What do you look for when buying used gear?

BanditDJB · 07-15-2007, 06:01 PM

I found a good deal on some scuba gear. The guy who is selling it says that it is in mint condition and he never has time to dive so he has to get rid of it. He has only used this equipment in the pool for his trainning and never hit it with salt water. Does the chlorine in the pool mess up a bc or regulators if it sits for a while? What type of things should I check out before I give him the cash? I don't think he has a tank to test everything.

MgicTwnger · 07-15-2007, 08:08 PM

Chlorine can discolor things like BC's and neoprene if it is not rinsed off. I would get a money back guarantee if a tech finds problems. You are getting this stuff checked out before you jump off a boat with it, right?

BanditDJB · 07-15-2007, 08:27 PM

mgictwnger, I am going to look at it this wed. and the guy said that its practically brand new and I believe him on that because the rentals that I used this week is the same as he is selling and they just bought all new rental gear at the shop we rented from. There is a local shop here in new orleans and I probably should go and rent a tank just to test the gear when I go to see it. What type of stuff would a tech check for because I found this ad on craigslist and I'm positive that all sales are final? Maybe I could hook up the tank and fill my icechest up with water to check for leaks and make sure the regs don't free flow. Is there any other things to look for?

MgicTwnger · 07-15-2007, 09:35 PM

I would have a tech look at the reg and possibly the BC before using them. You can eyeball the reg by hooking it up, turning on the air, and pouring soapy water over it (naturally be sure it also breathes!).

BanditDJB · 07-15-2007, 10:14 PM

Thats what I'll do. I'll rent the tank, check for leaks, check the regs and if it looks good when I return the tank I'll ask the guys at the shop if they want to look at it. If they don't have the time to check it out then next time I go on a charter I'll get the scuba shop I do most of my dives with to look at it. The place I do business with would be more willing to help me. If there's anything wrong I'll just have to rent. Either way I will be diving. Thanks for the advice. This forum is awsome!

P.S. I just researched that the regs and bc should be checked by a tech a least once a year so I will definitally get them serviced.