Would you purchase a BC 6 or 7 years old?

[Big A]

In my search for a BC a couple have popped up for sale that have peaked my interest. The ones that have are older BC's that people say the, diver got out of diving, husband lost interest in diving etc. As these BC's have sat in peoples closets for years being unused and I wonder what some of the concerns would be in looking into these bc's.

As we both know it is difficult at best to decide the quality of a BC just by pictures and text as the inflater maybe bad, the bladder may have a leak in it etc. What questions do you experienced BC purchasers ask?

 

[Cacia]

I'd worry the rubber bladder might have dried out.

Having said that, if it was a great rig and you could get your hands on it, you could probably tell by touching the rubber. If the price was good enough and he is experienced and has a good SMB, I wouldn't worry for recreational diving. (redundant bouyancy) provided I could examine it.

Storing gear in attics and places that are not temperature controlled really does a number on rubber, as does some salt water sitting in the bladder.

Some bc's you can replace the bladder with a new one.

 

[dpbishop]

My AT-Pac is at least 25 years old; I don't know it's real age because it was used when I got it. I have replaced the bladder once & the inflater twice. The first thing to do is check that replacement parts are available & reasonable. Check for wear on the exterior, if that goes the BC is pretty much toast. Check zippers & velcro fasteners, these wear out and are a pita to replace. Other then that if it's the right size, color & price, go for it.

 

[The Chairman]

No, I wouldn't buy a BC that was 6 or 7 years old. Safety is far more important than saving a few bucks.

 

[Eris Lucan7*]

When the salt shift is more then 2mm(Milimeter Mu/Mü greek M) in the infilator as the


tubes,shoud you ask for where its from is...


E.L.7*

 

[herman]

I see no reason not be buy an older BC as long as it's in good condition and you get it at a good price. I would recommend a good hands on inspection rather than Q&A with the owner. Look for fraying, dry rot, torn places and missing parts. Inflate it, check the operation of the valves and vents to make sure they work. Inflate it fully and BS with the owner for a while, if it's still nice and firm 30 minutes later it's likely good.
My main BC is around 6 years old and I have a couple of others that are 70s and 80s vintage that are still in perfect working order, a little faded maybe. No real difference in me diving them or selling them to someone else to use from a diving perspective.
The key issues are price and condition. I would not pay $100 for an old BC when I can buy a new Zeagle Scout for $220, on the other hand I would buy an older good condition BC for $25.

 

[xiSkiGuy]

The key issues are price and condition. I would not pay $100 for an old BC when I can buy a new Zeagle Scout for $220, on the other hand I would buy an older good condition BC for $25.

Exactly.

 

[Nick_W]

One of my BCs is a 30-year-old BC that a friend of mine gave me that was wadded up and stuffed in a box for at least a couple decades. It works like a champ. I'm thinking about replacing the inflator (you don't have to use the same brand, just the right size) because it kind of looks rough, but that's more for appearance than anything since it works just fine. While my example may be the exception rather than the rule, I see nothing at all wrong with buying a used BC.

Provided the owner didn't go out of their way to destroy it, there's a pretty solid chance it will be in good shape. The only thing I would be worried about that you won't be able to see just by looking at it is if the bladder had stuck to itself. That and if the inflator works. But you can replace those fairly cheap. If you're getting a great deal you'll still easily come out ahead.

I agree with Herman on this one. Just chat with the seller, find out as much as you can about them and their gear and that will give you a good idea. I also agree that I wouldn't pay a whole lot for a used BC.

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

Depends...

Me personnally, I don't buy used gear very often. The small savings is not worth the very real potential for disappointment or wasted money.

On older BCs, you have to watchout for dry rot. But, 7 years isn't that old, and if it's been in a closet for several years, you could score a decent BC at a good price.

I don't think I would buy from ebay. Over the years, I've heard too many jokes about "eBaying it" to get rid of useless gear. Now, if you can see it first, that would be different.

 

[OceanObsessed]

Not so sure that I would buy one off ebay but as long as I knew the history of the BC and it was a quality model I would be okay with it.

I am actually using an early 1980's Scubapro jacket style BC. My brother purchased it in the 1980's and used it a couple of times and then it sat in his closet (AC) for about 20 years. In the meantime I had worn out my previous Scubapro BCP (wing style BC) and he offered it to me. It looked like new compared to my worn out BCP and it was free so I upgraded. I'm still using it today and it works just fine. Between that BC and my 1978 Scubapro MK 5 regulator I look like I just steped out of a 1980s Scubapro catolog

-Chris