Opinions on buying used gear

[Ssteve40]

Hey everyone!

I'm starting to get into scuba and am looking into buying my own set of gear. Right now with the certification costs and a trip planned for checkout dives, I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on a new set.

So I was thinking of either buying a new piece of gear every once in a while and renting the rest, or buying a set used gear. I've been looking at some of the used gear available (Ebay, LeisurePro, Scubaboard classifieds) and a lot seems like quality equipment.

Anyone have opinions on buying new/used? Is there certain pieces I should definitely buy new? Thanks in advance

 

[idocsteve]

When I first got into diving in a big way I purchased a lot of used gear on Ebay, I still have some of it including a Beuchat Regulator that can no longer be properly serviced because parts are no longer available for it, and a BCD that I now realize was a poor choice for me for so many reasons but heck "the price was right". I realize that some of the gear that I was trusting my life to was untested and I had no idea as to how it was cared for prior to me slipping it on and jumping into the water.

From my experiences I can tell you that you oughta buy the stuff that needs servicing from the LDS who will be doing that work, it's always a good idea to have a good relationship with them. My shop gives me all sorts of breaks on air fills, repairs, inspections...because I give them business and they appreciate it. The other side of the coin is that if you don't buy your gear from your LDS and you bring it there for service they may either decline to service it or charge you a premium rate.

So when you figure what you're really saving, it just might not be worth it to get the stuff online for what seems to be a good savings.

As far as some of the less important accessories go, such as lights, reels, slates...if you see them for significantly less online, then maybe pick them up there if you're so inclined.

 

[tridacna]

When I first got into diving in a big way I purchased a lot of used gear on Ebay, I still have some of it including a Beuchat Regulator that can no longer be properly serviced because parts are no longer available for it, and a BCD that I now realize was a poor choice for me for so many reasons but heck "the price was right". I realize that some of the gear that I was trusting my life to was untested and I had no idea as to how it was cared for prior to me slipping it on and jumping into the water.

From my experiences I can tell you that you oughta buy the stuff that needs servicing from the LDS who will be doing that work, it's always a good idea to have a good relationship with them. My shop gives me all sorts of breaks on air fills, repairs, inspections...because I give them business and they appreciate it. The other side of the coin is that if you don't buy your gear from your LDS and you bring it there for service they may either decline to service it or charge you a premium rate.

So when you figure what you're really saving, it just might not be worth it to get the stuff online for what seems to be a good savings.

As far as some of the less important accessories go, such as lights, reels, slates...if you see them for significantly less online, then maybe pick them up there if you're so inclined.

Steve, the OP asked about USED vs NEW not for another diatribe on why we should support our LDS. (Mine sells used equip too). Let's try to stick to the subject here before the flamethrowers start lighting up.

OP, well maintained used gear can be just as trustworthy as new gear. If you buy used, I would avoid eBay and stick with your LDS or LP. There is little if no recourse if what you buy on eBay turns out to be bad. Both LP and hopefully, your LDS will stand behind what they sell.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Buying used scuba gear is all about doing research, asking the seller the right questions, and knowing how to inspect the item for sale. The majority of divers don't have the time, patience, and knowledge to do this properly.

That being said, I have purchased used dive computers on Ebay and locally. I bought a backplate and PC download cable here on ScubaBoard. I have purchased used BCDs, tanks, hoses, and other scuba-related paraphernalia locally (listed on Craigslist for the most part). It is possible to get a great deal this way.

We'll assume that you already own your own "personal" gear: mask, snorkel, gloves, booties, and fins.

For a new diver on a limited budget, you have to consider the order in which you purchase your gear as well as how much you are spending on it. You live in PA. If you're diving in a local quarry, you'll need adequate exposure protection. Ask experienced local divers what the most common wetsuit thickness is. I'd recommend getting a thick enough wetsuit that really fits. Make sure that you are fitted properly for the wetsuit. You can get a decent new 7mm wetsuit on sale for $150.

The order in which you buy the rest of your gear will probably depend on your budget, how much rentals cost in your area, and how often you plan to dive. Used regs and BCDs can be purchased from an LDS when they annually turn-over their stock of rental equipment. Ensure that the LDS just serviced the gear before they sell it to you. I assume that the LDS has a competent repair staff and that they will agree to service the gear you purchase from them in the future. That's key. Be aware that reg maintenance can be pricey. Before buying a used reg, find out how much it's going to cost for labor + parts to overhaul that used reg and how often it will require servicing.

Keep an eye out for used tanks and weights. For tanks, you should know that they need to be visually inspected every year (VIP costs $10-$15) and hydrotested every 5 years ($12-$40). If there's any rust inside, a steel tank may have to be tumbled which costs extra. Sometimes an LDS will sell new tanks that come with ridiculous free-fills-for-life deals. Jump on those deals ASAP. Consider that each fill can cost $3-$10. Most of the time, a new tank will come with an air fill card. Figure out what the true cost of that new tank is and compare it to the used one.

 

[idocsteve]

Steve, the OP asked about USED vs NEW not for another diatribe on why we should support our LDS. (Mine sells used equip too). Let's try to stick to the subject here before the flamethrowers start lighting up.

Please accept my sincere and heartfelt apology for posting something that might not be precisely what the Op was looking for, that might not only take the thread somewhat off topic but invite debate and heated discussion.

Op if you're going to buy used gear then make sure it's been well maintained and realize there's a risk whenever you buy stuff from individuals as compared to trained and licensed professionals who are interested in maintaining their reputation.

You're more likely to get a warranty and better support from a shop or online retailer rather than from an individual, in fact I've read threads on this very board where the seller won't have anything to do with the buyer once the item has changed hands even though it seems obvious that there was a pre existing problem that was not evident until after the item was inspected by the person who bought it.

I don't know of any item that you must buy new except maybe those little thingamagings that you put inside your camera case to absorb moisture. The used ones don't work all that well. And maybe a drysuit P-valve and condom catheter for reasons that are beyond the scope of this thread.

 

[tridacna]

I don't know of any item that you must buy new except maybe those little thingamagings that you put inside your camera case to absorb moisture.

Dessicant can be revitalized...OTOH maybe an old mask with prescription lenses ain't such a good idea.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Hey everyone!

......Anyone have opinions on buying new/used? Is there certain pieces I should definitely buy new? Thanks in advance

One way to look at this question is that after the first dive, all of us diving with used equipment

There are pro's and con's to buying used. You can get fantastic deals if you shop carefully (emphasis on carefully).

I've bought 3 used regulators off ebay in the last year. I was extremely pleased with the price and quality of the regs I bought, but here is why I had a good experience:

1.) I knew the make and models I was interested in, what they sold for new, and most important, I knew that I could get parts for them.

2.) About as important (relative to getting a good deal) is the fact that I do my own regulator servicing. In fact, the first regulator I bought was purchased strickly as a "project" regulator (it was about 10 years old, well used) to practice rebuilding.

If you will be having someone else service your equipment, you'll need to factor the cost into the purchase price. And again, make sure you can get it serviced before spending money on used equipment!

So, as a general answer, there is nothing wrong with buying used, because most dive gear is quite durable and will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

But you do need to weigh the pro's and con's, and there are some advantages to buying new gear, especially if it is from a LDS you like.

Best wishes.

 

[idocsteve]

Dessicant can be revitalized...OTOH maybe an old mask with prescription lenses ain't such a good idea.

Why didn't I think of that one!

Ok so far the list of things NOT to buy used:

- gear that needs to be serviced for which parts are no longer available. Example - Beuchat regulators.
- Rx mask
- The dessicant (unless you can figure out how to revitalize it). How DO you revitalize those little tubes of moisture munchers?
- Drysuit P valve and condom catheters

 

[H2O 70]

I would rent and borrow different gear for a wee bit. Try a jacket BC, try a back inflate BC and try a BP/W set up. Rent different tanks. Get an idea of the gear that is out there.

I would buy a reg and/or computer first. This is your life saving gear. I would buy it new. You can travel with it. You know its service history. With the computer you know what it is telling you. When you rent computers, they don't always consistent present the information in the same manner.

Then get you BC. If you know what you are looking for, see if you can't find it used.

Mask, buy new and make sure it fits.

Fins get used or new.

As you get more experienced you'll be able to figure out whether the used gear is a good deal or not.

 

[fstbttms]

I used to buy drysuits on ebay. No more. They either always needed lots of repair upon arrival or after very little use, didn't fit well or were completely misrepresented by the seller. Not worth the time, effort and risk, IMHO.