Best Beginner Package For Scuba Gear

[stargost]

diver supply has different kind of packages that you can customized a little. There are extras to paid for some 'higher-end' stuff, but you can decide.
The premium package has an oceanic delta4.1 reg for 750$.

To get a decent package with a computer, you may need to get to 900$, but it is feasible.

I ended up with almost what i wanted + a wrist computer (manta) for less than 1000.

my experience with them was very good.

 

[shoturtle]

What do you guys mean by deluxe? I think the oceanic package is perfect. Thanks so much for the suggestions!

Deluxe is paying 700 bucks for an aqualung on scubapro reg. Having air integrated wireless computer.

Deluxe is on Oceanic EOS for 400 bucks vs and Oceanic GT3 for 270. They are both excellent regs.

 

[founts]

I have been obsessing over buying gear lately. I have been checking mostly used (hoping that I can save a few bucks, figure out my preferences, and upgrade as needed).

I have been looking at a lot of sites, etc, and finally I got in touch with a LDS (local defined as 1.5 hours away - the in town ones weren't that competitive) and through discussions, and not even trying that hard to lowball them or anything, they put together the following package.

Mares Prestige MRS Plus BCD
Mares Prestige 32 NTT Reg Mares Prestige Octo
Mares Mission 3 gages (with compass)
Mares Puck Wrist Computer

$1200 bucks (Canadian dollars) taxes INCLUDED. Great part is, being close enough to my home, no shipping charges, and warranty work is but a short drive away. The LDS was awesome in answering my questions and very attentive, non pushy, and willing to work within my budget.

I am going to check out the equipment first before buying (all discussion has been via email to this point), but all of it is highly rated by a certain scuba magazine (being top rated in "same class" categories - take that value with a grain of salt) so I feel like I am getting a good deal. Of course, dependant on comfort with it.

Disclaimer as a newbie lurker on the board: It suits my casual OW, non tech, non-deep diving style currently (fresh and saltwater, cold and warm) even though it isn't BP/W (I have been reading a lot of threads here =) I also did NOT just read the one site reviews and thought I was getting the best gear imaginable. I also feel good about supporting a local LDS while getting an equal or better price once all things are considered from a big internet retailer, while on a budget.

 

[shoturtle]

That is not a bad deal, it is mares. So it is a bit more expensive compare to some other brands out there. You might do a bit better with the online shops. But if you feel comfortable with the lds, it may be with the little extra you are paying.

Nice disclaimer