How to - buying used regulators

[Sbiriguda]

Hello, I read the stick thread on the regulators checklist (very informative)
I would like to make some tests on my understanding of how to buy regulators...
My idea would be to buy second hand but like new regulators of reputed brands like Apeks, Scubapro or Sherwood in order to save some money. Or otherwise downgrade to Mares, etc. and buy it new but at a lower price.
1) Do you think it is a good idea to buy old regulators out of production but used like new? Perhaps new models have little changes apart from lesser features

I found this one for example
Erogatore Sherwood Blizzard SRB5900 - Sports In vendita a Milano
Sherwood Blizzard SRB5900 at 100 EUR (about 120 USD), never used in water and with price tag attached (if we want to believe the ad...)

2) Apeks would be my first choice, I found this one
Attrezzature sub inutilizzate - Sports In vendita a Milano
How much could it be a fair price for Apeks ATX 50 and ATX 100 if in good conditions?
I live in Italy, which means I could use Apeks in relatively cold water, but also in warm ones when traveling abroad
Thanks

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd buy a Mares regulator LONG before I'd buy a Sherwood especially if I am living in Italy.

If I were to buy a used regulator, I'd only buy if it were top of the line current regulator in excellent condition. Certainly, not a used out of production and out of date regulator.

 

[runsongas]

1/4 or less of new cost if the reg looks well used and no documentation of last service. 1/3 to 1/2 of new is reasonable if very little use or has documentation.

 

[Sbiriguda]

As for Apeks, they told me:
Apeks ATX 50 for 160 euros
Apeks ATX 100 for 190 euros
Sounds good if the condition is really good

 

[Sbiriguda]

It seems in Italy you can buy new Scubatec regulators for the same price of used Apeks. Experienced divers in Italy consider their quality comparable to Apeks. They are less known and less common abroad anyway, and this could be an issue in case you need to search spare parts or maintenance. Or in case you are an instructor and you need to justify why you chose an unknown brand for the diving school, as I heard from Italian instructors. Anyway if the Apeks I spoke about above will prove to be not so new I will consider Scubatec

 

[snowdog61]

Buying used is always a crap shoot unless you're buying from a shop or from a close friend. Buying from a shop will likely kill the savings you were hoping for by buying used in the first place. First recommendation is to buy an IP gauge (even if you buy new) so you know what is happening with your system pressure. Checking it occasionally will give a good indication if you have issues and if you need a simple adjustment or a rebuild. Lots of information for ~$20.

 

[Littlerayray]

My suggestion on buying used regs would be if someone could provide proof of regular annual or bi annual service records or provide info on which shops did the servicing

 

[ams511]

I would not recommend a new diver to purchase used gear because in general they do not know what to look for. Also you need to factor in the cost of a rebuild if it has been a while since the regulator was serviced.

With the information you have given, I recommend the Techline/Scubatec regulators. They are new and don't require a rebuild. I have not seen these regulators in person because they are not sold in the USA, but look to be similar to the Taiwan imports sold in the USA under various brands.

 

[BoltSnap]

Techline/Scubatec regulators

This one brand or two different companies? I know about Techline in Poland but not sure about "Scubatec."

 

[ams511]

This one brand or two different companies? I know about Techline in Poland but not sure about "Scubatec."

It is scubatech. I forgot the h. Yes, one company.