New Gear- Question

[Zac Rochester]

Hey Everybody,

This is my first post and I am looking to buy some scuba gear. I have been looking for a little while and have found what looks to be a good deal on Craigslist. The main thing I want to check here is with the tank, it is a 80 CF tank made in January of 1994. I have heard of not to buy Aluminum tanks made in the 80s because the crack but then I read somewhere to not buy tanks that were 10 years old. It does look like a nice tank and comes with a well kept full scuba kit.
Thanks a lot,
Zac
PS How do I post pics that don't have a url?

 

[sphyrnidus]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/47008-life-span-aluminum-tanks.html

Welcome here. There is actually a lot of info on this board to be found. Read ths thread and think if you still would like to buy this almost 20 year old tank, that some LDS won't fill. Are you already certified?

 

[herman]

Nothing at all wrong with the tank. Pre 90 aluminum tanks can be problematic but any aluminum tank after 90 is not an issue. There are NO issues with steel tanks of any age, plenty of us have steels from the 50's and 60s that are still in fine shape. Now you may run into an occasional shop that refuses to fill tanks older than some abritrary number of years-10, 20 or what ever. They are doing you a favor although not the one they intended....they are mis informed and/or trying to BS you into buying a new tank. The favor is they are telling you they are a shop to avoid.

That said, price is important. I often see similar tanks on CL here for $100+ which is too much. Looking online you can get a 80 for $180ish. Vis and hydro are going to cost you another $50 or so on a used tank. Around here, many shops give you 10 fills to go with the tank (another $50 value) In other words $100 + $50(vip/hydro) for a used tank does not make sence when a new tank is $200 -$50(in air value). $50ish for the tank it's a good deal, a little more if it has a fresh hydro and vip otherwise you are better off buying new, esp for you in FLA where you have some of the large discount scuba shops.

In general there is nothing at all wrong with used or older scuba equipment. The issue is knowing what it's worth and what condition it's in.

 

[Zac Rochester]

Thanks for the replies guys. I made the purchase and I'm very happy with what I got and for the price I got it at. I got a ScubaPro MK10/G250 regulator, back up reg, gauges w/ compass, wrist compass, TUSA X-Pert knife, weight belt, 28lbs of soft weights, 2 pairs of booties, 2 pairs of gloves, a dive skin, an 80 CF aluminum tank, and a Sea Quest ADV BCD all pack into a nice carry bag for $400. I haven't gotten anything tested but I went diving with rentals and the guy at my shop gave it a quick look and said everything looks good, I've also used it all in my pool. I have my last day of certification tomorrow... I need to get to sleep!

Let me know what you think.

Zac

 

[btw2459]

I would probably get the regulator and the back up serviced if you don't know their history.