What to check for when buying an used BCD?

[alfred1]

Hi,

there is a local diving facility closing its activity and selling used tanks and BCDs.

Cheapest BCD I can find new is a mares and costs about 170 USD, so if there's anything used in the 50$ range that would last I'd consider it worthwhile.

I know good outer looks or words sell more than anything else, however I'd like to know if you'd suggest any tips to check BCD condition other than inflating it in water and looking for leaks.

Thank you very much

 

[tbone1004]

positive pressure test is number one, so orally inflate to the max and let it sit for about 5 minutes and see if it's still fully inflated. That's the big one.

One thing to note though, if it doesn't fit, or wasn't a good rig to begin with it doesn't matter if it's $50 or $500, it's not a good rig.... be careful when buying. I would argue that the tanks are probably a better deal than any rental bc's.

 

[Imbodie]

Watch the tanks though... I wouldn't buy a tank unless its original hydro date was AFTER 1994 (not exact to the DOT advisory, but close enough) If you can't tell the original hydro it likely will be the one that looks painted over unless they are polished or brushed aluminum. Tbone has it right about the BCD, if it is TOO big it isn't a cost savings... other than holding air, any frayed seams would be a concern. Fading is expected in shop BCD's because of the pool work.

Tim

side note: no need to water test it, just see if it leaks down after a few minutes.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Unless they are selling off steel tanks. Those can last 60 years or more as evidenced by mine from 53 and 54 that just passed.

 

[Imbodie]

Unless they are selling off steel tanks. Those can last 60 years or more as evidenced by mine from 53 and 54 that just passed.

Yeah, didn't think about that. I have a set of steel tanks from 1975.

Tim

 

[alfred1]

They've got 18 liters steel tanks with DIN fittings, should be ok from your suggestions

About BCD dry inflation test, can I try it without fitting a BCD hose from my 1st stage?

Thanks again to you all for sharing your experience

 

[diversteve]

They've got 18 liters steel tanks with DIN fittings, should be ok from your suggestions

About BCD dry inflation test, can I try it without fitting a BCD hose from my 1st stage?

Thanks again to you all for sharing your experience

Sure, they all have a quick disconnect on the BC end. I even store mine partially inflated sometimes.

One other thing to know what a standard sized inflator fitting looks like so if you don't bring your hose. Not all mfr's are standardized esp. on older gear. IIRC ScubaPro is one that used two sizes over the years. Also if the BC had some sort of integrated Octo that may have been a custom fitting. Most people selling them separately would remove it since they'd need it for the octo but that assumes your seller didn't pick up the gear used somewhere.

If there's any sort of weight release system, verify that it works also. On Zeagle BC's that's the Ripcord - pulling the handle dumps both front pockets. Also check on other systems that the weight pockets lock in place correctly with wight in them if possible - as recently as a year or two ago there were problems with either the Mares or Aqualung system - can't remember which.

I'd stay away from any older velcro only release systems as the velcro wears out over time. My buddy has dropped 2-3 pockets from her older Mares BC over the years. I've also found two of their red handled pockets near moorings in different countries.

 

[ams511]

positive pressure test is number one, so orally inflate to the max and let it sit for about 5 minutes and see if it's still fully inflated. That's the big one.

I think 5 minutes may be too short a time. I would ask the shop for a guarantee that the BC holds air overnight. I had wings with leaks that stayed firm for 5 minutes but were limp after an hour or two. Most of the wings and BC I owned could hold air for days.

---------- Post added April 30th, 2015 at 03:07 PM ----------

Watch the tanks though... I wouldn't buy a tank unless its original hydro date was AFTER 1994 (not exact to the DOT advisory, but close enough) If you can't tell the original hydro it likely will be the one that looks painted over unless they are polished or brushed aluminum.

The OP does not seem to be from the US, so we cannot be sure what the tank regulations are for the country he is in. Also the 1994 date is not very close. On an S80, Luxfer changed from the 6351 alloy to the 6061 alloy in 1988. Catalina never used the 6351 alloy. That said again the OP needs to check with the regulation in his country.

 

[alfred1]

Thanks for your tips