Best Beginner Package For Scuba Gear

[sammyman]

Hi Guys,

I am finally going to take the plunge and buy some gear for an upcoming trip for me and my wife. What do you think is the best gear package on the internet right now? I am hoping to find some gear that will keep my wife and I happy, so we won't upgrade in the future. I am also trying to keep everything under $1200 if possible, maybe closer to $1000 (would be great). For this price, can me and my wife get some decent gear in a bundled package? What do you recommend?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

How long have you been certified. What kind of diving do you plan on doing? Are you talking 1200 each or total. You could do it for that for basic stuff. How are your dive table skills. Cause a computer is most likely out in that range if it;s for both of you. Figure around 400 minimum each for a reg setup. Warm water regs that is. Basic travel bc with integrated weights(not necessary and a pain IMO) another 400 each. I'm assuming you have your fins, masks, snorkels, etc. What about exposure suit?

 

[sammyman]

We have been certified for about 3 years. Been scuba diving in the Philippines and live near Monterey so we go a few times a year. We have full wetsuits and fins/ goggles. We are really looking for a BC/regulator/gauge setup for both of us.

 

[rstofer]

Every scuba shop has 'package' deals. See what's available in Monterey.

There are a number of packages here: Scuba Packages

But there are some of them that have the Oceanic Delta4/FDX10 regulator; the choice of the US Coast Guard, US Navy and NOAA for cold water diving.

Here's one package for men Scuba Packages and the equivalent package for women Oceanic FDX10, Air XS, Hera BC & Veo 180

Both of these BCs are jacket style. There are a lot of folks that would suggest almost anything else but they do tend to work well and provide excellent lift. Others will be unhappy about the Air XS Integrated Octo, and would prefer a conventional octo. But, hey, it's a start.


You can build a BP/W setup:

HOG BP/W with stainless steel backplate $399
Delta4/FDX10 reg $539
Alpha 8 Octo $114
Oceanic Console $170
DUI Weight & Trim Classic Harness $125
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Total $1347

Oceanic MaxDepth Swiv Console
Oceanic Delta 4/FDX10 w/DVT Regulator
Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus
Oceanic MaxDepth Swiv Console
DUI Weight & Trim "Classic" Weight Harness System

You still need to buy lead.

For a little more, you can buy the excellent Deep Sea Supply backplate and wing. For a LCD30 wing, minimalist Hogarthian harness you are looking at $470 instead of $400. With the stainless steel backplate and LCD 30 wing, you are all set for Monterey. The plate is a little heavy for warm water diving but I would use it anyway. This is top of the line stuff. Try $514 if you want the ProFit harness.

For warm water diving (not Monterey), you can save a little money by buying the aluminum backplate (save $100). You might not need the harness because you can usually rent weight belts. Save another $125

That gets you a decent warm water rig for about $1100.

So, packages are all over the place. Pick an online retailer and take a look. In the case of Dolphin, they are authorized sellers of all these items. Warranty cards will be included.

Richard

 

[masterof0]

I am in no way affiliated with them, but you might take a look at Dive Right In Scuba Right now they are running a "lets make a deal" special. You pick out the stuff you want, and send him an email with an offer. If he doesn't like hte offer, he will make a counter offer. I have taken advantage of it already and he is making some pretty good deals.

Give it a shot, worse he can do is say no....

 

[AqueousSapien]

I would definitely check out Scuba Toys. They always have very well priced packages and great customer service.

 

[luckydays]

The best setup for you is the one that fits you best. Both in size and budget. Whether you buy online or go to the dive store. The choice is yours. I am an LDS advocate and believe that in the end, that is the right place for me to buy my gear, you have to shop where you want to and get the stuff that you like best.

The best gear to get is the gear that is going to get you in the water more so you can Meet People, Go Places, Do Things

For a little bit of info... Mike at Dive Right In Scuba is a nice guy and will work with you on price and gear config. Scuba Toys give SBer's 10% discount on your order. Nice people there as well.

 

[Killer&Griller]

Sammy,

I have to agree with Lucky on giving your LDS the first opportunity if you have one. Bottom line is to at least show the courteous act of letting them earn your business. After doing this, a smart shopper will then compare prices both locally and online. You are probably going to find items online that will be cheaper, give the LDS the chance to get close on price...

If the price difference is too much, chances are you are going the internet route. If you do decide to go this way, look at purchasing brands that your LDS carries whereas warranty work will be easier to have addressed.

You also need to make sure the online dealer is an authorized dealer of the product you are looking for...... you want warranty if you are buying new.

Stay away from international internet purchases......... warranty issues may ensue.....

I am not a huge fan of "prepackaged bundles" since they aren't really directed to a divers specific needs. I do sell them if requested, just not a big fan.

If you decide to purchase online because you aren't currently working with an LDS, feel free to contact me.........

 

[shoturtle]

We have been certified for about 3 years. Been scuba diving in the Philippines and live near Monterey so we go a few times a year. We have full wetsuits and fins/ goggles. We are really looking for a BC/regulator/gauge setup for both of us.

Take a look at scubatoys and leisurepro they always have package deals. If you call leisurepro they can package the gear you want if you know what gear you want.

 

[Killer&Griller]

Shoturtle,

LP prices are usually still marked up pretty good, don't you think? Take an example of what Rstofer listed above for gear from Oceanic......

Delta4/FDX10 reg $539
Alpha 8 Octo $114

LP on the Delta 4 / FDX10 for $439
Oceanic Delta 4 FDX10 Diaphragm Regulator with Environmental seal, Black with Swivel

Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus, Yellow for $115
Oceanic Alpha 8 Octopus, Yellow

Same prices from ST....... $439 and $115

You should be able to package that together for quite a bit less from an Oceanic dealer like myself and I am sure other shops price accordingly, no? I package those two myself for around $410, together. I get the online purchasing but an LDS will still work with you most of the time. Then again, maybe I just see it a bit different having both a store and internet sales. Either that or I have excepted I will never retire from what I make selling dive gear....

My point is it still pays to shop around, there are better prices on the net then LP or ST most of the time....... Just find a retailer that isn't worried about building his 200 1/2. (used to be 401 before our present downturn)