not so new BCD

[deep_ocean]

I saw a used BCD for sale in oneof the local LDS's.

The price was OK ($150 CAN), it didn't look very well (black had faded o greish, a small rip in one of the pockets), but seemed OK - inflated and submerged in the water - there were two very tiny air leaks in the shoulder blade area, that apparently can be fixed with a bit of silicone. Other than that it fit well and seemed like a descent bargain for a rec diver like me.

Any pointers as to what else to look for in used BCD's?

Thanks,

deep_ocean

 

[Kaos]

I myself dive with a used BDC. I bought it new five years ago, now it has many dives on it. It still inflates and all the orginal parts are still on it, except for a new tank strap and LP inflator "mouthpiece". I'm sure if I were to post it up in a store it would get very few glances, but I swear by it.

If the BC fits right, has no leaks, and isn't about to come apart in the a few month's time, it might be just the deal you're looking for.

 

[Charlie99]

deep_ocean once bubbled...
I saw a used BCD for sale in oneof the local LDS's.

The price was OK ($150 CAN), r - there were two very tiny air leaks in the shoulder blade area, that apparently can be fixed with a bit of silicone. Other than that it fit well and seemed like a descent bargain for a rec diver like me.

Don't buy a leaking BC.

If the LDS fixes it, then it survives a couple cycles of you using the power inflator to blow it up until the overpressure relief valve pops, then you MIGHT consider it.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I'd agree - have the LDS fix it. I normally leak test by filling till the OP valve pops then let it set overnight. If it does not lose any more pressure it is good to go. I would use aquaseal rather than silicone to fix a pinhole. When properly applied, Aquaseal is forever, most silicone adhesives are not even under the best of conditions.

Double bladder BC's used to be popular and wings they are still common and are ok with proper rinsing, but in a jacket style BC sand and salt crystals seem to work into the little nooks and crannies where they grind holes in the bladder. I would stay away from used double bladder BC's as the bladders can be in poor condition, are very hard to fix and nearly impossible to replace.

 

[pasley]

Now why would you even consider buying a leaking piece of life support equipment?

Maybe, if the LDS fixed it and gave a warranty. But remember, you can save a few bucks now, and spend a life time at 100 feet with a broken bargain, leaking BC, all 10 minutes of it.

Life is about choices. Draw up a T table and list the advantages of buying a leaking used BC on one side and put the disadvantages on the other. It should look somthing like this:

Advantage | Disadvantage

Saved $ | Cost of Casket

 

[deep_ocean]

Thanks for all the advice.
Got the point

deep_ocean