Shasta_man
Contributor
EBay notifies all LDS of all cheap purchases, so look out, air is going to cost you a bundle. Better pick up a compressor on the cheap too! LDS' can also detect that defiant gleam in the eyes of cheap purchasers, so wear shades when entering their domains.
Cheap or where you got it isn't the concern. Whether it works and is reliable is the primary concern. Those qualities can be had anywhere, but you need to know how to evaluate it. Then you need to know how to handle when it fails. Since a new diver is going to be low on both those abilities, it makes sense to seek help. That doesn't mean paying double but can equal LDS unless you have more than one intelligent diving friend to assist. Even then, LDS can be the way to go. Fit is very important.
Don't buy a bunch of gear at once is quite valid. You need a few dives to get over the 'honeymoon" period and different gear can have subtle noticeable differences. Then as you dive, you'll learn likes and dislikes and pros and cons. And you can look at the crazy setup on the guy suiting up in the parking lot. THEN you spend the big money...meanwhile, rent a bit, get educated.
Cheap or where you got it isn't the concern. Whether it works and is reliable is the primary concern. Those qualities can be had anywhere, but you need to know how to evaluate it. Then you need to know how to handle when it fails. Since a new diver is going to be low on both those abilities, it makes sense to seek help. That doesn't mean paying double but can equal LDS unless you have more than one intelligent diving friend to assist. Even then, LDS can be the way to go. Fit is very important.
Don't buy a bunch of gear at once is quite valid. You need a few dives to get over the 'honeymoon" period and different gear can have subtle noticeable differences. Then as you dive, you'll learn likes and dislikes and pros and cons. And you can look at the crazy setup on the guy suiting up in the parking lot. THEN you spend the big money...meanwhile, rent a bit, get educated.