Scuba stuff in thrift stores.

[Jax]

Both bottles were marked "Nitrox Only," so I'm not sure about what kind of issues I might run into trying to get them filled with normal air. They looked fairly new, and had their first stages still.

If someone is interested in them, I can head back over there on Monday and see if they still have them, and look for more particulars. I might also just call my LDS Monday and see what their policy is on filling bottles marked "Nitrox Only."

Yeah, if they aren't open on Sunday, I'd appreciate you grabbing them for me. I won't be able to drive up until after work.

 

[Web Monkey]

You really need take a look at how you were trained. There is no such thing as a nitrox tank that you cannot use air in. Air is nitrox. 21% nitrox. All that sticker means is that if you put air in it and it is not nitrox compatible air you would have to get it O2 cleaned IF you planned on using nitrox in it again and it was from partial pressure blending. Ie put O2 in first then top off with air. This is basic OW stuff we are talking about. Those bands are a just another way for some places to make money. All you need is a vis sticker and current O2 clean sticker for enriched air. Any shop that tells you different is just trying to rip you off.

The "Nitrox" band means that at some point, the tank might have contained something other than plain air. Or Not. It's pretty much meaningless, except as a signal to non-nitrox certified divers that they're probably grabbing the wrong tank.

However, since the tank will need to be emptied and inspected and probably cleaned, and may need a hydro test before use, it really doesn't matter if it says "Nitrox", "This End Up" or has smiley faces on it, since the stickers will all be removed anyway.

In any case, taking a poke at the OP's training for not knowing about the various stickers is completely inappropriate. According to his profile, the OP is AOW certified, not Nitrox certified and would have no way of knowing about the various sticker meanings, aside from VIP.

Terry

 

[MBD0607]

For great deals, I keep an eye on the paper for Estate Sales. I've been pleasantly surprised a few times on items that are in great shape, and dirt cheap when compared to brand new. Garage sales are another avenue (depending on where you live).

Pawn Shops are another source, but you need to do your homework before you buy (what the price is new; costs for repairs or new parts, what the price is for used in the area, etc).

Plus, I always keep in touch with the "New BC/Regulator/Computer" of the week guys (you know who they are). Good deals are out there, you just have to look.

 

[cdolphin]

You really need take a look at how you were trained. There is no such thing as a nitrox tank that you cannot use air in. Air is nitrox. 21% nitrox. All that sticker means is that if you put air in it and it is not nitrox compatible air you would have to get it O2 cleaned IF you planned on using nitrox in it again and it was from partial pressure blending. Ie put O2 in first then top off with air. This is basic OW stuff we are talking about. Those bands are a just another way for some places to make money. All you need is a vis sticker and current O2 clean sticker for enriched air. Any shop that tells you different is just trying to rip you off.

wow. harsh.

 

[DaleC]

Thrift shop/ garage sale finds:

New Sea Tec horsecollar BC $20
Steel 72 & army backpack (circa 1950) $10
ABS Campac & wing $10
Weight belt & weights (circa 1950's) $5
Sp Mk6/109 $5

Masks:
Oval (circa 1960's) $2
Oval (circa 1950's) $4
Us Divers wraparound (2X) $12 & $5

Fins:
Jets $10
Rockets $5
Voit ducks $5
Spearfishermen $10
Technisubs $10

Snorkels:
Fallaron $2
Nemrod $2

Many many books.

 

[Doc]

The tanks and a lot of stuff you see can be a bargain, but you also have to snicker when you see a ratty steel 72 on a hard plastic pack (with a Sportways Navy Model Regulator) priced at $200.

When you see prices like that, insist that the snorkel be thrown in for free.

If, however, you can get a Bend-o-Matic for $3, by all means, have it.

 

[joystershell]

The tanks and a lot of stuff you see can be a bargain, but you also have to snicker when you see a ratty steel 72 on a hard plastic pack (with a Sportways Navy Model Regulator) priced at $200.

When you see prices like that, insist that the snorkel be thrown in for free.

If, however, you can get a Bend-o-Matic for $3, by all means, have it.

Hey! Don't make fun of my old dive gear!

 

[TimAZ]

My wife and I like thrift stores, because you never know just what you might find in them. We've gotten some really great deals prowling such establishments over the years, and even made a few bucks snagging things and reselling them on eBay.

We were browsing one here in Tucson today, and saw two Nitrox pony bottles for sale. The one that was obviously pony size was $50, and the second one, which was kind of between the pony size and a standard tank, was $75.

If I was a nitrox user, or planned on becoming one anytime soon, I'd have been tempted to grab one or both.

Anyone else spot some interesting scuba stuff in secondhand shops?

If their hydro dates are current, they may be worth it. If not, well, not.

 

[matts1w]

You really need take a look at how you were trained. There is no such thing as a nitrox tank that you cannot use air in. Air is nitrox. 21% nitrox. All that sticker means is that if you put air in it and it is not nitrox compatible air you would have to get it O2 cleaned IF you planned on using nitrox in it again and it was from partial pressure blending. Ie put O2 in first then top off with air. This is basic OW stuff we are talking about. Those bands are a just another way for some places to make money. All you need is a vis sticker and current O2 clean sticker for enriched air. Any shop that tells you different is just trying to rip you off.

Wow.

 

[Jax]

If their hydro dates are current, they may be worth it. If not, well, not.

Really? What does a hydro cost, nowadays?