2airishuman
Contributor
Hey guys! Im entirely new to scuba! Just like the 700 skydives under my belt, I jist know when Im gonna get hooked with something so I'm gonna take the plumge and buy gear.
Heres what one of my local shops is offering me:
$2500 with tax included
-Knighthawk BCD with secondary
-Suunto Cobra 3
-Atomic B2 sealed second stage with case
-Atomic fins, mask, snorkel
-kevlar gloves
-fourth element boots
-knife
-26 lbs of soft weights
-henderson hood
Thoughts!?!?
Unlike some of the posters upthread, I do not believe in rental gear. I started diving in my own gear, and don't regret that decision. There is great value in training in the gear you will use.
The gear you're getting is good gear, but it is expensive gear. You can get gear that's just as good for less money. There are also used gear choices in some cases that are worth considering. You are also making a high-dollar commitment to some gear choices that you should be aware of. Let's go through some of the higher cost items:
1. BC. The Knighthawk is a back-inflate, weight-integrated BC. It is a premium product. Some other choices to consider:
1a. You may find that you prefer a backplate and wing (bp/w) BC, particularly if you anticipate diving with more than one cylinder at some point. Costs (new) are similar.
1b. You might want a travel BC that is lighter and that packs down better. There are several innovative designs.
1c. Good deals on used BCs are common. Look for newer BCs (less than 10 years old) as they do deteriorate with age.
2. Regulators. You are choosing a BC integrated secondary. While that's a valid configuration, be sure it's what you want. I would suggest considering a bungeed secondary under your chin.
2a. Atomic is a premium brand. You can get a HOG D1 with a classic secondary for half the money, and it will work just as well. There are other good brands too.
3. Computer. You are choosing an air integrated, hose-end computer. While that's a valid configuration, again, be sure it's what you want:
3a. A wrist mount computer and analog SPG would be far cheaper and more flexible. If you have to change reg sets or computers for whatever reason, you don't have to change both.
3b. Some people prefer a wireless air-integrated computer as they can be wrist mounted.
Usually tanks and weights go hand in hand -- if you're renting tanks, weights are usually included at no additional cost. If you're traveling to dive, you may not want weights. If you're diving locally, consider getting a couple of tanks.