Posted by Steve on December 27, 2001 at 14:31:12:
In Reply to: New diver here. Need help on choosing new/used equipment. posted by Blue Dolphin on December 27, 2001 at 00:30:57:
Blue Dolphin:
"I prefer to purchase used equipment as much as possible."
If your budget says used what can you do.
You know you need mask, wet suit, fins, BC, tank, regulators, snorkle so no need to wait if you find a good bargain. Good bargains will always resell. Recycler purchases you may be able to check out locally first before plunking down your money. Be careful with tanks, they can go bad with age and need to be hydro tested every five years and visual tested yearly. A new AL80 might be a good bargain over a 6 year old tank. If you buy a used regulator get in serviced right away so you will be okay for one year. Jacket BC's are perfectly fine, some our local divers don't use a BC just the backpack. But I don't recommend that, you may evolve into that but having the safety of lift from any bladder system is helpful.
Steve