Are you supposed to rent from the LDS or one at your destination?

[SharkDiver36]

A regulator is absolutely life-support equipment. BC, fine, you can argue that point but you need air and it does keep you alive.

Rent from the people you trust, bottom line. The only advantage of renting "there" vs. your LDS is if something breaks they can fix it or replace it. I'd rather spend a few extra dollars on gear I've used before, know how to use it (especially the dive comp)and I'm comfortable with then gear I've never seen before.

#1 and #2 considersations for scuba gear.

Comfort and Fit.

 

[GrandpaScuba]

If you are driving to your destination, most divers will rent from someone they trust, locally. But there is no hard-and-fast rule. There are a lot of things to consider. If you are crossing over from the US to Canada or other foreign country, you may find it easier to rent at your destination to avoid dragging scuba gear through customs. This is especially true for tanks.

It all comes down to what you find most convienient and whom you trust. If you are comforatable with a dive shop at your destination, then it can be liberating to not have to pack gear. On the other hand, renting gear before you leave, gives you the opportunity to put it on and try it out before you hit the road.

It's always your choice.