Posted by Eric Frasco on September 06, 2001 at 09:14:40:
In Reply to: New to diving and looking for good used gear posted by Julie on September 05, 2001 at 17:32:36:
Julie:
Did you ever think to ask at the dive shop where you got certified if they ever sell off thier rental/pool gear?
There are two advantages here, first you would be getting the same gear that you got certified in so you would be familiar with its fit and operation. Secondly, a reputable shop would do a thorough servicing of the equipment before letting it out the door, so you would know that the gear had been checked out by a professional.
Another thought would be to wait until the shop has its annual sale (most shops now have two or three "annual" sales each year now).
Finally, most used gear that is being sold is due to the fact that it holds little or no value to the original owner. It could be that the owner decided that they didn't like diving (but if they were happy and comfortable with their gear, that would be unlikely). It could be that the owner upgraded to newer gear (but then you'd be buying older gear that may be obsolete or of inferior quality).
Most divers that are active and dive regularly don't sell off old gear if it is in good condition and is reliable. That gear usually gets stored away and brought out as spare equipment when the primary gear goes into the shop for annual servicing. Or it gets taken along on boat trips as back up gear in case there is a problem with the primary set up.
Bottom line is beware of bargains. If the price sounds to good to be true, it probably is exactly that. You usually get exactly what you pay for.
-Eric-