What's wrong with this BCD?

[caruso]

I'm on Ebay looking at BCDs and I come across the listing that I linked below. I'm looking at the pictures and scratching my head and I finally send a message to the seller asking about what I see as being very wrong with the equipment.

He responds with "Thanks for pointing that out I've been using it like this but I will fix it as soon as I can".

I can't believe someone would a) try selling a BCD in that condition and b) actually diving with it- but apparently that's exactly what this guy has been doing and he sees nothing wrong with it.

Aqua Lung Balance Sea Quest BCD Scuba Vest Size Large Sure Lock Weight System | eBay

 

[northernone]

I'm on Ebay looking at BCDs and I come across the listing that I linked below. I'm looking at the pictures and scratching my head and I finally send a message to the seller asking about what I see as being very wrong with the equipment.

He responds with "Thanks for pointing that out I've been using it like this but I will fix it as soon as I can".

I can't believe someone would a) try selling a BCD in that condition and b) actually diving with it- but apparently that's exactly what this guy has been doing and he sees nothing wrong with it.

Aqua Lung Balance Sea Quest BCD Scuba Vest Size Large Sure Lock Weight System | eBay

I'm feeling a little oblivious, I see nothing damaged beyond regular used gear condition. Are you concerned he has installed an oral only inflation hose?

Cameron

 

[runsongas]

wouldn't surprise me if oral inflation got skipped in ow these days like they stopped teaching tables

 

[caruso]

Are you concerned he has installed an oral only inflation hose?

Cameron

Yes, in his message [I left it out of the first post] he told me that he completely dispensed with the original corrugated hose and inflator. He just crimps the hose so it doesn't vent air and when he needs to inflate it he unkinks the hose and blows into it. It also probably makes it impossible to dump the air by pulling on the corrugated hose as intended by the manufacturer.

But he also doesn't say anything about it in the listing- so a buyer could get stuck with a BCD that is missing parts and doesn't operate as intended. Let's see if he updates it.

 

[Jonny Wishbone]

The oral inflator comes std on AL BC's that have the i3 inflator down on the left side. I use an AL Dimention back inflate with the i3 inflator and mine has the same oral inflator hose. I cant see if it has the i3 though....

 

[northernone]

Yes, in his message [I left it out of the first post] he told me that he completely dispensed with the original corrugated hose and inflator. He just crimps the hose so it doesn't vent air and when he needs to inflate it he unkinks the hose and blows into it. It also probably makes it impossible to dump the air by pulling on the corrugated hose as intended by the manufacturer.

But he also doesn't say anything about it in the listing- so a buyer could get stuck with a BCD that is missing parts and doesn't operate as intended. Let's see if he updates it.

A couple of my BCDs are set up that way as well though it's not a common gear configuration.

It's a good warning for those who are buying used gear. If someone isn't sure what they are purchasing, please have it looked at by a knowledgeable friend or friendly local repair shop. Especially before diving new equipment.

Nice price for the BCD and excellent photos showing exactly what we'd be buying, thanks for posting it.

Caveat emptor,
Cameron

 

[caruso]

Nice price for the BCD btw, thanks for posting it.

Those BCDs typically come with an Air2 and special hose. With those items missing it's really not a great price.

 

[runsongas]

while i wouldn't pay the asking price either, a new inflator and hose isn't very expensive. i wouldn't feel the need to put the airsource2 or shoulder pull dump back on.