used dive computers - can they be trusted?

[SNAPDRAGON]

Hi, This is my first posting here at Scubaboard and as a new diver I'm hoping to get some advice about dive computers. I am heavly involved in the eBay community and have noticed some decent prices on used computers; but I'm not sure how well a used computer can be trusted....any input into this would be greatly appriciated...Cheers :balloon: :06:

 

[scubatoys]

Hi, This is my first posting here at Scubaboard and as a new diver I'm hoping to get some advice about dive computers. I am heavly involved in the eBay community and have noticed some decent prices on used computers; but I'm not sure how well a used computer can be trusted....any input into this would be greatly appriciated...Cheers :balloon: :06:

Welcome!

The problem with used computers, is that there is a possibility of the thing dying... If you read around on the board, you'll see it happens a bit... And it's not like a reg where a tech can fix it up for you for $40 - With no warranty - you now have a waterlogged paper weight.

You'll just have to balance your cost vs. risk that you're happy with - but when you can get a brand new nitrox wrist computer with audible alarms and full warranty for under $275 - it would have to be a real good deal on a used one for me to pull the trigger.

 

[RICHinNC]

Ditto on the welcome.
Def agree with Larry. There are just some things I would not go with used....unless I knew the person I was buying from very well. There is too much riding on a computer to buy a used...unknown...one to me. If $$$$$ is an issue, stay with the tables a while longer and save up. Genesis and Oceanic have some nice and affordable computers. Then you can go the high end route too. Whatever suits you.
Rich

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I have seen a few of the pelagic hockey puck computers that divers were using that had fairly significant depth errors (up to 5 ft). This would be one of the risks you run when buying off E-bay. Many used computers are old enough not to have any warranty coverage even for the original owner and/or can't be fixed so they get e-bayed. If your local dive shop has a test chamber, you can have it tested for accuracy but short of that you would need to dive it along side a computer known to be accurate.

Also, Uwatec computers are a bad idea to buy used as battery replacement is free to the original owner but can cost from $200 to $400 for subsequent owners depending on the model. In general, I would avoid any used computer that did not have an inexpensive user replaceable battery.

As pointed out above, you can get a good deal on a new computer with a Genesis resource going for about $200 in a console with an SPG and around $150 for just the module.

 

[Wristshot]

are a lot like used cars. Some have been well taken care of and treated well, others have been used and abused. Some will run trouble-free for years while others will die a a quick and painful death shortly after purchase.

The question I most often ask is "why is this person selling this item?" That can possibly give you some insight, if they aren't lying. Did they step up to a newer model with more features, or did they get tired of the problems with the old one. Remember that you need to have your BS-meter on full sensitivity while they answer.

Of course buying a new car or a new computer doesn't guarantee that it will work flawlessly, just that it will be under warranty.

Remember also that your life might depend upon the information you get from the computer, and how much risk do you really want to take in order to save some dollars? Only you can answer that question.

 

[pipedope]

ANY used gear should be checked out well before using.

If the computer acts as it should according to the manual and the depth readings are accurate enough then it is fine.

Do NOT trust your LIFE to any one single piece of equipment.

Some divers will tell you that a computer is not needed at all. Others of us will say that they are a handy tool to make life easier but are not absolutely required.

BTW Strict accuracy is not required. Most of us dive in salt water and use tables and program calculations done in feet of salt water (or sea water) but Uwatec bottom timers are calibrated in feet fresh water. Doesn't cause a problem.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Of course when you buy a new regulator it's used the next time you use it.

New is great. I like new. My computer is a few years old and hasn't been flooded yet.

 

[SNAPDRAGON]

Many thanks to all that have replied to my thread....many things still to think about in reguard to my first computer...all points well taken. NOW everyone go make bubbles :cheering:

 

[ChrisA]

Hi, This is my first posting here at Scubaboard and as a new diver I'm hoping to get some advice about dive computers. I am heavly involved in the eBay community and have noticed some decent prices on used computers; but I'm not sure how well a used computer can be trusted....any input into this would be greatly appriciated...Cheers :balloon: :06:

If you buy a brand new computer then you take it on a dive what do you have? .... A slightly used computer. In two years it will be a
bit more used. When do you stop trusting it?

The thing about computes is that they either work or don't work
It will either be as good as new or a door stop

The only real issue is the warenty. If your new computer fails you can get it replaced but if a used one fails you are out what you paid.
What this means is you should not pay a lot for a used computer.
I'd say 1/3rd of "Internet price" might be fair.

 

[IndigoBlue]

Hi, This is my first posting here at Scubaboard and as a new diver I'm hoping to get some advice about dive computers. I am heavly involved in the eBay community and have noticed some decent prices on used computers; but I'm not sure how well a used computer can be trusted....any input into this would be greatly appriciated...Cheers :balloon: :06:

People often sell their used dive computers when they upgrade. Upgrading from an air computer to a nitrox computer, or from either of these to a multiple gas or helium computer is fairly common.

If you are buying a used computer, there will not be a warranty. But you can still trust the computer manufacturer's reputation.

I suggest you stick to Suuntos, if youre buying used.

Definitely avoid Cochran and Oceanic if you are buying used.

Good luck.