Second-Hand Dive Gear

Buying Considerations by Nicolene Olckers

Learning to scuba dive can be daunting; in most cases, new divers must plan their finances to fund the endeavour. The course costs and buying your scuba gear is an investment that not all buy into. Having your own equipment saves you money over time, and making good choices will guarantee your underwater adventures for years to come.

The offer of used and second-hand scuba gear on online sites has grown into a significant business. Many sellers peddle their used, unwanted and old equipment for what sometimes seems like a bargain. On several of these platforms, we often find warning messages of buyers and sellers scammed or conned out of their gear or money. It can be a pricey affair. Wise up about a few payment methods and be aware of possible scammers.

This is why we would say: don't buy second-hand gear. New scuba gear is an investment that will serve you a lifetime if you look after it. New equipment is manufactured with new technology and is easier to maintain. This is not only more specific to dive computers and gauges. So let's dive in and look at that second-hand scuba gear you bought to see what it would cost to safely take it on your first underwater experience.

FIRST STAGE & OVERALL LOOK

When you purchase second-hand gear, there are always risks involved. You will need to know what you are looking at and be sure to do your research in the same way you would when buying new equipment. Most scuba centres and instructors will prefer you to purchase new gear. There are several reasons to do so. You would say that they could make a neat profit, and yes, they have to; otherwise, they would not be in the business of scuba diving and dive training. New scuba gear utilises the latest in all technologies. Internal working parts are made of better quality brass, stainless steel, O-rings and Teflon seats. The designs are improved to last longer if taken care of properly.

When you purchase a second-hand regulator set, the best is to make sure that it is serviceable. Nothing is more frustrating than having a car that has to be in a service centre because they can not find the parts to do the repairs. The same goes for your regulator. This is even more important because your life will depend on the equipment in prime working condition. Thus if the seller says it was serviced, ask for proof, and if they can't provide it, best walk away. If you have proof, check it and test it again to be sure. Most scuba equipment manufacturers require a certified service technician trained to service and repair the specific brand. An old regulator could delay servicing and repairs if the dive centre has to shop for the correct fitting spares. It might be that the regulator model service kit is discontinued by the manufacturer. Sometimes, the brand is no longer supported, and service kits are unavailable.

SECOND STAGES
 
The same goes for the demand valves, octos or second stage. Small things can cost a lot to have repaired or replaced. Broken face plates, cracked housings and missing exhaust covers will all add to the bill of fixing a second-hand set. Here again, buying new is best. The mouthpieces are made from high-quality silicone rubber, which is softer on your teeth and jaw. Modern mouthpieces are more ergonomically designed to better fit in the divers' mouths and are more hygienic. You can also have these custom-made if you ask your dental practitioner. To service, a complete regulator set, including service kits, labour and dependant on the brand, can cost from R1200 upwards.

GAUGES & DIVE COMPUTERS
 
When are dive computers too old? There are many excellent dive computers on the market, and I suggest you buy this as a new piece. New dive computers are far more accurate, and the algorithms are updated with new research to back them up. Their battery life is better optimised, and the lighting system is vastly improved. Older dive computers will need a new battery, and some will require it to be sent out of the country to Europe or elsewhere, which could be costly. You might need brand-specific computer software to download the dive log or recorded data. This can be problematic if the software is outdated and no longer compatible with newer operating systems from Windows, Apple or Linux.

In some cases buying a second-hand dive computer could be dangerous to your dive safety. The last thing you want to discover is that the dive computer is not in working condition while diving. Used computers often have faulty or broken depth sensors, which can only be tested in water under pressure. Most used computers require battery changes and strap replacements, adding to the cost. Analogue depth gauges are much more straightforward, which makes it easy to spot a broken or damaged gauge.  

PRESSURE HOSES
 
Most divers will know that two types of hoses are fitted to their regulator set. The high-pressure hose that connects the first stage to the air pressure gauge is as essential as the low-pressure hose that links the regulator to the air supply of your cylinder. It might look great, but once it is connected to the high-pressure air supply, this becomes evident with hissing air leaks. Hoses have a limited lifespan indicated by manufacturers printing the date of fabrication on the hoses. The life expectancy of most hoses is, on average, 5-years. Equipment regularly used should be routinely checked for wear and tear or damage. Be aware that broken or faulty hose connections can be hidden under hose protectors. The cost of new hoses depends on the type of hose. High-pressure or low-pressure hoses and material compositions such as Kevlar reinforced and braided hoses will also affect the cost of getting your regulator dive ready.

CYLINDERS

Scuba cylinders hold the air that we breathe. The cylinder strapped securely onto your BCD is the one thing many divers neglect to consider as an integral part of their equipment. Scuba cylinders are either steel or aluminium, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of type, they should be visually and hydrostatically checked and serviced. The legalities of this differ from country to country. Most test facilities will inform the owner of problems and irregularities in a report. Cylinders that don't adhere to the stresses and guidelines of the required tests will be condemned. Visual and hydro testing of cylinders does not include valve service; on second-hand cylinders, the valves are usually very neglected or damaged.

PARTING THOUGHTS

Owning your own scuba equipment contributes to your safety in several ways. The equipment you buy is more apt to fit just right, and you're more likely to become familiar with how it's configured and how to use it. Above all, new scuba equipment will motivate you to dive more and plan those exquisite dive holidays that will make it stand out on your social media posts for years to come. Having your own equipment fitted to you will make you a better diver and make you want to learn more about diving and the underwater world. You don't need to buy it all at once. If you are cash-strapped or need help deciding what equipment to invest in, consider renting dive equipment from dive centres and resorts you plan to dive with until you are ready to take the next step.