Diving gear is essential to every underwater adventure, and it’s more than just equipment—it’s your life-support system beneath the waves. From the regulator that delivers air to the wetsuit that insulates your body, each component must be reliable. For many divers, especially beginners or those building a spare set, second-hand diving gear can offer a cost-effective solution. But buying used isn’t as simple as finding a bargain on a marketplace—it requires inspection, knowledge, and understanding of what’s acceptable and what’s not. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the process of buying second-hand diving gear, complete with examples and real-world comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
Why Consider Second-Hand Diving Gear?
New diving gear can be pricey—quality regulators, BCDs, and computers often cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Second-hand diving gear offers a more budget-friendly alternative, especially for new divers or those upgrading slowly.
Example:
A new Mares Rover 15X Regulator might cost $400+, while a well-maintained second-hand one could go for $180. If serviced and functioning properly, the performance difference is negligible, making it a smart buy.
Moreover, purchasing used gear is eco-conscious. Reducing demand for new manufacturing helps limit material waste. Think of it as diving sustainably while saving money.
1. Know What Type of Diving You’re Doing
Before shopping for second-hand diving gear, identify the type of diving you intend to do. Recreational reef dives require very different gear from deep, cold-water, or technical dives.
Example:
If you’re diving in tropical waters in Bali, a 3mm wetsuit may suffice. However, for wreck diving in the colder waters around Japan, you’d need a thicker wetsuit or drysuit, and a regulator with cold-water protection.
Understanding your diving environment helps you prioritize what gear is most critical and prevents unnecessary purchases.
2. Inspecting Second-Hand Regulators
The regulator is perhaps the most vital piece of diving gear, and its integrity must never be compromised.
Checklist:
- Look for visible corrosion on the metal first stage.
- Check hose flexibility—brittle hoses need immediate replacement.
- Ensure mouthpieces are intact and replace them if they look chewed or worn.
- Ask for the last service date and see if the seller has a record or receipt.
Example:
A seller offers an Aqualung Titan regulator for $150 but cannot provide a service record and the hoses feel stiff. In this case, factor in another $80–$150 for servicing at a dive shop before considering it a good deal.
3. Evaluating the BCD: Function and Fit
The BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) helps you stay neutrally buoyant and carry your tank. Used BCDs can be excellent purchases, but close inspection is crucial.
Test It:
- Fully inflate the BCD and leave it for at least 30 minutes. A slow leak indicates a damaged bladder.
- Check shoulder and chest straps for fraying or loosening.
- Test dump valves and power inflator for responsiveness.
Example:
If a second-hand Scubapro Glide BCD inflates and holds air without leaking, but the inflator button is sticky, you might need to replace the inflator ($50–$70). If everything else is in great shape, it’s still worth considering.
4. Dive Computers: Modern, Functional, and Supported
Second-hand dive computers can save you hundreds, but only if they are still supported and functional.
What to Check:
- Screen clarity—look for cracks or water damage.
- Buttons—should click cleanly and respond on-screen.
- Model support—ensure firmware updates are still available.
- Battery type—some use costly non-replaceable batteries, others are USB rechargeable or changeable by the user.
Example:
A Suunto Zoop Novo with 60 dives logged, working perfectly, and a fresh battery is a great second-hand find. But if the same model has a scratched screen and you can’t see the depth readings clearly, it’s not worth the risk.
5. Wetsuits and Drysuits: Comfort and Condition
Wetsuits lose insulation over time as neoprene compresses. Always inspect the elasticity and stitching before purchasing.
Key Points:
- Flex the neoprene—if it feels stiff or brittle, skip it.
- Check seams and glued joints—peeling seams compromise thermal protection.
- Zippers should glide easily without catching.
- Examine neck and wrist seals on drysuits for cracks.
Example:
A second-hand 5mm Cressi wetsuit might look new externally, but if the knee area is permanently compressed or the zipper teeth are missing, it won’t perform well underwater.
6. Masks, Fins, and Snorkels: Simple But Significant
These personal items are often resold in dive sets, but not all are worth keeping.
Masks:
- Ensure the silicone skirt is soft and not yellowed.
- Check for cracks along the frame or where the skirt meets the lens.
Fins:
- Inspect buckles and straps.
- Look for cracks at the foot pocket or blade edges.
Snorkels:
- Check for mildew and make sure purge valves (if present) work properly.
Example:
A second-hand TUSA mask and snorkel combo for $40 looks clean, but the mask’s skirt is stiff and won’t seal on your face. That’s a fail—don’t compromise on comfort or functionality.
7. Dive Tanks: Only With Certification
Tanks are critical diving gear but can be risky if poorly maintained. Unless you’re buying from a dive shop or technician who certifies its condition, it’s often better to rent.
Checklist:
- Ask for the hydrostatic test date—must be within the past 5 years.
- Look for visual inspection stickers.
- Inspect the valve for corrosion.
- Feel the tank—rust flakes inside are a major red flag.
Example:
A steel tank for $90 with no recent hydro test is essentially scrap unless you’re willing to pay another $60–$100 for testing and servicing.
8. Ask for a Complete History
Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the diving gear’s backstory.
Questions to Ask:
- How often was it used?
- Where was it stored—climate-controlled garage or humid shed?
- Was it used in saltwater or freshwater?
- Did the owner rinse it after every dive?
Example:
A seller who says, “I used this once in a freshwater lake and rinsed everything thoroughly” is far more trustworthy than someone who shrugs and says, “I don’t know much about it—I found it in storage.”
9. Try Before You Buy When Possible
Fit matters with diving gear. If you’re able to attend gear swap events or local dive meetups, you can try on wetsuits, test BCD inflation, and inspect regulators firsthand.
Example:
You go to a dive expo and find a BCD that feels perfect—but when inflated, one side sags due to a pinhole leak. You saved yourself money and trouble by testing it in person.
If buying online, ask for high-resolution photos and request close-ups of problem areas like hose ends, seams, and zippers.
10. Cleaning and Transporting Second-Hand Gear
Before using any second-hand diving gear, sanitize it properly:
- Soak mouthpieces in a mixture of vinegar and warm water.
- Use neoprene cleaner for wetsuits.
- Scrub off salt and sand from BCD valves and zippers.
Transporting your gear properly also extends its life. In urban environments like Singapore, where car space is limited, many divers are turning to creative transportation solutions.
Example:
As urban mobility solutions evolve, ebike Singapore could be a potential solution to transporting goods, users can customising their rides with waterproof bags and storage racks to efficiently transport their diving gear to the pool or the coast, all while cutting down on carbon emissions.
11. Servicing Your Gear After Purchase
Once you’ve secured your second-hand diving gear, take it for a professional check-up. Especially for items like regulators and BCDs, servicing ensures performance and safety.
Example:
A dive shop charges $80 to service a used regulator set, replacing O-rings and inspecting valves. That small investment can make a $150 used regulator function like new—making the total cost still lower than buying one brand new.
Conclusion: Make Informed Purchases, Dive with Confidence
Buying second-hand diving gear is not only economical but also environmentally friendly—if done right. It’s crucial to understand what to inspect, what to avoid, and when to walk away. Always prioritize function, safety, and fit over savings.
With careful inspection, a bit of research, and thoughtful questions, your pre-owned diving gear can become a reliable partner on countless dives. Make each purchase with confidence, knowing that you’re equipped not just with gear—but with knowledge.
