Best fin/snorkel packages?

[Dbomb119]

Just signed up for ScubaBoard like 5 minutes ago.

Taking a certification course in Decemeber and then going to St. Croix in January for the open water certification. An early Christmas/Bday present for the girlfriend (Not to mention - expensive).

Researched the differences between different types of fins and masks/snorkels. Now for the burning question... is a packaged deal a better way to go for the sake of fund consumption, or buying the fins/masks separate the right route? I know for myself, I will probably go diving more than my gf, but we still want some decent gear. I have been reading up on the Mares, Oceanic, Cressi, Tusa and other brand names, but I am leaning more towards buying the packages. Anyone have any insightful opinions on the following or have any input/websites/product recommendations while considering that my budget is now limited to about $300 for the masks and fins?

Great deal on TUSA IMPREX PANORAMIC PACKAGE from Divers-Supply.com

Great deal on EDGE CRUISER MASK SNORKEL FIN PACKAGE from Divers-Supply.com

Great deal on MARES QUATTRO PACKAGE from Divers-Supply.com

I know I'm limiting myself to this website, but the prices seem too good to be true. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

*Note: I forgot to mention that I am purchasing gear for myself and my gf, so $300 is the budget for both of us. We will be renting the computers, regulators, air-tanks when we get to St. Croix

Thanks!

 

[texgal@heart]

Check out the packages at Scubatoys. snorkel, mask and Tusa split Fins right around $200.

 

[lastbornjoker]

U may want to take some time and go to the lds and try some masks on. The most expensive masks r not always the best.When it comes to masks fit is the most important thing. Another good website to look at is leisurepro.com also But i would recomend buying from lds if you can aford it they will help u out a whole lot more.
good luck and be safe.

 

[Nick_W]

Yeah, you're going to want to try some masks on before you buy one. There are few things worse, in my opinion, than an uncomfortable mask.

 

[Damselfish]

If a package happens to contains fins mask & snorkel that you like and fit properly, great. It might happen. But there's also a good chance that won't be the case, and you will wind up returning them and wasting a bunch in shipping. Or in a year find you're replacing the fins you don't like or the mask that doesn't quite fit right. Better to pick out what you want and then try and negotiate a similar discount on your "package," some places will.

You really need to try on masks, and you need to know how to make sure they fit. It's possible to go into a dive shop and try on every mask they have and have none of them fit right, I've done it. It should stick to your face with a gentle inhale, no strap, with a regulator or snorkel in your mouth as that changes the shape of your face. For snorkeling you can get away with stuff that isn't a perfect fit, but for diving you will regret it.

 

[scubatoys]

The packages you listed above all don't have booties either... so you'd have to buy those too... and it is nice having a bag to carry things. We have a 10% discount for scubaboard members, so that would make this package only $180 with split fins, bag, defog, snorkel, boots, mask strap, etc...

X-Pert Zoom Dive Package, Packages: Personal Gear, ScubaToys, X-Pert Zoom Dive Package

 

[Dbomb119]

Thanks for all the advice!

I will check out the local dive shop and try on all the masks I can.

If the prices are ridicilously over-priced, I'll be sure to stop by scuba toys.

Thanks again!

 

[diversteve]

Ok, really none of those are the deals that they would like you to believe. All items are shown at list price to inflate the supposed discount.

Click on each item listed as part of the package to see the current Divers Supply price for each item. The first package actually saves you about 8 bucks, the second is your best deal at around $70 savings except that Edge is an entry-level brand.

In fact the last deal could currently be purchased separately for $134.95 vs. their "Package" price of $139.95. So you're losing $5 buying the package.

I agree with the others, fins/boots/snorkel you could probably get away with buying on-line but you both really should try on the mask. A leaking mask just makes it that much harder to focus on the skills training you should be during your OW classes.

Not knocking Divers Supply, I'm a past customer of theirs.

 

[Ice9]

Just understand that you will likely huck your snorkel as far as you can throw it by the time class is over! I do almost every other weekend...

 

[rawls]

Yeah...Go use a local dive shop to try on stuff then go buy it online...great:admin::lurk2: