New or Used BCD?

[driftwood]

One place that I have found to be a great place to research dive gear is Leisure Pro. If the BC you are looking at is still manufactured, there is a good chance they will have it. Their price is a good reality check to see what kind of deal you are getting on used gear.

Don't rush into a deal where you are not getting what you want. Take the time and figure out what features you would like to have and then see which BC's match.

 

[redacted]

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.

I think the bigger inner tube would only be necessary with doubles.

In fact, the inner tube with OPV and inflator may be a bit much for a version 1.0. I think I'll go with an old plastic backpack and a vinyl swimming tube. A length of surgical tubing glued to the valve stem should work for oral inflate and deflate. Just knot the end when it is right. A bright orange tube labled "AIR BAG" should do it. Maybe it will show up at Lk Travis some W/E this summer.

After all, it is not like it is "LIFE SUPPORT" or even necessary for a dive like that. :11:

 

[Mack Diver]

I think the bigger inner tube would only be necessary with doubles.

In fact, the inner tube with OPV and inflator may be a bit much for a version 1.0. I think I'll go with an old plastic backpack and a vinyl swimming tube. A length of surgical tubing glued to the valve stem should work for oral inflate and deflate. Just knot the end when it is right. A bright orange tube labled "AIR BAG" should do it. Maybe it will show up at Lk Travis some W/E this summer.

After all, it is not like it is "LIFE SUPPORT" or even necessary for a dive like that. :11:

This sounds good in theory. With the knotted surgical tube, you eliminate the schrader valve which is a common point of failure. My only suggestion would be to label it "WIND BAG" Now the only decision is do you spend the big bucks on a new tube or try to pick up a used one someplace?

 

[redacted]

This sounds good in theory. With the knotted surgical tube, you eliminate the schrader valve which is a common point of failure. My only suggestion would be to label it "WIND BAG" Now the only decision is do you spend the big bucks on a new tube or try to pick up a used one someplace?

WIND BAG sounds good. As soon as it warms up in May/June, they should be easily found along the roadsides near the lakes. And many of them are new or as good as new.

 

[Doc Harry]

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

You hit the nail on the head. That is why I steer people away from used gear. Most people are unaware of "balanced" systems and are unaware of the need for redundant buoyancy.

We had an incident in Mexico a few weeks ago where someone's BC failed at the start of the dive at a depth of 90 feet. I wasn't close enough to help, but even after dumping weights he could barely maintain himself on the surface. He had redundant buoyancy (an SMB) but didn't even think to use it. He said he thought he was going to drown.

 

[redacted]

We had an incident in Mexico a few weeks ago where someone's BC failed at the start of the dive at a depth of 90 feet. I wasn't close enough to help, but even after dumping weights he could barely maintain himself on the surface. He had redundant buoyancy (an SMB) but didn't even think to use it. He said he thought he was going to drown.

Was the BC purchased new or used? Not that it matters in the least. I can't imagine too many folks who would be negatively bouyant with an Al80 and no lead in tropical SW. My rig with a 6 lb plate is pretty close. It would really be a shame for that diver to have drowned with about a half a tank of gas on his back. It sounds to me like the diver could use a little more training in preparing and inspecting gear. And maybe some swimming lessons. And a good used BC.

 

[Spimon]

I found here (Australia) there's a few dive schools that sell off their used instructor equipment after a year (I guess for tax purposes). The package I'm considering is priced at $4143 new, but they're selling 1 year old models for $2072.
They come with a full manufacturer's warranty and have been fully serviced.

My LDS also trades in old equipment when people upgrade and sell good condition used equipment (up to about 5 years old). Obviously they'll only sell equipment that has been serviced, in good condition and fully functional. A short (3 - 12 months) warranty is offered on most items.

Maybe something like this is available where you are.

 

[ScubaSteve2000]

I just purchased a used Sherwood Outback BC. It was exactly what I was looking for. It belonged to one of the instructors at the dive shop and was inspected and maintained regularly. The instructor has a reputation for being fussy about his equipment. And I'll tell you this BC looks almost like new.
You said that the BC you were interested in was used by the dive shop. That's a pretty good sign that it was well maintained, assuming it's a decent shop. Did you see any "red flags" when you inspected the vest? See if they will let you try it out first. If this is your "usual" dive shop then they should let you.
As far as the price, I don't know. It does sound steep but - if it is only a couple of years old and $400 - $500 new - it might be the right price. Never hurts to offer less in cash.

 

[MBH]

What is a 2006 Scubapro Nighthawk BC worth? It has less than 10 fresh water dives. Rinsed inside and out after every dive? Perfect condition.

 

[The_DivePirate]

I'm a back inflate guy, but while working with students on the doff and don of a bc at the surface it was worth it too me too look into a vest style bc. I picked up an Aeris Atmos xt (vest style/weight integrated bc) darn near new and in great shape for $75.00. Oh and by the way, it came with an air source inflator. I'd look around! But "used" is not a bad option, if it is what you are looking for and what you can afford. If you have the option too try it before you buy it, DO.
Also, as stated before in a different way, things are only NEW once. Once you or someone else has dove it, it becomes USED. I once spotted a young man that wore a bc that had the tank tied too the bc with a nylon rope that you would find on a cheap raft because the tank strap was broken. Be careful in what you buy, I always like too wash a car before I buy it, that way I spot all the things that are damaged and covered up before it is too late. If after you are able too dive it and it works for you, buy it or don't.
GOOD LUCK!!
Joe