NEVER seen a DR Transpac selling for $1000+ bucks. DSAO!

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Thanks, everyone. I think I'm going to dive it and find out if I like it or not, and then write down the specs and shop around. Much appreciated.