What to look for in used equipment

[heydn62]

A co-workers husband is looking to sell his equipment, which consists of a Seaquest BCD and a regulator set-up with US Diver 2nd stage and Octopus. I know before I use it, I would absolutely have these serviced at my LDS, but are there things I should look for myself to make sure the equipment is in decent shape? This would just be a starter set-up as I don't have the budget to buy top of the line equipment at this point, and his asking price is something I could swing. Any advice is appreciated.

[rox@ucf11]

to be honest I need more detail, on the used equiupment you would be buying.

[heydn62]

reg1.jpgreg2.jpgvalve1.jpgvalve2.jpgbcd1.jpgbcd2.jpg

I know there's much better out there, but unless there's something unsafe about this set-up, it may be a good place to start.

[Largo]

Fifty dollars, maximum. He is the seller, and his investment in the equipment has evaporated lo these many years. It profits him nothing to store them in yon garage or shed.

If you can, try out different gear at your LDS to see what YOU like.

If you buy a computer, get a wrist-mounted, nitrox capable computer, like the IQ-700.

Other than that, rock on.

[Largo]

P.S. Initially, he will say "No."

However, he will call you back within 72 hours and agree to your terms, of $50.

[mike_s]

pull back EVERY ONE of those hose protectors and look for corrosion under them .

those hose protectors harbor rinsing of the reg and can lead to corrosion.

look for it anywhere else.



Personally I'm not a big fan of used regulators unless I know the person selling it and trust them.

One of the reasons is that if I buy a used reg, I will likely have to pay $60 labor and $60 in parts getting initial service.

Then for the next 4-5 years, I don't get the "free parts for life" warranty if you get it serviced. so expect to pay another $60/year in parts. (You have to pay labor regardless with that warranty, so not counting that here). So figure for the next 4-5 years, expect to pay a total of $240 to $300 in parts that you wouldn't have to pay for a new regulator.

add that $300 to the initial service cost ($120) and you are at about $420 on extra service over a 5-6 year total period (initial service good for one year, then service for the next 4-5 years).

Now... did you really save $420 off the cost of a new regulator by buying it used?..... I didn't think so...


just my 2 cents worth.

[Largo]

I have to support Mike S in this.

You can get a sweet setup from ScubaToys, such as the 'everything is special package' that will serve you for 20 years or more.

US Divers, is not my favorite. Had it been a Sherwood of the same age, I'd have approved.

[heydn62]

Thanks for the input guys. Actually, $50 is his asking price. That's the reason I was considering it. When I think US divers, I think Walmart Snorkle sets, but I thought maybe I just didn't know any better.

By the way, can the extra hose here (for dry suit) be removed and that port capped off?

[heydn62]

Originally Posted by Largo

If you buy a computer, get a wrist-mounted, nitrox capable computer, like the IQ-700.

What's the advantage of wrist-mounted vs. console?

[heydn62]

Originally Posted by Largo

You can get a sweet setup from ScubaToys, such as the 'everything is special package' that will serve you for 20 years or more.

The problem here is:

I can go on a vacation somewhere nice and use rental equipment to dive, or I can buy all my own gear and set home and look at it for the next year.