It was the best of buys, it was the worst of buys . . .

[ToddK]

Best buys: Used Scubapro MK20/G250 regulators on Ebay. I've never purchased a new reg, and really like the performance I get out of these regs. I also really like my Suunto Vyper, though I wish it would take two gasses (that's OK, I ended up buying a DiveRite Duo which is also great).
Worst buy: Hard to think of anything really bad. I had a love/hate relationship with a used DUI 350SE drysuit. The suit was too large, had boots that were too large, and was never completely water tight. And yet, I loved the suit.

 

[dallasdivergirl]

best buy: Zeagle Brigade that was a factory "mistake". The xs is not supposed to have pockets. Biofilter, the best recommendation by my OW teachers.

worst buy: Booties with seam in back that ate my heel.

 

[MelC]

Best Buy - $23 Henderson Hyperstretch 5/3mm hooded vest in perfect condition off of ebay.
Worst Buy - nothing so far, nothing else was a steal but so far I'm still liking it all and I don't think I paid more than value for anything so far. If I had to identify something I would probably say the mesh boat backpack I bought...not because there is anything particular wrong with it but it was an impulse vacation duffle bag straps digging into my shoulder purchase, definitely not at market price as it turns out and I kind of wish I had bought one with the side zip.

Mel

 

[Blackwood]

Best buy? Hmm... My double Luxfers. Not cheap, but I love 'em.


Worst buy? Easy: I own the PADI Wheel.



Edit: Okay, I paid less for my Salvo than I expected to.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I was thinking of things you got for less than you expected to pay for them when I started this thread, but if you include things that turned out to have more value then you expected when you bought them, then I'm with Perrone: The DIRF class has it hands down.

Carribeandiver, a lot of us have gone through the "What do I do with the several thousand dollars worth of scuba gear I bought six months ago that I'm never going to use again?" experience. At least it doesn't sound as though you have to justify your expenditures to a disapproving spouse . . .

 

[deepstops]

My best buys would be Scubase Dive Logging program ($50 and includes lifetime upgrades) and my DIR-F class back in 2002. My instructor became a regular dive partner.

My worst buys were two OMS 125 steel tanks that rusted terribly within two years. I'd never buy painted steel tanks again.

 

[Scared Silly]

Best Buy - DUI 200CX Dry Suit. At the time the prices in the UK were less than the price in the US, by $200-$300. Then I got the UK VAT (Value Added Tax) back too boot, around $150.

Not the best buy - I went through several Mares regs. Abyss, Protons. They were fine regs I just did not like them. Took a loss selling them.

Tottally off topic - all time best buy. Two large poster sized photographs in an antique store $230 , airfare and car for a one day trip from Salt Lake to Boston to have have the photographer (who was 96 at the time) sign them $300, restoration of photographs $250, final appraised value $3000 each! Speeding time with the protographer and listening to his stories - priceless.

 

[mikerault]

Best buys: The Sherwood Magnum regs and BCDs I first bought off of Ebay, total price with service, less than $400.00,used them for nearly 100 dives. The 2 generic first stage DIN regs (60 bucks each) I bought here on Scubaboard. The SS backplate from Kraken. My Bare NexGen Pro dry suit $619.00 with shipping from Ebay/Divetank.

Worst buys: Poseidon Unisuit Dry suit Size Medium off of Ebay after being assured it would fit...it didn't. Resold it for slight profit. Several hockypuck computers resold them as well.

12K and climbing in gear... Still use most of it.

Mike

 

[Carribeandiver]

At least it doesn't sound as though you have to justify your expenditures to a disapproving spouse . . .

Nah, she already kicked me out. Too late for her to complain now.

 

[scubapro50]

Best buy was a GREAT DEAL on Ebay .... Swimaster MR 12 regulator, White Stag air gauge, Dacor wrist depth gauge, White Stag 1/4" farmer john wetsuit, Swimaster horsecoller BC, and Nemrod mask, fins and snorkle for $125 plus $25 shipping ....... all in excellent condition .