Brand New -- Got Some, Need Some

[MichaelMc]

On ordering stuff, DiveGearExpress has a good selection and return policy. I've spent a fair bit of money there, and been happy with what I got. Many here also like diverightinscuba.com.

 

[Pittsburgh_Mom]

WOW.....I'm really quite disappointed to hear you were treated that way in a dive shop. Obviously either that person doesn't know what he's talking about or he just doesn't care to do his job properly. Even more obvious from that interaction, the shop just doesn't care to do business and likely won't last very long. I'm the kind of person that would've called him out and then explained why I wouldn't be back. Are you doing your OW through this shop?

And just to point it out.....obviously NO SHOP prefers to do returns, as they're all in business to make money.

Thanks! :-\ What is really sad is that they HAVE been in business a long time. But, I think they're probably partially retired. I unfortunately already had a funny taste in my mouth about them from 3.5 years ago--I had tried to sign up for lessons so I could dive on my honeymoon. After phone tag and email tag for months, I was finally signed up... until they told me they had forgotten and then the class was full. They blamed it on the new instructor's confusion and organization. They outsource ALL of their lessons. I really wanted to give them a new chance/fresh start, but I guess the writing is on the wall!

 

[The Chairman]

Buy the cheapest snorkel if you have to. I only use them for snorkeling.

 

[Pittsburgh_Mom]

Go elsewhere. Even if it means a drive.

As far as gear how often are you planning on diving? Gear maintenance is important, if you aren't going to be able to dive a good amount through the year it might make sense to rent bcd, reg, etc.

Renting doesn't always allow you to get really comfortable with your gear however.

As far as buying things, you should get the mask, fin, snorkel, booties for sure.

Another piece you should absolutely get is a dive computer. It doesn't make a lot of sense to rent one as the shops that do usually charge a good amount for the rental.

As far as buying bcd, reg, etc and traveling, you have to weigh the costs of getting the gear where you are going vs renting the gear you need when you get to your warm water destination.

Flying gear around with you adds a good amount of weight.

My suggestion would be to do the snorkel as well. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. On that note there have been stories of dive boats leaving divers on dive locations, some mentioned on here. In that situation you'll want a snorkel for sure.

Thank you so much. I don't mind a drive. This particular LDS does not seem to have a really big following... the writing is on the wall for sure. This is all really good advice. I plan to get the mask, fin, snorkel, booties. I have not even considered getting a dive computer. I will have to research a ton more. Thank you again!

 

[Pittsburgh_Mom]

Last, but not least. There is another side to this that gets over looked about every time.

Are you absolutely sure you are going to be diving for a good while?

I hope so, of course, but this is often overlooked when people come asking for gear suggestions.

There are a TON of people who go all out on gear and sell it a year or two later at a big loss. As a matter of fact I was eyeing a 1700.00 regulator a few days ago, person only used it once. He's going to lose 40-50% of that initial cost on JUST that regulator. And about the same % on a lot of his other gear. At that point his loss to dive once or even one trip will be in the thousands.

Just something to think about and I hope you do dive for the rest of your life.

This is an expensive hobby, requiring a good amount of money. If you're going to be doing it for years there's nothing wrong with making the investment.

If you're not sure, maybe rent for a bit or look at used gear, and slowly upgrade things. Service for regulators isn't cheap however and this is an ongoing requirement, used or new. Since you're new I think all of this should be in your mind when deciding your gear choices.

If you're doing your referral dives in warm water, Fl might be a good place to go do the dives for your cert and to shop around.

I've been to a lot of international places and most places don't have much in the way of a actual scuba shop just so you know. Florida is littered with dive shops. My suggestion would be to find one with a pool or one that will let you try some gear before buying.

I'm not certain, but I sure hope so. I have done one dive and loved it--it was something I wanted to do for as long as I can remember. Other than that one dive, lots and lots of snorkeling and SNUBA. I am sure I want the basics at least--less sure I want to get the rest of the more expensive stuff right away, but that's also from a general financial perspective just where I am right now (just had another baby, just had to put a whole new roof on the house--adult life is not fun, sometimes, haha). I'll be doing my initial dives up here in PA in a quarry. My husband and I are going to the SCUBA Fest in Curacao in the fall, and I am super excited for it. I think I won't have all of my own gear for the October trip, just the basics, but after another baby (God willing) that will be our last, and then it's back to fun and exploring the world underwater.

 

[Pittsburgh_Mom]

dont know where you are in pittsburgh. shops I go to are B&B diving new castle pa large selection.
scotts scuba in freeport or mars scuba- mars pa

I will have to check those places out. I don't mind a drive! I am towards the east side of the city.

 

[Pittsburgh_Mom]

Buy the cheapest snorkel if you have to. I only use them for snorkeling.

Thank you!

 

[formernuke]

Are far as mask go, as stated above FIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT low profile and black is good for better vis but if it doesn't fit right you will spend your entire dive and air supply clearing it.

Comfortable booties with zip for easy on and off are the way to go. Get high ones 5 or 7mm that way if you decide to do cooler water later you can (my 7mm ones worked great in the Caribbean) get hard soles so your feet are protected walking to and from the boat or for shore diving.

For find I recommend against split fins, open water reaches flutter kick which annoys me as flutter stirs up silt and can damage reefs if to close and no one seems to realize they are too close, learn frog helicopters and back which will make you a lot better reduce air consumption and enable better control in the water, spilt fins tend to not work well for these kicks. You can read here about a lot of fins which work well depending on your needs.

A snorkel hanging on your mask gets annoying real quick, I recommend a foldable one fold it up in your pocket that way if you need it you have it but it is not hanging on your mask.

You definitely need a new LDS, that one is not doing you any favors.

If you love it and decide to buy everything else report back for advice on it.