Used vs new gear

[couger0322]

I'm new to diving, just under a year. So I'm still learning alot. I've got all my own gear, and I currently have a used US Divers SE3 primary and US Divers pivot matrix computer console. Got a really good deal on it. The reg is obviously not a cold water reg, it froze up and free flowed at 80ft 38 deg. Seeing that I live in Wisconsin and will be diving locally for the most part, I need to get a nice cold water reg. I'm a sucker for good deals, but what are the real disadvantages of buying used, or non warrenty, regs or computers? I know the annuals are going to cost a little more, but it might be worth it. Any thoughts?

[Martin2]

We've purchased a fair amount of our gear used. For my reg setup, I found a used Atomic set that was being sold by one of our instructors. Because I know him and I'm familiar enough with Atomic to appreciate the great deal I was getting, we got it. Same deal with a computer. I'd be choosy who I bought from and ALWAYS get it serviced (in the case of the reg especially), but I haven't had any trouble with any of our used gear.

[awap]

Some folks are uncomfortable with the idea of going with a used regulator (or used car for that matter). As a result, demand is not very high and there are some really great bargains if you know what you are doing.

The downside is mostly the LDSs perceived loss.

[CompuDude]

If you shop for a used reg carefully, you can do quite well.

The downsides are some savings is lost, since it's pretty essential to have any used reg serviced before use, which seriously eats into the savings, especially since there will not be any warranty coverage for a used reg (you'll pay full parts and labor).

But once the reg is fully serviced, it should be just as good as one that was purchased new, since any worn parts are generally replaced, aside from some cosmetic issues due to use (which it will acquire soon enough anyway).

I personally prefer to buy regs new in most instances, but I understand the attraction of buying used, and wouldn't think poorly of someone's decision to do so (as long as they are serviced before use).

[awap]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

(as long as they are serviced before use).

I have almost a dozen regs that I bought used and I do my own servicing so service costs are minimal. I have found that regs that have been in storage for quite a while tend to require a full service, but regs that are in active service really need a thorough inspection before you make any determination about service requirements. If the regs are clean, soft parts are in good condition, and it performs well (IP and cracking pressure); a complete servicing may not be necessary. But you may have a hard time finding a shop that will do the necessary inspection without seizing the opportunity to lighten your wallet (or punish you for your disloyalty).

[ChrisA]

The best deals on used regs I've come across are when a shop sells their rental units. Always they will have been recently serviced and even if there is no warenty they should offer to corect a problem that shows up on the first few dives.

Buying from a private party there is always a risk if an expensive repair, In fact if you don't know the seller, I'd offer a price that assumes a complete re-build would be required..

I bought a well used Oceanic Delta reg, octo and console from a local shop. It has a balanced 1st and 2nd stage and breathes very well. The shop owner said he'd have to do a complete service job on it before he's let me take it. I paid about 1/3rd of the new price for this setup.

My other reg is an Apeks I bough new. It now was that "well used" look and is now ready for it's fifth anual service. So even if you buy it new it will become used, only scuba shops have new regs and they all become used regs after the first dive.

[longtailbda]

Unless you know the person that your buying from or are willing to have it serviced I'd be hesitant if I were a new diver to buy used. That being said if you decide to buy used the very minimum you need to be sure of is that there is local shop that services that manufacturer and the parts for that reg are available.
You have signed on to one of the places that can answer your equipment questions and you usually get good advice as to what equipment is good for your particular needs.

[Singlerm]

I would buy a used reg. They show up for sale here on Guam quite often. People moving to places where they don't plan on diving sell stuff pretty cheap.
I would have to be getting it for a real good price before I bought one though.

[Largo]

ST has a demo Zeagle Flathead for sale. No problems with cold water with that regulator.

[crosseyed95]

I've bought many items used and sometimes I'm pleased and other times I'm not. Everything I buy used is thru the LDS and I have the ability to return for a full refund if I'm not satisfied within 1 or 2 dives (part of that loyalty thing).

My first regulator was used and I had no problems with it. Second one was new and because of a "manufacturers defect" I ended up free-flowing at a 100'. So, even then, new is not always better if you are the test dummy working out the bugs.

If I was going recommend options, it would depend upon the type of diving you plan on getting into. If you plan on going deeper and diving late and early in the season then I'd recommend you go new with a regulator that has a reputation for being solid. Someone else on this forum mentioned they dive with Apeks and this is what I currently have. Expensive as SH** but life support when you are 140' down in 39 deg water is important (I dive WI waters all the time). There are other companies out there that sell solid regs in cold water so if you go this route make sure you talk to your LDS or other divers.

Don't forget that a reg should last years so a chunk spent right now won't seem so much in a couple years. However, I know all about budgets so maybe this isn't an option. Just remember to ask around and double check before buying. If you find a reg and are concerned, don't hesitate to post on ST for some diver input.

crosseyed95