Dear Annie,

Is it ever OK to buy used dive gear? How do I know what to buy new versus used, and how do I make sure it is safe to use underwater?

—Smart Buyer

Dear Smart Buyer,

Thanks for asking these important questions. When purchasing gear, safety needs to always be the number one priority, especially if the gear is used. Our scuba gear is life-support equipment that needs to be maintained properly throughout its life. With that said, there’s a plethora of places advertising used gear online, from eBay to Facebook Marketplace and everywhere in between.

You need to be very careful purchasing used gear, even if it’s advertised as brand-new or like-new, because it might have been sitting unused for years. Often dive clubs or local divers have gear swaps, or friends upgrade gear and sell their used gear. It’s best to buy used gear from someone you know and trust, allowing you to take it to a local dive shop for an assessment before buying.

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In my area, the Pacific Northwest, many divers wear drysuits. Before buying a used drysuit, you will want to do an air check, valve check and zipper check. I’ve seen used drysuits advertised for $350, which seems like a great deal, but if it needs a $350 zipper replacement, new valves and seals, it becomes buyer’s remorse.

Neoprene accessories like hoods, gloves, boots and wetsuits break down over time, especially when unused or stored improperly. You will want to ask questions before purchasing, including how old the equipment is and how it has been maintained. I run a program for kids and teens in my community, and I have a lot of people who want to donate to my program. The neoprene donations often come stiff with frozen zippers and need to be recycled. With that said, I know a lot of people who find bargains on wetsuits at secondhand stores for water activities. For diving, we really need to be comfortable, and the wetsuit needs to fit properly. So if you buy used neoprene, make sure it’s not old.

I’ve seen regulators for sale online from companies that do not exist anymore, as well as very old models you can’t service because you can’t get spare parts. If you’re going to purchase a used regulator, understand you will need to get it serviced by a reputable dive shop or dealer before use. Check to ensure the manufacturer still makes parts for it too. An overhaul will cost $100 to $300 or more, depending on whether the first stage, second stage or alternate air source needs an overhaul kit. A new regulator can cost $300 to $1,000-plus. You can find deals on used regulators, but always build in the service price and overhaul kits. When you add it up, it’s sometimes better to purchase new from your local dealer than get used gear you don’t know.

BCDs are another large-ticket item often seen in the used-gear market. You’ll want to make sure you do your due diligence before purchasing one, especially in relation to the bladder. The integrity of the bladder is maintained when it has been rinsed and stored properly. Valves often need to be replaced every few years, so you’ll want to make sure the manufacturer still exists and that you can get spare parts for servicing. Ensure the Velcro, ribbing and releases all work and that it fits properly with the appropriate lift for your exposure suit.

Accessories such as dive slates, double-enders, DSMBs and reels can be purchased used. I’d be wary of purchasing used or like-new masks, snorkels and fins as many online are from the big-box stores with gear that caters to the disposable snorkel market.

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It’s possible to find some great used-gear deals, but I’d recommend tapping into friends who dive and are looking to upgrade their gear rather than trusting an online used-gear site.

All instructors and shop owners want to get their students into their own personal gear because when you own your equipment, you dive more. If you opt to purchase used gear, be smart about your decisions and always remember to get it serviced at your local shop before diving!

Ask Annie

PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer Annie Crawley answers your most pressing questions about dive etiquette, training qualms and gear analysis with zero judgment and a whole lot of lived experience.

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