You shouldn't feel pressured to buy gear. I didn't own my own gear for awhile after my ow cert, and even then, I bought a friends used gear until I knew what exactly it was what I wanted. I ended up going with the bp/wing set up. You should try out different gear and see how you like it. Alot of shops will let you test dive gear in the pool that you are thinking of getting. If you find something you like and don't like the price, you can always go to ebay and get some second hand stuff. Just make sure that you always have gear serviced that you bought on ebay. Ask the seller questions prior to bidding. I'm not suggesting that you take business away form your LDS, but I don't see anything wrong with buying a used bc until you know what you want to thrown done the big bucks on at your LDS.
Have fun in your class and let the instructor know that you will buy your gear when you are ready!
Have fun in your class and let the instructor know that you will buy your gear when you are ready!