Is B stock a safe bet?

B-stock is checked completely. Sadly, all gear coming off production lines are not checked completely. Having been in the business in the past, I assure you that the best values and most carefully checked products are B-stock and refurbished gear.

Beware of sellers on Agon who list an item as "new" but don't disclose that it's B stock.

Yes.

I like the phrase bet in your title, that indicates a risk, and that's what your are getting when you buy b-stock. I would guess that b-stock gear has a higher chance of coming into another problem down the road but is the discount worth the added risk? I think it would depend on the manufacturer/

Would anyone make a $500 wager that your 3910 will break down within 3 years? No way! Get the b-stock and buy some DVDs with the $500!

I have had good luck with "B Stock", or as they used to say "Factory Seconds". Sometimes it just means that the manufacturer made too many, and needs to clear inventory without reducing MSRP. But do be sure it comes from an authorized dealer. If it was a "demo" it is "broken in" for you.