Need Advice on Buying Gear

[scubapro50]

I don't suggest buying used gear off the Ebay for the 1st time diver ... there are too many problems you can run into. Many items are old and may need service before they can be used (if you can even get the parts). Deals too good to be true usually aren't. Many regulators will cost you more to buy, service and repair than if you purchased a new "cheap" one off the internet or at your LDS. Anything Dacor built before 2000 is a problem ..... Dacor no longer support these products with parts or service. If it says Nemrod, White Stag, Voit, Swimaster, Sportways forget it ....... all out of the scuba business ...... great for collectors but bad for the new diver. DON'T BUY A DOUBLE HOSE REGULATOR ....... they are great but not for the new guy .... purchase a good single hose regulator to start out with and if you want to go vintage later fine ... cruise Ebay and find that deal ..... but remember most of those double hose regulators are 30 years old and parts and good service are hard to come by sometimes. If you do deceide to purchase any equipment on the internet check out SCUBATOYS ...... they have good prices and will answer any questions over the phone. I have also found that Scuba.com also has a good assortment and great prices also .

 

[Daner]

I don't know your knowledge or experience level but I started diving (OW cert) last winter. I rented last summer to both learn about gear and see what I liked. Last December I bought a used BC and used regs from my LDS. These were rental gear but I was very comfortable in their quality as I have used the shop's rental gear. I was comfortable with the shop's ability to service and maintain their rental gear. The shop's generally keeps rentals gear a maximum two years (ideally one) so the gear was not that old. I am very happy with my decision. I purchased a new wetsuit last month from my LDS. I dropped a hint at the shop that I was looking to do so last year. The shop called me a couple of times with various promotions. I finally found a suit that fits very well and is of good quality for the price. Again I am happy.

The moral of this story learn about the gear, be comfortable about what you are buying and where from and most importantly BE PATIENT and you will find some good deals.

 

[oly5050user]

I would(and have) used a variety of sources to purchase scuba gear. For different reasons, I use different places such as your LDS, on line LDSs, on line suppliers and discounters(Leisure Pro), want ad style sites(craigslist), old fashioned classifieds, word of mouth, private parties, etc.

As an example, I purchased my 1st stage, 2nd stage and octo from my LDS because if you buy them used, I have heard that the warranty doesn't carry over. If it's new from an on line source like LeisurePro, I have heard that there won't be a warranty or at the very least you have to send it back to them for service or pay both parts and labor at the LDS. I don't know how true that is, but I avoided that all together by buying it at the LDS and I've been very happy with the purchase, product and service. But, don't believe me, check it out.

Just like making any big ticket purchase, do you homework and ask around(which you're already doing) before you plunk your money down. Read gear, brand, manufacturer and style reviews before you make your decision about what to buy. Scubaboard is a great place to start and you won't find a shortage of opinions here. Good luck.

LobstaMan

technically if buying from LP you are buying "used'..the source LP got the item from was distributor and Lp was purchaser(1 st owner) you are 2nd owner and there by buying used,in the box or not,no warrenty..This is what the advantage is from an authorized dealer is vs LP..

 

[okiscub]

Thanks - great advice. I'll run down to North Atlantic Scuba in Marshfield to check out their gear/prices, and then compare to the online sites. As recommended, I'll probably buy the life-critical items from North Atlantic.

 

[gurumasta]

i found a lds that would let me demo different gear to see which route i wanted to go. i went to pgdive, they were very helpful and with the full package discount were sometimes better priced than online vendors. matter of fact, i have a bc from them that i am going to try out tomorrow, to see if i like it or not.