My son and I are going to begin our open water certification class is a couple of weeks. What can we look forward to in the way of additional expenses, such as equipment. Thinking of starting with the basics such as mask, fins and maybe regulators. Any suggestions of what are a resonable good make/model that we should consider?
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Welcome to ScubaBoard.
This is a common question among new divers.
Here are my thoughts. Find a mask that fits – Price should not be the main issue. Ask your LDS (Local Dive Shop) to let you try several before buying one. My mask costs $45 and does not leak a drop. My wife went through 10 masks before she found one that fits good and does not leak.
Buy the cheapest snorkel you can, once certified, chances are you will never use it again.
Fins, don’t spend a ton of money yet. Just get some that fit well and if you continue to dive, sooner or later a fin type or style well call on you.
Regs, don’t go super cheap here. Again, check what type your LDS sells and services. If you get something they can’t service, you will regret it. 99% of the reasonable priced regulators will last years with proper maintenance. ScubaPro Aqualung Oceanic Mares Apexs Zeagle Sherwood all make good stuff.
You may even look here for good some deals Gear / Equipment Classifieds or Hot Deals
This is a common question among new divers.
Here are my thoughts. Find a mask that fits – Price should not be the main issue. Ask your LDS (Local Dive Shop) to let you try several before buying one. My mask costs $45 and does not leak a drop. My wife went through 10 masks before she found one that fits good and does not leak.
Buy the cheapest snorkel you can, once certified, chances are you will never use it again.
Fins, don’t spend a ton of money yet. Just get some that fit well and if you continue to dive, sooner or later a fin type or style well call on you.
Regs, don’t go super cheap here. Again, check what type your LDS sells and services. If you get something they can’t service, you will regret it. 99% of the reasonable priced regulators will last years with proper maintenance. ScubaPro Aqualung Oceanic Mares Apexs Zeagle Sherwood all make good stuff.
You may even look here for good some deals Gear / Equipment Classifieds or Hot Deals
almitywife
Vegemite Mod
:happywave
how long is a piece of string you might ask
def shop around, i know you may feel "bonded" with your lds but be honest and fair and look around for the best deal for your family
Scubatoys has an excellent rep in the industry and if you tell them your a SB member you get an extra discount
mask are a very personal item and you need to try some one to get the right fit so dont rush, take your time and enjoy
and welcome to :sblogo:
how long is a piece of string you might ask
def shop around, i know you may feel "bonded" with your lds but be honest and fair and look around for the best deal for your family
Scubatoys has an excellent rep in the industry and if you tell them your a SB member you get an extra discount
mask are a very personal item and you need to try some one to get the right fit so dont rush, take your time and enjoy
and welcome to :sblogo:
foles1972
Guest
I agree with Teamcasa --
For the mask, fit is far more important than cost. Try on as many as you you can at the dive store and see if you can try some in a pool or something before you buy. As for the fins, ask the dive store where you are taking your classes...some places require you to have your own fins prior to your pool sessions.
The regulator is probably the most important piece of equipment you will buy. It is life support equipment and you should buy the best reg that you can afford!
Another important piece of equipment is the exposure suit (wetsuit or drysuit). I see you live in Arizona...where do you plan on doing most of your diving and what are the conditions like?
Anyway...good luck with your course and have fun diving!
For the mask, fit is far more important than cost. Try on as many as you you can at the dive store and see if you can try some in a pool or something before you buy. As for the fins, ask the dive store where you are taking your classes...some places require you to have your own fins prior to your pool sessions.
The regulator is probably the most important piece of equipment you will buy. It is life support equipment and you should buy the best reg that you can afford!
Another important piece of equipment is the exposure suit (wetsuit or drysuit). I see you live in Arizona...where do you plan on doing most of your diving and what are the conditions like?
Anyway...good luck with your course and have fun diving!
Maui Bound
Guest
My recommendation is to buy equipment from you LDS. If it is a good outfit they will guide you correctly. At our shop we have students purchase their mask, fins, snorkle and boots. I do recommend exposure protection. We supply wetsuits for open water training but if your like me, I prefer to wear my own stuff. In addition to the above, when my son, wife and I did the open water class, we decided to train in what we planned to dive so I purchased BC and Regulators. We are a little technical here and dive Halycion BC. As for regulators, you can't go wrong with Aqua Lung.
Diving has change our life. We dive as a family and enjoy things we never thought we would do. Good luck and dive as often as you can.
Diving has change our life. We dive as a family and enjoy things we never thought we would do. Good luck and dive as often as you can.
arlabeth
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My wife and I got certified in May and I bought my BCD, reg, and computer as a package through Divers Direct. Good quality products. I even visited 3 of thier stores on a recent trip to Florida Keys on a week long dive trip. Leisure Pro has decent prices just have to watch what brand and quality you get from them.
www.cafepress.com/divepink
www.cafepress.com/divepink
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floridanewbe
Contributor
Welcome aboard find a friendly , patient and knowledgeable LDS
