what to look for?

[jaclovesanimals]

i am going to look at a used BC in a few days and was wondering what exactly i should look for to make sure it is in good condition.
if anyone has advice on buying used BCs and regs i would be happy to hear from you!
thanks

 

[H2O 70]

If you can hook it up and check the inflator function. If it is sticky, no worry, inflators can be fixed.

Make sure it holds air and check all the dump valves.

Everything else should be pretty obvious.

When you looking at regs, that can be a different can of worms.

If you can put an link on the board for input.

Some regs are bullet proof and they are still being made and you can get parts for. Some you can't...dacor comes to mind.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Think about all of the things that you rely on a BCD to do.
Consider all of the BCD parts that might be subject to wear or abuse. Test those.

I would definitely bring along a tank and reg to do a comprehensive check of BCD function.

Find out how much lift the BCD offers. Is it enough for your needs?
Are there any visible holes or rips in the BCD material?
Any signs that the bladder or outer material was repaired?
Any visible deformities?
Do the pockets work? Any holes inside that you should be aware of?
Does the BCD hold air?
Does the BCD really fit you?
Does the tank camband hold the tank securely?
Does the power inflater assembly work properly? (Inflates when inflate button is pressed. Dumps when exhaust button is pressed.)
Do all of the pull-dumps work?
Do the OPVs activate when appropriate? (Make sure that they close off once you stop adding air to the bladder.)
Inspect the corrugated hose for cracking.
Inspect the cummerbund and any plastic doodads/clips for wear.

If you find anything that is near-broken or non-functional, you should find out how much it will cost to fix and where it can be fixed before agreeing to buy the BCD.

Probably the best way to check out the BCD is to give it a test-dive. Some sellers are OK with this.

Hope this helps...

 

[jaclovesanimals]

thanks to both of you.
H2O 70 do you mean to say dacor of one of the brands that you cant find parts for anymore?
because that is the type of reg i am going to look at...

thanks again

 

[H2O 70]

thanks to both of you.
H2O 70 do you mean to say dacor of one of the brands that you cant find parts for anymore?
because that is the type of reg i am going to look at...

thanks again

I thought Dacor was no longer in business, but they do seem to have a website. In the last year I've ran into students who got 'great deals' on Dacor regs they found on e-Bay, but as soon as they went to get their regs serviced, the shops couldn't get parts for them.

Post this question in the Regulator forum. You'll likely get a more definitive answer. Also post the model information if you have it.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

One thing I do when shopping for used gear, is stick with what works for me. There are only a few models of BC that I would consider buying used, only one brand, even possibly a limited "era." I know this gear works for me and if anything breaks, all my gear has interchangeable parts.

Same game plan for reg sets, camera gear, and hopefully scooters!

 

[jaclovesanimals]

thanks halemano but i have no clue what works for me as i have never owned dive gear...
but that doeas sound like a pretty good system for someone who owns alot of equiptment.

i dont have a reg. to bring in order to check the BC with. would i be okay inflating it orally and check that the dump valves work?

here is a link to a picture of the BC i am going to look at.
Women's SCUBA BC Vest

it appears to be a genesis cayman brand, which i have heard of before, but have no idea if they make quality BCs.if anyone knows anything about this specific BC that would be great.
thanks again!!

ps i did post a question about used regs in the regulator section and i seem to be getting alot of advice.

 

[H2O 70]

One thing to remember. What works in the tropic may not work that well in your local colder waters.

If you vision your self something other than a vacation diver, get gear that will work for your local conditions.

For instance, get an 'environmentally' sealed or sealed 1st stage.

 

[Bob DBF]

I have had a Genesis Caymen for years and it has served me well. The one in the picture is not as beat up as mine. As I am moving over to a BP/W I wanted to know the buoyancy of the jacket so I emailed Genesis one evening and they answered the next morning.

The only problem I had was caused by having an Oceanic brand Air II put in place of the inflator, the tech made the dump cable a little too short and I kept intermittantly loosing air from the BC, once I figured out the problem I fixed it.

My vote for a reg is a Sherwood, my first is a Magnum purchaced about 1980 which still works well and the second is a 2009 Blizzard. I dive water in the winter that is usually around 50 F and has been down to 46 F (on Magnum) without a problem from the regs.

Good Luck

Bob

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

thanks halemano but i have no clue what works for me as i have never owned dive gear...
but that doeas sound like a pretty good system for someone who owns alot of equiptment.

Part of the point I was making is that if you don't know if/how some piece of gear works for you, should you be buying it off fleaBay or CL?