Buyer beware: Second hand gear

Diving can be a relatively expensive pursuit, on a level with cycling or golf maybe. Buying one’s own equipment may seem like a substantial outlay and the temptation to save might have you on eBay before you know it. But. Will it end up costing you?

Here I will break down some of the second-hand stuff that has graced our service bench, some good, some bad, some to keep you up at night…

First of all, what should you avoid buying secondhand?

Dive computers:

You’ve seen a computer for sale on a certain social media site, looks fine and turns on. The seller hasn’t used it in a while because they’ve stopped diving. You try it out on your next dive, descend and get a low battery warning and it’s died before the dive has ended. You have to end the dive and now get the battery changed. You bring it to me and I tell you that this is an Oceanic computer and replacement battery kits are non-existent.

Or an old buddy tells you to get a Uwatec Aladin because ‘they give you the best times’. Only to find that when it needs a battery change you’ll have to send it to one of two specialists who will charge upwards of £80plus GST , plus postage!

Decompression models change, ergonomics change, reliability improves, features increase, and value for money increases over time in new computers. So unless you get it for free get a new one.

Mask and fins:

There’s nothing worse than a bad mask, a new mask will form to your face and you will have chosen one that fits you well. Older silicone turns yellow and hardens over time, not to mention all the bogies it will have seen.

Avoid.

New masks are not expensive and are usually the first piece of gear you’ll buy. Fin straps will crack and ruin a dive, the material might be old and stiff.

Suits:

Wetsuits loosen over time, material perishes and not to mention the amount of pee that’s flushed through it. A new, stylish and unchristened wetsuit will serve you well.

Drysuits, once in a blue moon a really good second hand drysuit comes around that hasn’t seen the water and has been stored in ideal conditions, and isn’t too old. The best examples are neoprene suits with neoprene seals, beware of perished seals, leaking seams, and worn zips. Latex wrist and neck seal change will cost £110 here, zips and neoprene seals will need to be sent off to the UK and likely cost £200 - £300. Might be worth the expense. Add a boots change, new valves, and some hole repairs and you’ve got a Triggers broom scenario.

Next, what might and might not be a good second hand buy?

Regulators:

Regulators are generally long lived, depending on the make, model, and use. I see sets verging on 20 years old coming through year after year, one owner from new. However, get a make that isn’t supported anymore for service parts or we don’t deal in and you’re stuck. Oceanic, Sherwood, Atomic, Seac, Tusa are no goes. We can support Mares, Apeks, Aqualung, Scubapro, Cressi. Though older models of even these brands may not. You’ll have to account for a service at around £80 plus, maybe some new hoses at around £32.50 each, maybe new mouthpieces at £16 for two, throw in a possible new pressure gauge at £80 ish and you’re not far off a new set.

BCD:

Another one that might be ok but also not. BCDs can start to self inflate or leak, again not all makes can be serviced here, and if its got a hole in the bladder you might as well use it as a backpack.

With BCD and Regulator bundles starting at £545 is it worth the hassle?

Cylinders:

Cylinders are usually long lived, the life of a cylinder can go into the 30 years if looked after. Steel tanks last longer than aluminium. They will need testing, and this can be a roll of the dice as you won’t know what the inside is like before you commit to buying it and then having it tested. There is always a chance it will fail. The older the cylinder is the higher the chance of the valve needing replacing +£50. I’ve seen cylinders from 1980 immaculate condition. I’ve seen ones from 2010 that need scrapping. I’ve seen neck threads that are worn out, and I’ve seen valves that are only just hanging in there! Nothing beats the look and feel of a brand new tank though, they come ready to fill with nitrox to!

Finally, what are you safe getting second hand?

Lead weights:

Weights are a necessity for us, they have an infinite shelf life they’ll outlast you and me. Even if they’re squashed and misshapen you can still put them in a pouch belt or integrated pockets. I use my parents lead from the 1980s that’s been passed along to me and I’ll probably pass it to my diving kids. If you want to be the proud founder of the family weights then have a look at our bundle deal.

 The only reliable way to save money on dive gear is to buy in packages. We’ve carefully put together bundles of all the best value equipment and thrown in things like free setup and a free first dive in your shiny kit.