Opinions on buying new vs. used equipment?

[hyoctane]

So I wrapped up my certification this weekend, it was an absolute blast! I can't believe I waited this long... I was able to dive in Devil's Den (underground spring) and in the Gulf off of Sarasota, FL for OW. Now I'm looking to begin collecting the equipment I need (ie: BC, reg, gauges/computer, etc).

What is your opinion on purchasing used equipment such as primary reg, bc, computer/gauges?

I've found a $300 new-in-box Atomic B2 reg that I'm probably going to pick up, however, I'm still on the fence to whether I should invest in all new equipment or previously owned?

Thoughts?

 

[The Chairman]

Depends on your commitment to diving. I have bought some used tanks that worked out for me, but most of the other used gear just didn't work out for me.

 

[hyoctane]

Depends on your commitment to diving. I have bought some used tanks that worked out for me, but most of the other used gear just didn't work out for me.

Considering I have always wanted to get certified and grew up on the bay/Gulf, I'm going to get out as much as possible -- this isn't going to be a passing fad for me.

Thanks for your opinion!

 

[redacted]

With good used gear going for 15% to 50% the cost of new gear, it is a great savings opportunity if you do your research into what to look for. And, if you are still diving 5 years from now, you will be replacing much of it anyway.

 

[kanonfodr]

I put together my latest BP/W setup for about...$350. That includes both singles and doubles wings, take either one off and the price drops by a hundred bucks.

I really have no problem buying things used. If you buy used regulators, have them serviced immediately, that's about it. Everything else in the scuba market is fairly robust so unless someone really abused their equipment it should be fine. I have only bought one of my 10 or so tanks new, that was my AL40 I use as a pony. Used tanks can be had for amazing deals, and steel tanks are typically more desirable for both bouyancy/trim characteristics and also their life expectancy (typically...forever).

But whether you buy new or used, do your research, try some things out, and don't be in a hurry.

Peace,
Greg

 

[Noob@40]

When I was first certified I got a used kit together for about $600. It took some shopping around and some dealing and I was taking a chance on not liking my equipment down the road. However, this did the following things for me:

Saved me rental price on every dive.
Allowed me to practice diving without changing my dive setup every time.
Saved me time and fuel (I live within 20km of 5 dive sites but my dive shop is 30km in the other direction)
Allowed me to be available to dive at a moment's notice (If you want we can go now. I have two tanks of air ready)

Since my gear has more than paid for itself in rental fees alone, it owes me nothing and I can replace it as I see fit although I have had good luck with it and will continue to dive it.

Just remember to have any used gear checked out and serviced as necessary.

 

[randy88k5]

I got all of my gear, except wetsuit, previously-owned. My LDS has a used equipment section. I picked up a reg setup, computer, fins, mask, and boots. Gloves, knife, and hood came from my father. I found a BC and back-up regulator set-up on Craigslist. Now just need some tanks.

I saved a ton of money getting used equipment. I would check things out before you buy them, and have regulators serviced immediately. I would definitely recommend used equipment.

 

[Garrobo]

All your gear will be 'used' five minutes after your first dive. I have three Catalina tanks which I bought used, a Mares computer which was used once, a set of Force Fins used, a couple used wetsuits, all of which I have used for about four years and 200 dives with no problems. Oh yes, some used lead weights too.

 

[halocline]

Depends on your commitment to diving. I have bought some used tanks that worked out for me, but most of the other used gear just didn't work out for me.

What does commitment to diving have to do with it? I think that would be a factor in whether or not to buy gear, but it has nothing to do with buying used vs new. I believe the biggest impediment to buying used is knowledge and experience. I know a lot about regulators, so I have no hesitation to buy used, and in fact I would not buy a new one. But my first reg, as a new diver, was new. That's because I did not have the knowledge or experience to confidently buy something used.

 

[fnfalman]

Buy new if you don't mind shelling out the extra bucks and if you can afford to do so.

If not then buy used.

Part of the fun is to be the first one to break that mutha in. If that doesn't turn your crank, then buy used.