From what I know of Paypal, that as long as you register a complaint on this purchase within a certain time-frame (I think 3-6 months) then you have a very good chance of getting the money back. Best to check the Paypal site for more information.
Open a dispute with paypal, and let them know you have tried to make contact but cant.
It sounds like he's gone from the site because hes selling bogey gear, in which case ebay, and paypal will know about him. Pretty much a cut and dried case, you should get a refund without much hassle..