Second Hand ScubaPro BCD

[divnamite]

I was given a second hand ScubaPro BCD. From all the posts and rumors, ScubaPro has warranty for only original owner, therefore, I can't get it serviced by any ScubaPro certified technician. Is that true? It just seem silly to me that such rule exists.

[MSilvia]

You won't be able to get FREE service, but you'll still be able to get it serviced.

[divnamite]

What do you mean by "FREE" service? I expected to pay for the labor, I also need to pay for parts, is that what you mean?

[mheaster]

I too have inherited a used Scubapro BCD and Regulators (OK, I purchased 2nd hand).

I have had no problem PAYING the LDS to service this stuff. No problem!

My method, wave fists full of cash and they are very responsive! lol
Works everytime!

Mark

[divnamite]

Yes, waving handful of cash works everywhere Anyway, since I only service it prolly once per year and since my life depends on it, I'll cough up the green.

[DiveMaven]

If it looks like you'll need warantee service, ask whomever gave it to you to take it into the shop for the service.

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Is it really necessary to service BCs annually? I mean if nothing is wrong...if it holds air and the inflator works, then you're good to go. BCs are so simple that swapping out an inflator or even patching it isn't a big deal. It's just a fancy baloon.

But I don't really consider it life support equipment either. I've had a ruptured BC and it was in no way life threatening. Diving used to happen just fine without BCs. The key element with a BC seems to me to keep that inflator mechanism good and clean...really flush it after every dive well.

Now, regs, I service religiously...they usually work worse afterwards for a while, but I do it

[divnamite]

I rather be on the safe side, I know the BCD was taken care of because I know the guy who gave it to me. I think getting it inspect is probably more appropriate. If the cost isn't too much, then having it done every year is good investment for me anyway. I definitely service my regulator more often than I probably should. Also, since I'm gonna start diving in NorthEast, wreck diving especially, I definitely want to make sure my gear work properly before I enter the water.

[mahjong]

Scubapro's warranty would give you free parts replacement, but you would always pay for labor anyway. I'm not sure an annual servicing of a BC would entail replacing any parts, if everything looked good--unless of course you were using an Air2 rather than a standard power inflator (if there's a kit for the standard power inflator, I have never seen it--but there might be). Even if you're not the original owner, SOME Scubapro dealers will not charge you for parts on servicings AFTER the first nonwarranty servicing, as long as you bring the gear back for its annual within a year. Always good to have your regs serviced annually, esp if you're diving the NE--and it would be great if all technicians and all servicings were reliable and thorough, but they are not. Make sure your technician has a good track record, esp servicing Scubapro gear.

[Hoosier]

SP BCD only comes with two years warranty, not lifetime. Their lifetime warranty only applies for the seam area. Like anyother warranty period, it is very hard to need some warranty job before two years.... Depending on your LDS, some LDS doesn't care about BC annual service no matter where you bought from because the most job is a labor related, not part....