Better to buy or rent?

[cal2632]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Its always better to buy. BUT...

My husband and I are just starting out (doing our OW dives the first weekend in June) and with all these start up expenses, I just can't see buying a BC, reg, and really good computers. I know I'll be renting the BC & reg, so my choice is this - I can buy a low end computer like an Aeris Atmos 1 or we can just rent. We only plan to be once or twice a year divers. For the limited diving we'll be doing, would rentals be ok?

Thanks

 

[Bob3]

If you're only going to be diving a couple time a year, you really need to get out & dive more often!
Renting would probably make the most sense, though it's a very good idea to be proficient in your dive tables in case you wind up somewhere w/o computers.
Resort style diving has a tendency to push a person to the ragged edge of the NDLs, so you have to be on your toes.

 

[DandyDon]

Life is short, don't push your luck...

I sympathize, but only a little. I like to see a diver own his own BC & Octo-Reg, so s/he can know it well, service is properly, and trust it. Renting is more cost effective, if, though, if breathing is optional. If you're going to rent, rent from the same Locel Dive Shop, and carry it with you.

Also buy a Safety Sausage, Storm Whistel, and 4 Weight Belt Keepers each. $25, and you'll learn why in time.

 

[rab]

Mona,
You don't say whether your certification dives will be local or not. You also don't say where you expect your annual diving to be. If the environments aren't similar, you may be wise to rent the wetsuit at the dive site (or from your Local Dive Shop and take it with you). I have to agree with DandyDon about the BC and Reg/Octo though. It takes a few dives to begin to get familiar with your primary equipment and if you're renting, you aren't likely to ever really get comfortable with the equipment. You definitely want to have your own way to track your bottom time and depth. The depth guage might be part of your console or on a computer (whether wrist or console). The timer can be a simple ("cheap") water-resistant watch (my backup timer is a 50m-resistant Timex that was <$10 at Wal*Mart). The safety equipment isn't a bad idea either. (I'll admit that I still need to get a safety sausage for my own however.)

Where are you taking your classes? I did mine at Underwater World in Deerfield Township with certification dives at Gilboa Quarry last fall.

-Rob

 

[FengShui]

One thing I have found is that it's often hard to find computers in some tropical locations. For example, I could only find one dive shop on all of Maui that would rent computers when I was there last summer. Most of the dive boats there provide computers, but if you're looking to have some for shore diving you might be better off just buying a cheap nitrox-capable computer.

 

[Hank49]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Its always better to buy. BUT...

My husband and I are just starting out (doing our OW dives the first weekend in June) and with all these start up expenses, I just can't see buying a BC, reg, and really good computers. I know I'll be renting the BC & reg, so my choice is this - I can buy a low end computer like an Aeris Atmos 1 or we can just rent. We only plan to be once or twice a year divers. For the limited diving we'll be doing, would rentals be ok?

Thanks

I have'nt seen many dive operators that supply computers. But most of my experience is in SE Asia. If you're going to be doing multiple dives for more than a few days it would be a wise investment. But I agree with DandyDon. The whistle, sausage (or balloon) are also not standard issue at most dive shops I've seen. And when you need these, you will be very glad that you have them. Hank

 

[cal2632]

Rob,

We're taking classes with Cincinnati Dive Center on Winton Rd. We'll be doing our certification at Gilboa. <Brrrrrrr>

My instructor has offered to loan me a 7mm suit for Gilboa. I'd like to get all my own equipment, but if I pay for that I won't be able to afford to go anywhere to dive for 2 years! I guess what I'm picking up from all these replies is to save my pennies and buy the good stuff when I can. (And be proficient at the tables).

Thanks to everyone for the good advice & Rob, I've forwarded your private message to my husband. Thanks!

Mona

 

[DandyDon]

Okay Mona,

• Rent your BCs and Regs from the same LDS until you can buy - as they'll be more dependable that you'll find outside of the US, and you'll hopefully get the same modes each time, getting to know them;
• Buy a safety sausage, storm whistle, and 4 belt clips each;
• And consider buying your own skins & wet suits. They're pretty economical - and I like wearing one no one else ever peed in. I got my 7 mil semi-dry jumpsuit from Bob3, post #2 above; he's got a direct order business advertised here on SB somewhere, but just PM him, if you'd like.

 

[Web Monkey]

The safety sausage and whistle are good ideas, as is a strobe and tank-powered air-horn (can't remebber the brand name).

However, I give up on the weight belt keepers. What would that do that a half-twist in the belt wouldn't?

Terry

Life is short, don't push your luck...

Also buy a Safety Sausage, Storm Whistel, and 4 Weight Belt Keepers each. $25, and you'll learn why in time.

 

[DandyDon]

The safety sausage and whistle are good ideas, as is a strobe and tank-powered air-horn (can't remebber the brand name).

However, I give up on the weight belt keepers. What would that do that a half-twist in the belt wouldn't?

Terry

(1) I'd rather see them saving for BC & Reg than spending on a strobe and air-horn. Have you ever used 2 CDs glued back to back, or heard a Storm Whistle...?

See this ad: http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1862&prmenbr=946

I think that L-Pro is too high on that, as I paid less elsewhere, but boy - :11: are they loud.

(2) Web belt clips don't slip. I've seen too many newbies loose too many weights off of web belts, even with the half twist. At best, the weights still move around on the belt. Sometimes you take your weight belt off in the water before boarding, and this a loss that can be dangerous to those below. On the boat or dock, a 5# weight can really mash a toe! $4 for 4 belt clips is a small thing. I've never personally used mine, but I carry them in my bag.