Quote:
Originally Posted by dlawrence
Hi, new to the forums, I have a question about getting a used bcd checked out. I bought a used Sherwood Freedom BCD on ebay. I can't find a model number, but it looks a little on the older side.
It inflates and deflates easily and doesn't appear to have any leaks (I fully inflated it and left it inflated for a few days). All the webbing appears to be in good shape as do all the clasps. After reading another forum post about springs in the dump valve going bad, I visually inspected the spring (the low pressure inflater just screwed off and the spring was easily visible). It looked to be in good shape, no rust.
Do I need to get this professionally inspected? I imagine I probably should. And if so, should my local dive shop be able to handle that, and what should I expect to pay?
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ANYTHING that involves protecting you life should be professionally inspected until you are trained to do so yourself
i'm not sure what the cost would be to inspect it.. maybe $100? but I know if you took it to MY local dive shop, you better be prepared for their snobbery lectures about how you have totally undermined the value of your LDS and the BC is probably a death trap
that said, aren't ya glad you're not going to my LDS??
seriously tho, yes, $100 now or cost of heli-vac and emergency room services later. i know people who've got good deals buying used equipment but they are more technically inclined than i am. i will buy my accessories at a cheaper cost, but anything that has to do with my life preservation, BC, Regulator, Computer even.. will be new and come with a warranty. even then, they want you to get your gear serviced once a year to make sure there's no problems. and with any new gear, i always take it into a pool and play before i go out in open water. things are a little more tricky underwater with all the gear on.