What diving equipment is safe to buy used?

My dad’s approved lessons for me! Yippee!

But I have to buy all my own equipment and purchase lessons. Considering that I’m on a limited budget – a very limited budget – I’m not above looking at used equipment. Actually most of my stuff will probably be used equipment.

I don’t want to buy anything that’s not safe or not particularly hygienic. (I’m thinking I want a new respirator at the least.)

I also don’t want to buy anything terribly out of date. Have dive computers improved much in the past couple years?

And is there a definite list of absolute essentials for diving, and stuff that I could probably hold off on? (I’m not planning to dive beyond about 20 feet for a while).

Also, what brands and features should I keep an eye out for?

Thanks
*Regulator, not respirator, doh!

Pretty much anything but your first stage and your octo.

your BCD, wetsuit, fins, dive comps, tanks should all be fine, though I would want to get an annual inspection done on all the above at a competent Dive Shop….. but that is standard procedure, period.
Make sure tthat tanks have been properly pressure tested, etc… and you are good to go.

Anytime you are doing something that cutting corners could equal a rather uncomfortable death, I would not do so.

PLUS, my firend, I cna hook you up with brand new top line regs at used prices, …. just use Divers Supply. Great gear, usually at half what the local stores charge. I have had nothing but top notch gear and service out of the one in Charlotte, but since they are a Mail Order firm… they ship anywhere.

When it comes to your Regs… by brandname, at the very least..it’s peace of mind.. and my recommendation, since you need to get them srviced annually ( unless you get certified to do them yourself ) is to call around and see which brands you have reputable dealers for nearby, so that getting maintenence is a jiff.

My personal first choice for a reg is the Mares Abyss, which will handle ANY conditions you can throw at it, and I believe can be obtained at Divers Supply for around 350.

You know how to contact me… you got ANY questions about dive gear Leafy, just hit me up on IM.

Diving is still my favorite passion and hobby, and with several hundred dives in most conditions logged…I got a good idea for what works in real world and less than Ideal conditions, as opposed to what the average Rec Diver buys.

You buy good tech rigs… even used ( like my Mares Synchro-Tec BCD ) and it will last you your entire life, no problems.

For basics…check HERE:

www.Divers-Supply.com
For most gear I am a big fan of Mares, Tusa and Aeris.
but… to be honest… I find that really on my guages, regs and dive comps need be brand name… and truth to tell… unless you are a Tech Diver… I dislike getting Newbies into using Dive Computers. It’s better to get used to being able to figure things analog, because I don’t believe in putting my safety at the whims of a battery.

Even if you do break down and buy a Comp. Learn To Dive without one first….. they are not essential, and you can always add it later.

For Suits.. I use pretty much exclusively Diver Supplies Sea Elite brand… as they are half the price of a name brand, and mine has lasted fantastic for almost 8 years now. Again… alot of stuff… you can buy from this company NEW for the price of used gear.

Your biggest areas you will find big savings in the used market is in BCDs and Tanks ( bloody tanks ccost a mint these days ) .

As for your BCD.. I completey recommend a back infaltion over the cheaper and more Recreationally Popular side inflates, preferably one with integral weight pockets.

It will save you the hassle of buying a weight belt ( the less gear, the better, in diving like all things, follow the KISS principle., and the back inflate gives you a more “natural” bouyancy, making streamlning far easier, and therefore, making maintaining your depth and easier, and making you less prone to wasting air both with swim effort and readjusting your BCD. As stated..you find a good Mares Synchro-Tec ( used I bought mine for about 200-250 7 years ago ) you are set for life.

When it comes to tanks.. I am a big fan of hi=pressure steel. Yes, they weigh more than Aluminum, but they also are more neutral bouyancy wise. As your aluminum tank empties, you will have to adjust your BCD… not so with a steel. Also, you wil be able to use less diving weights.

For your fins, definetely go for the split fins….or something like Tusa’s Tri-Flex. Also, stick to strap ons. They cost more, but they fit better and are more rugged. Good fins really reduce your kick effort, and again, that will maximize yoru air conservation.

When it comes to masks….. I have used most very well….
BUT XS Scuba may well be the best steals on the market. I own several VERY expensive Mares and Tusa masks, and oddly enough, I always go back to my 35 dollar XS scuba Fusion mask.

When it comes to gloves.. pick what fits best for you, I have not really noticed any difference overall in glove.

For boots… get teh mid calf, they will give you great protection from unforeseen crap underwater, and i absolutely LOVE Deep See’s Orca line. I bought a pair of their Orca Purge 6 years ago, and have never looked back.

Just as important are good knives. Get a nice one for your leg, but prefferably one you can strap around your thigh. Your lower leg is the part most likely to get caught in something, and that is why it is the worst place to store your Dive Knife.

I also suggest keeping a medium price foldign knife in your BCD. Gerber makes some good serrated ones in the 20-30 dollar range.

For Guages.. I personally prefer Aeris.. but any good 2 guage will do. Getting one with a compass is fine, but I prefer to keep mu compass on my wrist, right next to my watch.

Which brings me to the important note…. DO NOT skimp on a good dive watch. You don’t have to buy some 700 dollar full feature one…. but look at a good 100 dollar watch with adjustable bezel… most good stores carry them. You rwatch and your oxygen guages are your best friends.

And from here..t eh rest are sundries to be bought ont he sale table mostly… your suasage and the like.. no real need most of the time to have expensive tracking gear… but also make sure you got a good Diver Down flag to fly when you ar e under.

If I think of anything else.. I’ll edit… or you cna ask me on IM.

***Goindkinkn… gee.. the reason you dont buy used Regs ( unless they are rebuilt by a reputable manufacturer ) is common sense.

YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT, and you are trusting that the seller took proper care of them. Your life is not worht saving a few bucks on. ANY reputable instructor will agree. Maybe you should have asked yours.

As you yourslef stated… buyer beware. Common sense, when dealing with a novice is still to Keep It Simple Stupid. So instead of leading her to waste money looking at potentially worthless gear, I essentially told her what you neeeded to ramble on for 5 paragraphs to get to.

oh..and I forgot to list second stage with the first and octo.
You wanna risk you life on thrift store dive gear.. that’s your business.. I just hope I never have to dive with you.

Also, There is much to this convorsation you are not privy to, so I would recommend you keep your (ill formed) opinion on the matter, and your TD to yourself.

How to Assemble a Scuba Diving Regulator

Stainless Steel Shark Bottle Opener Key Ring $5.00 Stainless Steel Shark Bottle Opener Key Ring Show everyone that you are a SCUBA Diver with style. Also check out our other creative diving gifts for yourself or that Scuba diver or Snorkeling Enthusiast you know….

Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener $90.20 Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener Chances are you’ve heard it said ‘a sharp knife is safer than a dull one’. We believe this quote originated from first hand experience and find it to be true. The Sharpmaker was Spyderco’s first product, which we made and sold before getting into the knife business. It’s true — First we made things sharp, then we made sharp things.The Tri-Angle Sharpma…

Amphibious Outfitters Shark Head Coffee Mug by Fine Art Mugs $10.95 Amphibious Outfitters Fine Art Mugs Shark Head – Select regular or two-tone print. Holds 11 ounces of your favorite drink. The newest Scuba Accessories and Scuba gear products from slap straps to Scuba Tank nets and many Scuba Diving gifts and accessories. We offer all Innovative Scuba Concepts, products from A to Z…

Jeppesen Sport Diver, Video 1: Using Skin Diving Equipment: Mask, Snorkel and Fins, 1e [VHS] $60.00 …

Jeppesen Sport Diver, Video 2: Using Scuba Diving Equipment and Diver Information Devices, 1e [VHS] $8.50 …

Diving Equipment at the Coast with Cruise Ships, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands $29.99 Panoramic Images Diving Equipment at the Coast with Cruise Ships, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – Photographic Print

Diving $13.99 Diving – Poster