Used regulator
- Thread starter VikkiL
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Bubbletrubble
Contributor
Yes, it is "safe" to buy used regulators if:
Something else to consider is that often times new regs bought from an authorized dealer will come with a free-overhaul-parts-for-life warranty so long as the reg is serviced/overhauled at the manufacturer-recommended intervals (every 1-2 years). For any used reg, you will have to pay for these parts. This can cost $10-$30 per stage. FYI, the typical recreational regulator setup has one first stage and two second stages (primary and an octo). Reg servicing costs (parts + labor) can add up quickly. Servicing regs on an "as needed" basis (instead of manufacturer-recommended intervals) can save some money, too, since properly-maintained regs can typically go for 2 or more years before requiring service.
Hope this info helps.
By the way, I hope a moderator will eventually move your question to the Regulators forum in "The Equipment of Scuba Diving" section on ScubaBoard.
- You can properly evaluate the condition of the used regulator OR are wiliing to pay a trustworthy reg tech to do this for you.
- You research how much it will cost to overhaul the reg OR know how to do this yourself.
Something else to consider is that often times new regs bought from an authorized dealer will come with a free-overhaul-parts-for-life warranty so long as the reg is serviced/overhauled at the manufacturer-recommended intervals (every 1-2 years). For any used reg, you will have to pay for these parts. This can cost $10-$30 per stage. FYI, the typical recreational regulator setup has one first stage and two second stages (primary and an octo). Reg servicing costs (parts + labor) can add up quickly. Servicing regs on an "as needed" basis (instead of manufacturer-recommended intervals) can save some money, too, since properly-maintained regs can typically go for 2 or more years before requiring service.
Hope this info helps.
By the way, I hope a moderator will eventually move your question to the Regulators forum in "The Equipment of Scuba Diving" section on ScubaBoard.
LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
Outstanding reply Bubbletrubble.
You can sort of think of a used regulator like a used car: If the used car was properly maintained and was a "good" car to begin with, and the price is good, then it can be a great deal.
You do need to know what your are looking for (brands & models) and know what you are lookind at when you examine the reg (excess wear and tear, corrosion, is this the actual model the seller says it is, etc.).
With used regs you also need to give some thought to where you will have them serviced, and of upmost importance, can you still get parts fot it?
It is a real bummer to buy a shiney, well-maintained reg, only to find out that parts are hard to come by.
The last 3 regulators I bought were used, and I bought them on ebay. They were amazing deals ($135 for a regulator that sold for $690 new, $65 for a regulator that sold for $450 new, $150 for a regulator that sold for $690 new).
I knew, before bidding, what these regulators sold for new, that they were very good regulators, and that I could obtain parts for them easily and cheaply (I do my own servicing).
As Bubbletrubble mentioned, have a friend who knows about regulators help you if you decide to buy used.
Best wishes.
You can sort of think of a used regulator like a used car: If the used car was properly maintained and was a "good" car to begin with, and the price is good, then it can be a great deal.
You do need to know what your are looking for (brands & models) and know what you are lookind at when you examine the reg (excess wear and tear, corrosion, is this the actual model the seller says it is, etc.).
With used regs you also need to give some thought to where you will have them serviced, and of upmost importance, can you still get parts fot it?
It is a real bummer to buy a shiney, well-maintained reg, only to find out that parts are hard to come by.
The last 3 regulators I bought were used, and I bought them on ebay. They were amazing deals ($135 for a regulator that sold for $690 new, $65 for a regulator that sold for $450 new, $150 for a regulator that sold for $690 new).
I knew, before bidding, what these regulators sold for new, that they were very good regulators, and that I could obtain parts for them easily and cheaply (I do my own servicing).
As Bubbletrubble mentioned, have a friend who knows about regulators help you if you decide to buy used.
Best wishes.
Bubbletrubble, LeadTurn_SD fantastic answers guys. I totally agree. Many will tell you they are "used" regs and are unsafe. Fact is we ALL dive "used" regs on every dive, the only difference is who used them last. You also have to realize that after an overhaul...assuming it is done correctly...the reg is basically new again. The parts that wear or age are replaced. The parts that remain are chrome plated brass, stainless steel or plastic and have an almost unlimited lifetime. I routinely dive a 46 yo reg and it has no signs of giving up.
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