New or Used BCD?

[Armour]

I am looking at getting a new or used bcd. THe local dive shops had a used oceanic for about $170 or so.

My question is should I get a used one or save my money and buy a brand new one? I noticed the prices of them and a used one would be better financially, but I dont want to regret not buying a new one later. Is there any reason I would regret it if the used one is in good shape which it is?

What ever the choice what brand or features would you recommend I look for in a BCD?


Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[Brewski]

Is the used BC really the BC you want or are you thinking of cost? If you like the BC, it fits properly, and is in good shape then why not, if you really want that back inflate BC on the new rack but are thinking its too expensive then I might suggest you really won't be happy with your "bargain".

Also think of reoccurring maintanace costs. For example some mfg. offer free replacement parts (you still pay for laobr) for annual service as long as you are the original purchaser. On used gear of the same brand you pay for the parts and labor.

Try on different brands and styles, see if you can rent the one your considering, to see how it feels on the water

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Is this your main lds? Will they back it with a 90 day? I only bought my first one new.

 

[rawls]

New one...

 

[Doc Harry]

Here's the real question: do you want a new life support device or a used one? Those bladders have a finite lifespan.

What's your life worth?

 

[herman]

It depends. If it is in good working condition and you like the way it fits, go for it. You can always sell it later and get most or all of your money back. Free parts are mostly a marketing ploy, esp on BC's...really not much to break on a BC that cost more than a few dollars to fix. The "buy new because it's life support equipment" is also mostly hype. Sure it needs to be in good shape but every single one of us dives "used" equipment....the only varible is who dove it last. As to it's life expectancy....well I am sure there is one but no one actually knows what it is. If a BC (or any quality dive equipment) is carefully maintained it will last longer than most divers. I have a couple of BC that are over 25 years old that are in fine working shape, a little faded but in perfect working order and I have several regs that are 60's and 70's vintage that work as good as new. The point is, dive qear is really pretty tough and if taken care of, it's age or who owned it last is a non-issue.....how well and when it has been maintained is a different story. If your LDS has checked it out, says it's good to go and your happy with it, get it.

As for features on BC, it's mainly up to the user. I personally prefer some form of back inflate with weight intergration that has few additional "features". Like always, your best bet is to dive for a while, try any brand and type you can and then decide for yourself.

 

[Garrobo]

Most of what Herman said. Check out Ebay. My first BC was a used one on Ebay. Worked out nicely till I got the bug and bought a couple new ones on Ebay also.

 

[Garrobo]

Same with regs.

 

[parrothead600]

I once had a LDS owner tell me that I should never buy used equipment because I would not know how it was maintained & therefore I could not depend on it. I asked him what the difference would be between:
buying used equipment & having it properly serviced prior to using it,
vs
renting equipment that may or may not be maintained properly.
He did not have a good answer for me.
I did buy the used equipment & had it serviced. I have not had any regrets. Remember; If it has been in the water 1 time, It is used.

 

[redacted]

Here's the real question: do you want a new life support device or a used one? Those bladders have a finite lifespan.

What's your life worth?

Here is another question: How many times is this crap of "IT'S LIFE SUPPORT" going to be used to coerce and decieve divers into spending much more than they need to for perfectly adequate dive gear?

It is a bag of air with a valve. Somewhat similar to the tire on a care. With reasonable care, that bag will easily last over 20 years before the durability of materials may become an issue. If the valve works and the bag is holding air and looks to be in reasonable shape, it should be fine until you can get whatever you really want. BTW, $170 for a used BC seems a bit steep unless it is a newer model. Perfectly usable older model BCs are readily available (on ebay) for prices well under $100.