Supporting my local dive shop(s) is frustrating
- Thread starter ssssnake529
- Start date
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drk5036
Contributor
So, can you tell us what specific gear you're interested in buying, so we can at least tell you if your LDS is ripping you off? That seems relevant to your initial post.
OP
ssssnake529
Contributor
Sure. I guess that this thread has changed direction from me whining about the LDS business model to a critique of my gear choices, so why not?
I really don't think that any of the LDS are trying to rip me off. Most of them just want to sell me their standard "welcome to scuba" package that pretty much mirrors their rental package.
Here's my current list: The list for my wife looks almost identical. Some of this stuff is already purchased. Some is still being decided on.
Lightweight, back inflate wing--style BCD: Aqualung Rogue or Dive Rite Hydrolite or Cressi Lightwing
Trim weight pockets
Atomic ST1 Regulator (DIN) with Atomic Din to Yoke Converter
Atomic SS1 safe second inflator and/or Atomic TI2 Octo
Garmin Descent MK2i watch/computer (integrated air)
Garmin T1 transmitter (for integrated air)
Scubapro Synergy 2 Twin Mask
Scubapro Seawing Nova Gorilla Fins
OMGear roll up snorkel
Fox Tecnoreef dive knife with kydex sheath
Eezycut Trilobite cutting tool
Akuna Nomad booties
Seac 3mm Shorty wetsuit
Probe Frogskin insulated top and bottoms
Rashguards
Sealife Micro 3.0 camera and light set
Whistle
DSMB with reel
Mesh dive bag
Waterproof bag with spare batteries, tools, repair stuff, etc. to keep on the boat.
Mask defogger in a small dropper bottle
Julius SCHMIDT
Contributor
That all looks decent and I can see where all the money is going with a camera set thrown in as well as a Garmin and transmitter.
Ok, since we can't talk you out of buying before cert let's see if we can save you some money.
All atomic regs have the same excellent build quality and design and breath the same the only difference is material all will likely outlive you and your wife. Get the z series reg and octo for you and your wife instead.
Hold off on the camera for sure. All of us will recommend that any diver not bring camera or spear gun (especially speargun) when they first start. The reason being is you don't need distractions when you first start and having one will slow down your learning curve significantly. Work on bouyancy and getting comfortable in the water first, once you have that then start taking pictures of the cool stuff. Once you reach that point only one of needs a camera.
I prefer bpw with back inflate being second place I hate jackets but that is my personal preference. Do you ever see yourself doing cold water diving? If so the light weight BC's might not have the lift for drysuit diving.
A couple of other things wouldn't be my personal choice but that is just my preference.
See more here.
My advice to new divers
J&J is so much cheaper
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