Buying gear advice

[Fishlips_1]

Being new to SCUBA and not knowing the ins and outs. I'm looking for all the advive I can get on buying gear. At the place I will be taking my classes, they have some package deals. www.codiving.com/shops_aqua.htm What would be your reccomendations? Are there better deals somewhere else? They would have too be quite a bit better deal, since I'm a firm beleiver in supporting your local shops no matter what the hobby. I also where glasses, are some companies better than other in the corrective lense mask department? A lot of my diving will be done in high lakes, since I live @ 4500'. So which style of fin would best suit my needs? Any other other advice for a newbie would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Joe

 

[RICHinNC]

Most here would recommend try out diff configurations and brands before you plunk the money down. You will find dive shops cant sell all the different brands, and, students feel a little pressure to buy from where they were certed....but...buy
from where you can get what you want.

rich

 

[Fishlips_1]

How do you try out diff configs (rent?)

 

[StSomewhere]

...they have some package deals. www.codiving.com/shops_aqua.htm What would be your reccomendations? Are there better deals somewhere else?

Based strictly on the packages your LDS has: The Titan LX has better measured breathing performance than a lot of regulators that cost twice as much, which can't be said about the non-LX version of the Titan. The LPO octo isn't what I'd want you handing to me in an equipment malfunction, the Apeks Egress is. If you are going with a console-type computer, make sure its easy to clip off so it doesn't drag, and still easy to check (you need to check your available air often, every few minutes). I myself have a Cobra, its a very nice but conservative dive computer, and is horribly overpriced. Another option would be a wrist mounted computer with a pressure gauge (SPG). If I were to buy another computer, I'd probably get a wrist mounted Suunto and an SPG. Since its a SeaQuest/Aqualung shop, another BCD choice to consider might be the Balance, which is a backinflate instead of a jacket. Sorry, I can't help with the corrective lenses for masks. The best thing about your LDS's packages is that they are discounted a LOT more than the standard 10%. Thats a good sign. See what price he'd give you for a Titan LX, Egress, Balance and a wrist mounted Vyper with an SPG.

An online alternative I'd recommend would be the Zeagle and Tusa Package from Larry at Scubatoys.com (a member here BTW and very helpful over the phone). For $1200 you'd get the very well liked Brigade BC, the Tusa dive computer, and an upgrade to the Zeagle ZX Flathead VI regulator. Call him and tell him you're from Scubaboard and he'll be more than happy to set you you a deal. He could probably figure out a way to substitute the wrist mounted version of that Tusa computer with an SPG. He could also come up with other options if that price point is a little high. But the Brigade is probably about the best backinflate BCD out there for the recreational diver.

 

[H2Andy]

How do you try out diff configs (rent?)

yes, basically. my approach to getting gear was somewhat different from
the norm. i was (a) broke and (b) not sure if i wanted to dive for ever and ever,
so what i did was i bought less expensive, entry-level gear, and started diving.

soon thereafter, i realized i wanted to pursue cave diving. now that i knew what
my equipment needs were going to be, and having some experience under my
belt, i was then able to start upgrading my stuff.

my advice would be not to spend tons of money on equipment right off the bat.
buy solid, reliable stuff, and let your diving interests dictate how you upgrade
them.

chances are in three years you won't be using your original kit anymore, no matter
how expensive it is.