Oceanic Versa Pro - worth £130?

[soldave]

I've got the chance of getting hold of a 2nd hand Oceanic Versa Pro dive computer. It's in excellent condition and seems a very good dive computer. But is it worth the £130 the guy is asking for it?

Any advice would be much appreciated

[chrisch]

Probably not would be my view. Do you specifically want this model?

A new Apeks Quantum can be had for £199 which is only 60 quid more. It will give gas switching as well.

I am not opposed to 2nd hand kit - a lot of mine was/is. Computers though can and do go wrong and the guarantee is reasuring. I would not pay more than half new price for a old one, in fact to be honest I personally would not buy a used one at all, but then we have just sold the house and I can afford it!

My old Oceanic Data max has just (last week) given up and the Apeks is on my buy list when I'm in the UK next month.

If you want the Oceanic specifically and really can't afford a new one at least ask for a dive with it first and check it reads the same depth as your current depth meter and works OK.

Chris

[soldave]

Thanks for the advice. I'm not really after that model - I'm just looking for a relatively cheap, no-frills dive computer. I'm going to Japan to live in just over 2 weeks and was trying to get hold of a dive computer before I head out there. I had a Suunto Favor S before, which was just fine for me, but then I sold it at the start of the year as I needed the money. Realising now that was a bad mistake!

[chrisch]

Japan eh? Sounds great - hope it is what you want! I have always wanted to visit. From my research I think there is some good diving to be had.

Have you checked Japanese prices? I thought that sort of stuff was cheaper there?

I would also add a 2nd hand purchase sounds less attractive if you cannot go back to the vendor and moan cos you're thousands of miles away!

Best of luck to you.
Chris

[soldave]

It should be a great place to live and dive - I'm going to be in Okinawa which is the best place for diving. I did learn to dive last year when I was living in Maldives though, so am a bit spoilt!

Have checked Japanese prices, and dive computers start at around £110. The dive gear is pretty much the same as here, price-wise. I do agree with your advice about getting something 1st hand, or at least 2nd hand when I actually get out there.

[BJ]

I think you will find the Apeks Quantum is made in Japan by the same company that makes the Dive Rite Nitek series and the Cressi Archimede. All very good (and IMHO) safe computers.

[soldave]

That Apeks Quantum looks pretty nice. A little above what I wanted to pay, but hopefully I'll be able to pick it up a little cheaper in Japan.

[chrisch]

Just read some stuff about mix in Japan. Evidently Nitrox and Mix are hard to come by and most diving is on air. Nitrox seems to be illegal in some areas!

Might be worth checking before you go!

Best
Chris

[soldave]

Well all my diving has been with air so far, so don't mind if my dive computer is air only