Took the plunge and bought equipment

[Pongo1998]

Went ahead and bought our own equipment, hope it wasn't an expensive mistake. Not sure if we should have rented for a couple years or not.
Aqualung Lotus i3 and Dimension i3
2- Atomic B2 regs
2- Aqualung Mikron Octo's
2- SPG
Want to get computers later

 

[jar546]

Congratulations. You will enjoy diving more when you own your own stuff. As a newer diver you won't have a constant learning curve with rental gear each time you dive.

 

[yogen]

Just did the same. Had preferred to rent as carrying gear on flights is not convenient. 50+ dives on rental should cover the cost of buying..

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I agree. When I was first certified, I bought everything, and as a result I felt compelled to be an active diver all the more. I used my new stuff in certification classes and for three years after, over 120 dives, and then started upgrading and adding stuff. While there are plenty of places to rent quality gear, there is nothing like having stuff that you are familiar with, have the confidence in that comes from knowing its use and service history, and that FITS. Good for you.
DivemasterDennis

 

[nolatom]

I echo Dennis. buying new gear right after cert made me "have to dive" in order to "get my money's worth", since I'm a cheap b@$#@rd, it was like you have to run this race since you already paid in advance.

What it meant was I got involved with the sport right away and stayed involved. Folks do seek the 'perfect' gear, but I still use my original "pretty good" stuff, and find it's quite adequate. I think any decent gear that fits will serve you fine. Mine still does almost 13 years later.

 

[Zesty]

Now that you are past the painful part Here are some other "goodies" that I consider pretty standard add-ons (assuming you have fins / mask / snorkle / wet (and / or Dry) suit):

1) dive-alert whistle
2) cutting tool(s)
3) dive torch(es)
4) safety sausage
5) your own weights (at least in the Great Lakes, it is assumed you will bring your own)
6) save-a-dive kit (o-rings, extra mouthpiece / zipties , extra mask strap, exta fin strap, allen wrenches, adjustable wrenches, DUCT TAPE, etc)

It all goes to being safety concious and self reliant

Oh yeah - by the way you did it right getting your own gear - you will get comfortable with it and because you have it, you will "incourage" yourselves to use it more!!

 

[Pongo1998]

Yeah, we have our own wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels. I to am a cheap bas@$&d. I don't know, maybe just buyers remorse. It was just alot of money.
Another question, it take me about 16 pounds of weight to get me down. Is that to much, am I doing something wrong? The other things I will add as I go. Still need the computers and thats expensive too. Glad I did it for same reasons as others have stated just really hurt to write the check.

 

[TSandM]

Having your own gear will make diving more attractive and easier, and the more you dive, the better you get at it, and the more fun it is. Enjoy your new gear!

As far as weighting goes, it's dependent on exposure protection, type of BC, and type of tank (and to some degree, on body habitus and composition, too). 18 lbs might be high for a fit person diving with no wetsuit or just a shorty, and would be too little for almost anybody diving in Puget Sound.

 

[fjpatrum]

Pongo, congrats on buying your gear. Don't accept buyer's remorse... it never bodes well. You bought what you bought, now go and use it!

As for weights, it takes what it takes. Only you can tell for sure whether it's too much or not enough. I wear about 19-20 pounds when diving cold water (with 14mm of wetsuit) and an AL80 tank. In warm water, I can wear just my plate with a couple of extra pounds, which puts me around 8 pounds in a 4/3 wetsuit with 5/3 hooded vest and the same tank. People I've dived with so far pretty much double that for the same exposure suit... You need what you need. Don't overweight, but don't underweight either... both can cause serious problems.

 

[grantwiscour]

Congrats on the big purchase plunge...i know how it hurts. Now it's time to get wet and start using your nice new gear. The buyer's remorse will go away quickly but the memories and skills will last a lifetime.