Question: Used Scuba Gear... how do i know what to ask?

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Answer #1:

First question I'd ask is, have the cylinders been serviced/tested recently (ideally within the last two years--test stamps on the cylinder neck should give dates)? If not, when was the last time they were, and can the present owner provide proof of that? (NB Dive centres won't fill cylinders that don't have valid test stamps, so without them cylinders are just very heavy paperweights.)

Same question goes for the regulators, gauges, Spare Air and BC inflators. General recommendation is that these should be serviced once per year (ask to see dated, itemised receipts for professional servicing). If they haven't been, they may not work very well, so you might have difficulty reselling them, or using them yourself--unless you're willing to pay for the servicing.

Second question, how much diving has this gear done? (More dives/hours underwater = lower resale value). A related question might be, what are the SCUBA qualifications of the previous owner(s)? (Higher qualifications, e.g. divemaster/instructor ratings, might imply that the gear has seen heavier use, but likely been better maintained than if the owner were a less-qualified/experienced diver)

As for price, if you bought all this stuff new, I can well imagine it costing around $2000-3000. You can check online dive stores for exact current prices, but here are some ballpark figures. Cylinders would be $100-150, a reg system $200-300, and a BC about the same. Spare Airs $80-100. Of the neoprene, a 2-piece wetsuit would probably be $150-300, depending on brand/build quality. Hoods, booties and gloves would be $30-40. Masks are generally $30-50, fins $40-80 and snorkels $20. A big chunky UW torch could easily be $80-100, and a game bag $30-40.

I would offer up to a max. of $1200-1500 (i.e. half new price) for everything, depending on how well-(ab)used the gear is, and how much needs servicing. If it's brand-new and hardly used, I might be inclined to offer a little more (but not as much as for new, obviously). If any of the 'high-pressure' items (cylinders, regs, gauges, Spare Air, inflators) need servicing/testing, the cost to you of getting it serviced/tested (ask at your local dive shop) should be subtracted from whatever price is being asked.

If you have the chance to look over the gear in person before taking possession, check the following: Check that BCs inflate easily and stay fully inflated for at least 1 hour (or immerse in a big bucket and watch for bubble trails, i.e. leaks). Check all straps, buckles, zips, etc. for fraying, cracking, or corrosion/sticking. Faded colours on the neoprene, BCs, or fins imply that the gear is old, has seen heavy use, or has been left out in the sun too often (not good). If you are not a diver yourself, ask an honest friend who dives to come and look over the gear with you. Reduce your offered price accordingly (or reject that item) if you find any problems.

Good luck.





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