txapacheguy
Contributor
I am posting this a little late in the game, but any input would be welcome. I am looking at buying my first drysuit tomorrow. It is a 2000 or 2001 model USIA Aquasport that I found on a local craigslist ad.
I will be paying about $150 for it, and it comes with an undergarmet, neck ring, bag and probably an inflator hose. It looks as though the body of the suit will be a great fit, but the boots may need to be replaced to be a different size. USIA already told me they would do this for about another $150 or so, bringing the total investment to about $300.
This seems to me, based on my internet research and my talk with the lady at USIA, to be a decent deal. Is there anything beyond the obvious condition/security of the suit itself, and the seals and zippers that I should inspect prior to buying the suit???
I realize that if I get involved with a few major repairs on ten year old suit that I might as well buy a new entry model suit with a warranty, but for now I would like to try make some smart purchases on used equipment that will get me in the water and allow me to get some experience/education before shelling out the big bucks for newer and fancier gear. Pretty much everything I have now except my BP/W setup is used, and thus far, it all seems to work all work flawlessly. Hopefully this drysuit will be no exception. I will be driving up to Denver tomorrow morning to look at/pick up the suit, so any wisdom you guys are willing to share between now and then is appreciated. Thanks!!!
I will be paying about $150 for it, and it comes with an undergarmet, neck ring, bag and probably an inflator hose. It looks as though the body of the suit will be a great fit, but the boots may need to be replaced to be a different size. USIA already told me they would do this for about another $150 or so, bringing the total investment to about $300.
This seems to me, based on my internet research and my talk with the lady at USIA, to be a decent deal. Is there anything beyond the obvious condition/security of the suit itself, and the seals and zippers that I should inspect prior to buying the suit???
I realize that if I get involved with a few major repairs on ten year old suit that I might as well buy a new entry model suit with a warranty, but for now I would like to try make some smart purchases on used equipment that will get me in the water and allow me to get some experience/education before shelling out the big bucks for newer and fancier gear. Pretty much everything I have now except my BP/W setup is used, and thus far, it all seems to work all work flawlessly. Hopefully this drysuit will be no exception. I will be driving up to Denver tomorrow morning to look at/pick up the suit, so any wisdom you guys are willing to share between now and then is appreciated. Thanks!!!
