New or Used BCD?

[Mack Diver]

If you are debating between a new and a used BC, then compare the two. Is that model still sold new? If so, how much of a savings is it over the cost of a new one? If not, it may indicate that it is an older vintage and has some years on it. Granted, a BC may last 20 years, but I don't know of any that old that have integrated weight pockets or some of the other newer features. Does it use velcro to close pockets or hold in the weight pockets? There has been problems with that technology in the past, that is why most new BCs feature a mechanical quick release on the weight pockets.

Based on the price, it sounds like the used one is several years old. Look it over very carefully. One of my customers brought in a used BC that he got a great deal on. What he failed to notice was the zip-tie holding one of the quick release buckles closed. Don't buy someones junk.

Finally, it comes down to personal preference. Will you be happy and feel safe diving in that BC or would you feel better paying a few extra bucks for a new model that has everything you want.

 

[Mack Diver]

It is a bag of air with a valve. Somewhat similar to the tire on a care.

I think this is greatly over simplifying things. Otherwise, we'd all be diving with an inner tube strapped to our tanks. As far as the BC being life support, it is part of the life support system. The BC is designed to attach the tanks and regulator to your body, allows you to adjust your buoyancy underwater and acts as a flotation device on the surface. All of that involves a great deal more than being a bag with a valve and, YES, your life depends on it.

However, AWAP does bring up one good point. Be sure to leak check the BC if you are seriously thinking about this purchase. To do that, orally inflate the BC and let it sit for 20 minutes. If the BC is still full, then there are no leaks. A little loss of pressure indicates a slow leak that should not be a big deal. Serious pressure loss indicates a bad leak. As far as $170.00 being over priced, I think it depends on what you are looking at. To me it sounds like way too much for an older BC. However, it may be a deal on an Excursion or Islander that is less than 3 years old. When it comes to buying something on e-bay, I'm hesitant to trust my life and money to something I can't touch and feel before I purchase it.

 

[Stu S.]

Only you can look it over and determine how worn it is, how old that model is. I bought one used for my daughter that looked like new. A back inflate Aqua-lung for $115. The shop could not move it because it was "Extra-Small". I paid cash.

If the item looks good, take cash and lowball the guy. Like half of what he is asking. No cheaper time to buy than year's end. Cash talks to the smaller merchants.

 

[Armour]

The guy at the dive shop said that the vests are used in there classes. The vest looks like it is in good shape. I will see if they do inspections on them.

By the way I just want to say that I think you guys rock!!! I just started diving at the end of the summer this year and it is nice to know that I can post on here and get this much help.

Thanks again for all of the help!!!

 

[drbill]

All four of the BCD's I dive with are used (and I don't mean by me). I bought them because the manufacturer no longer makes one of the models and I absolutely love it. Although that is the reason I bought mine used, I have no problem buying used as long as the gear is in good condition and it is something I am familiar with and know I like.

 

[Charlie99]

As far as the BC being life support, it is part of the life support system. The BC is designed to attach the tanks and regulator to your body, allows you to adjust your buoyancy underwater and acts as a flotation device on the surface. All of that involves a great deal more than being a bag with a valve and, YES, your life depends on it.

So, if your BC develops a leak, gets punctured, or the corrrugated hose pulls during your dive you figure you are going to die?

A BC is a buoyancy AID. It ASSISTS you by allowing you to maintain neutral buoyancy throughout the dive.

You should be able to gracefully and easily abort a dive if your BC has failed. If this is not true, then you should have some form of redundant buoyancy such as a drysuit. A good test is to fully deflate your BCD at depth near the beginning of a dive (when your tank is nearly full and therefore more negatively buoyant) and find out how difficult it is to maintain depth and/or ascend.

A lot of people don't seem to realize that people went scuba diving for many years before BCs were common.

Charlie Allen

 

[Mack Diver]

So, if your BC develops a leak, gets punctured, or the

A lot of people don't seem to realize that people went scuba diving for many years before BCs were common.

Charlie Allen

If you want to take this to the extreme, you surface from the dive to find the boat has left you. This has happened before. Or, you surface and get caught in a current. A good BC will enable you to float at the surface and signal for help or otherwise work your way to safety.

Yes, allot of people dove before the BC was developed. It seems that we have found a better way.

However, we seem to be drifting off topic.

 

[redacted]

I think this is greatly over simplifying things. Otherwise, we'd all be diving with an inner tube strapped to our tanks.

OK, I thought about this for a while. I made my own backplate and am using a Diverite
travel wing with it. But it seems to me it would be quite simple to replace the DR wing with an inner tube. I've added a rear dump valve to an older SP BC with no problem so I see no prob;lem in adding a corrugated hose elbow and a rear dump valve to the inner tube and some webbing so it can be monuted on the plate. What do you think?

 

[Charlie99]

OK, I thought about this for a while. I made my own backplate and am using a Diverite
travel wing with it. But it seems to me it would be quite simple to replace the DR wing with an inner tube. I've added a rear dump valve to an older SP BC with no problem so I see no prob;lem in adding a corrugated hose elbow and a rear dump valve to the inner tube and some webbing so it can be monuted on the plate. What do you think?

You have to be sure and mount the elbow where the schraeder valve was originally located. You don't want to have unecessary failure points. Now you have to decide whether to use a smaller innertube with its elasticity replacing an external bungee system, or an oversize innertube that flaps around and causes extra drag.

On second thought, the original poster's $170 used BCD is sounding better and better.

 

[CBulla]

I bought and bartered used and cheap initally to keep me active in diving till I found what I wanted and had the cash to do it. It's a good way to keep involved without destroying the bank account.