Thread: SCUBA Gear used?

Looking to get a SCUBA setup likely in the near future. What would you suggest buying used and what is dumb to buy used?

You will likely be warned off buying secondhand gear by anyone in the know (the fact that we're all connected to our dive operations will contribute to this), but i've known people to get good deals on gear that has lasted. Obviously the stakes are higher than your average ski purchase.
If you can, get a BC/ Reg package and a mask new and everything else (fins, tanks, suit) are usually fine for second hand purchase. If the BC/ Reg package is a bit pricey, then just have a look for later model stuff from reputable brands, aqualung or apeks regs hold up great. Make sure to check that there are still parts available for the brand you buy (ie, no dacor parts comes to mind) and get the whole kit overhauled and inspected by a good tech.
Also, check online for good deals on small, pricey things (i.e. regs, computers).

there's plenty of good used stuff out there, just get it from a dive shop that can inspect/test it, not a pawn shop under the bridge...

lots of people like me bought full setups, dove about 20 times, then left the sport. Used tanks (inspected/VIP'd/hydro'd as needed) are only slightly cheaper than new, everything else is a bargain used...

If I were to buy gear I would get Scuba Pro. Having said that I would be careful buying a regulator unless you dive a whole lot. You really should have your regulator serviced every year so it can get very expensive per dive trip if you only go once or twice per year. I used to own all the gear when I lived near the ocean but sold it since it was to expensive to maintain for a trip every few years.

James

+1 on subapro. I've had a reg for 15 years and it is great. If you find something in decent shape used just get it serviced. There are plenty of good deals. Def get a bcd used it will save you some money. I used to get allot of my gear from performance diver but I don't think they exist anymore. US Divers makes some good gear too.

Tanks:is the hydro current? Do they still have some pressure left in the tank? Is there visible damage to the exterior?

Wet suit, booties, hood, gloves:First give it a smell test. Many people pee in their suits and think all is well- I always thought ewww to that. Then try it on. Legs and arms can be shortened for a price.

Fins-are they the style you want? Is the heel strap in good shape-no worries.

Weight belt-no worries.

Mask-I would probably buy new so i could purchase the one that fits best and I most like the style of.

BC-If you can connect it to the regulator and inflate. Older hoses can develop problems, but that often can be fixed. Try it on-fit matters here too.

Regulator/gauge. Again ideally there is a tank with positive pressure. put it on the tank and open the valve. Use it. If it works offer to buy on condition it passes annual inspection. If they don't go for that, low ball the offer for as/is with you taking the risk.

Do you have a buddy who knows gear? Do you have a shop you can visit to get a sense of prices?

Good gear has been around since the early 80's, but that does not mean it is still good today. Most Scuba gear is well made and as has been mentioned Scubapro is often considered the best and is well supported. IMO used gear can be a good bet if it fits you and the regulator has been certified. People get into the sport and then the gear languishes-definitely look to low ball.

I recently got into it. Bought my own reg setup so that I know the history (like a climbing rope/rack). I'm borrowing gauges, bc, tank from my buddy which I know was well taken care of. Next investment will be my own gauges/computer, then the bc.
My reg is an Apeks xtx50, seems to work well, but I haven't been enough to know the differences in how it breaths vs other regs. There is definitely a TON of used gear out there, but I would try to buy local from your dive community instead of ebay.

You CAN buy used gear if need be...but you just have to REALLY know what you're doing.

Tanks: used, YES...but have them thoroughly pressure-checked by a certified shop prior. Even a fire-extinguisher inspection facility has the equipment and knowledge to do a hydro if no dive shop is close-by. They SHOULD be able to certify it.

Tank Valve: used? NO NO NO! Spend some money here and get a new valve..they're damned important.

BC: Used? Yes...again, make sure a competant tech or experienced diver checks it out first.

Regulator: Used? I'd say no. This is one piece of equipment that is fairly complex and does wear out. Lots of dive shops won't even risk checking out a private sale regulator for you. If you have a tech friend or shop owner friend, then let him look at it. But be forwarned...when it comes to equipment like regulators, old and seldom used is NOT you're friend...rubber seals and shit dry up and become sketchy. Spend some money and get a NEW regulator!!

Guages: Used? No. Well, maybe...if fairly new. But here again, these are complex equipment that you MUST depend on. I'd buy new here, too.

Wet suit/Dry suit: Used? YES. Wet suit, check for about to tear seams and thin spots where they're folded. Dry suit? pull suit inside-out and check ALL seam-tape and all gaskets. Gaskets will often dry-rot...they're pretty cheap to replace at a decent dive repair shop. You want the wet suit fitting snug. If the wet suit fits very comfortably at the shop...IT IS NOT YOUR SIZE!! Depending on water temp, you can either get separate hood or attached hood...same with booties.

Already covered mask/fins/snorkel in the Padded Room scuba thread.

Good luck.

Choose wisely.

EDIT: A BIG +++ on the Scuba Pro gear. Anything Scuba Pro is worthy! But you might watch out for U.S. DIVER gear though...because they also sell their masks and shit to walmart, where they have to meet walmart's price-points. The top-shelf gear is usually good. I'd stick with Scuba Pro. My Scuba Pro tri-pane mask finally bit the dust...after nearly twenty years of pampering!!!
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