Equipment Choices

[Colliam7]

The Cobra *IS* an SPG on a hose, as part of the computer. If you are advocating a separate mechanical backup SPG, that is a different issue . . .

Good point, my bad. I had a senior moment and confused the Cobra with my old Vytec. I wasn't advocating a separate back-up.

[DivemasterDennis]

I happen to own each piece of equipment you list, but I am not the seller. (not surprising as I have a whole room full of scuba gear) My Seaquest Balance is 11 years old and still in good condition. My Aqualung Legend is 7 years old and I think it is my favorite regulator (among 6). The Cobra was, in its day, the computer to have. I have the service records on all my equipment, and know how many fresh water and salt water hours each has been used. ( hours more important than dives- like mileage on a car ). I would not buy used gear without inspecting it or actually having a qualified tech inspect it. I also would ask the seller to verify how many hours of fresh water and salt water use, as well as how the equipment has been stored and the service records for the bcd, alternate air source, and regulator. Absent reliable information on those things, I would not touch it. If you do go ahead and buy it, do have it checked out,. Likely you will want to have new hoses put on all around, and a new battery in the computer. Now, my personal prejudice is for new gear, every time (except maybe fins, knives, and non-technical accessories). If I do consider used gear, I pick it up at my LDS "trade in trade up" event. They check out everything prior to offering it for sale, and give seller contact info and maintenance history if known. Lots of the stuff is stuff they have serviced. It is kind of important to have good equipment, and if you buy new, you will ultimately save money as your gear will (should)last longer and you will be able to have greater confidence in it because you will know its entire history. I don't own a shop or sell equipment ( as noted above I am a prolific buyer!) but I do recommend everyone have quality equipment that is reliable and properly serviced. I hope you make a good deal but not at the price of your own safety.
DivemasterDennis

[Dive_MeddLeR]

Guys thanks for all the replies!!

The guy is asking $500 for all the equipment. However my wife, voice of all things reasonable, suggests I buy my equipment new because I will get what I want and like DMDennis said I will be way more confident in my equipment knowing the history.

Anybody married knows you're a fool if your wife says to go ahead and buy the equipment new and you dont...

This is now my new go to site for all things diving thanks for the warm welcome!

[ams511]

Anybody married knows you're a fool if your wife says to go ahead and buy the equipment new and you dont

I am not married but have several friends and coworkers that are. Their wives were kind enough to allow them to purchase what they want too. Then the wives went and purchased what they wanted justifying the purchase by telling them well you got what you wanted. So buyer beware.
Welcome to the board

[fjpatrum]

Anybody married knows you're a fool if your wife says to go ahead and buy the equipment new and you dont...

Or they know that they can get more equipment for the same money by buying used. Some of us are poor and can't afford new (even when the wife okays it) and some of us rich but cheap and don't see the justification for the retail markup when perfectly good gear is available used for a fraction of the cost. To each their own...

[OzGriffo]

It's always a gamble buying second hand. But as long as you are willing to take the risk and accept the fact that you may need to replace some if it with new, then go for it.

For example, as a new diver, I just bought a setup on eBay including Aqualung Legend reg set with Cobra 2, AquaLung Pro QD BCD, Slingshot fins, boots, gloves, hood all for $1500 AUD. New they'd cost $4500 AUD and they'd been used all of around 10 times before being stuck in a box for 12 months. Got the lot serviced, and i''ve still got a set of almost brand new, fully serviced gear, for under half price.

Now the second hand DUI drysuit i bought is another story - it needs $1000 spent on it to make it usefull, and then it would still be in ****ty condition. So i consider that money "lost".