DON'T BUY USED SCUBA EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU CALL OR MESSAGE ME...!!!

As it starts warming up, all those that got into diving and only did it once and now have gear to sell you, are NOT doing you any favors.

There are great deals out there, but there are more bad deals. It doesn't matter if they tell you it's never been used, used very little, or meticulously well taken care of... Used has a limited lifespan. Like everything that gets older, sometimes sitting around can make it worse than being well used.

Consider these facts before buying anything used:


Everything depreciates. If you want to put an accurate value on it, take 50% off it's original new sales price, then 10% off of that amount for each year of age.


For example. $100 and 5 years old...


$100 x 50% = $50

$50-$5=$45

$45- $4.50=$40.50

$40.50- $4.05=$36.45

$36.45-$3.65=$32.80

$32.80-$3.28=$29.52


Now, one can always offer more than in this example for something priced in your budget, but don't go out of your way to buy it. There will be another deal you can't miss tomorrow.


O-rings and lubricants dry out. Even new equipment that has never been used will need to be fully serviced. Depending upon the materials used during the manufacturing process, those o-rings and lubricants just sitting inside the equipment can actually damage it over a long period of time.


They say it was just serviced and they have a receipt. Sorry, just like buying a used car or a house (other than new build), you're going to need an inspection. However, keep in mind, an inspection is superficial. If it's scuba gear, it needs to be serviced while it's in your possession.


There is a lot of crap out there! There are ONLY a few brands and models in used scuba equipment that will stand the test of time and I'll recommend. I'm a service technician and an avid diver/instructor who knows how the equipment performs. Buy Gucci and Prada...!!! If you buy Wal-Mart you get shit! Used Gucci and Prada is always better than new Wal-Mart!


There is no warranty! If you buy something used, you must consider it as is! Some manufacturers offer free replacement of some items on a free then prorated basis. That is valuable. Buying something that is 2nd hand and a month old at 80% of its sales price can be a worth it for low priced items -- a $50 flashlight for $40. However, buying a $1,000 dive computer for  $800 and no warranty is not a good idea. $800 is a lot of money. If you are going to spend that kind of money, let me take you to a local dive shop and let's look at what is available. Buying last year's model from a retailer might mean you save $200 and still get a warranty.


If it's brand new, never been used, never been unpackaged, never been registered -- it's stolen! Don't buy it. If it came from a hard working diver that spent their hard earned money or perhaps saved up for it -- it belongs to them. Secondly, if a dive shop employee stole it, you definitely don't want to trust anything they tell you. If you take a close look at some of the scuba bulletin boards out there and the quantity of brand new, never used items, there is only one way that much exists. There are NOT that many people buying new then deciding to never use it.


Don't be afraid to consider the local dive shop first. Sometimes local dive shop's sell things on consignment, sell used, refurbished, and blemishes items at a great savings. Some might still have warranties! Now, with that being said, not all dive shops are created equal. Use your intuition. If the person at the dive shop seems like a used car salesman, leave. Develop a relationship with the people that work there and they'll take care of you. That relationship works both ways. If you go in and demand discounts or get all their advice and go elsewhere to buy, you're a dickhead, and they will not be there for you when you need something.


Not last, and not least, consider your scuba mentor -- me! I want what's best for you. I don't work for the dive shop; I don't work for the guy selling used stuff out of his garage; and I don't get kickbacks, commissions, or incentives by pointing you in any particular direction. I've been in this area for 6 years now. For the most part, I know the dive shops, the owners, many of their employees, and the real in's and out's of the dive industry. That's threatening to some. I trust some because they have your best interest in mind, too. That is the exception.


Talk to you soon...



--carlos




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