Personal bank loan

[Bob DBF]

...my point was that a loan might make sense if one was a pro (especially if just starting) as the equipment is then sort of an investment for future earnings.

One can rationalize almost anything. Taking a loan for expensive equipment needed for a "job" that has no to minimal future earnings is an expense, not an investment. The myth of the well paid dive professional in a tropical location is sold a lot more than the reality.



Bob

 

[Joneill]

One can rationalize almost anything. Taking a loan for expensive equipment needed for a "job" that has no to minimal future earnings is an expense, not an investment. The myth of the well paid dive professional in a tropical location is sold a lot more than the reality.



Bob

Again, my point was hypothetical and, obviously, the investment argument would only make sense if the work paid enough to give you a return on it. I figure most would get that basic promise? I guess not?

BTW - I have no idea what tropical dive pros make nor did I suggest it was a lucrative profession...

 

[sunnyboy]

... I only buy one brand, because people look goofy wearing a different brand on every limb. I buy Scubapro because deep down I want the best!

Um, please repeat: "No one cares except the sales person". I know that sounds harsh but it's the truth.

The sooner you embrace the FACT that there are many excellent brands of dive gear and they are all pretty much equal, the happier you will be. Plus, then you can concentrate on getting the most affordable gear.

Also - even if you DO manage to buy all one brand today, I can pretty much guarantee that if you are still diving in 10 years you will NOT have brand purity.

 

[Charles2]

Here's a thought - At 70 years old and the way I see it, if I can borrow more money than I can possibly pay back in the next thirty years and spend it all on scuba gear, travel and diving, it will virtually be like living and diving until I am 100. I'm all in!

 

[Wookie]

Scubapro isn't too expensive. I don't need all the gear, I only need 3 pieces. I only buy one brand, because people look goofy wearing a different brand on every limb. I buy Scubapro because deep down I want the best!

I wear what fits best and works best for me. Oh, BTW, I've spent well over a million dollars on dive equipment since I got certified 21 years ago. I have over 6000 dives. I will compare who "looks" goofier any day. I'll even come to Dutch for that, as I have any number of friends who can help judge.

Scubapro is a fine brand. I don't happen to own any anymore, because as I evolved I found that there were other fine brands that did a better job for me, and I refused to buy into some myth about how my gear looked on me. As any true diver knows, trim, buoyancy, and streamlining make the diver, not brand.

 

[Uber Dave]

Come on....life is short...GO for it!!!

 

[cburgert]

Wearing multi brands is like wearing a PADI shirt, a NAUI hat, and SSI shorts all at the same time.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Scubapro isn't too expensive. I don't need all the gear, I only need 3 pieces. I only buy one brand, because people look goofy wearing a different brand on every limb. I buy Scubapro because deep down I want the best!

Hilarious!
Scuba Pro has done their job very well.

 

[scubafanatic]

Scubapro isn't too expensive. I don't need all the gear, I only need 3 pieces. I only buy one brand, because people look goofy wearing a different brand on every limb. I buy Scubapro because deep down I want the best!

If all it took for me to not look goofy was to take out a small personal loan, I'd consider that a bargain!

 

[gopbroek]

I'm getting a kick out of this thread as I am at work doing a little OT to pay off the most expensive thing I have ever purchased for Scuba. When I head down to Cozumel in a couple weeks my fellow divers will be shocked to see me with some new, as opposed to eBay used, equipment. I actually have a new DGX wing and SS backplate rig coming in a couple days for which I have traumatically gone into hock for, to the tune of $325.
At least I am working the OT by looking at Scubaboard, which helps alleviate the trauma.