Buying My Scuba Gear For OW Class...need advice

[sambookamax]

My first post...
I am going to be taking the OW class.."Yippi!"
I am considering what gear to buy and have come up with a list I am thinking about purchasing. My question is should I spend the $340 for the gear, or look on eBay for some other gear used? Should I buy cheaper fins, snorkle, mask? Or go with the stuff I am considering?
Thanks in advance for the advice...
Cheers!

Here is the gear:
014863 TUSA X-PERT ZOOM ADJ. STRAP FINS Yellow Mens 7-10/Womens 8-11 (M/ML) $129.00 $129.00
012070 INNOVATIVE EZ SPRING FIN STRAP (PAIR) Black Medium $22.95 $22.95
018827 SCUBA DIVERS DUFFEL BAG $19.95 $19.95
070702 Scuba.com Special $19.95 OFF SCUBA DUFFEL BAG ($19.95) ($19.95)
003233 TILOS 3MM TITANIUM ZIPPER SOFT SOLE BOOT Black Mens 9/Womens 10 $24.95 $24.95
039031 OCEANIC ULTRADRY SNORKEL Yellow $44.95 $44.95
027621 H2O ALPHA 2 PURGE MASK Yellow With Purge $49.95 $49.95
028066 SCUBA. STRAP WRAPPER $6.95 $6.95
070808 Scuba.com Special MASK STRAP DISCOUNT ($6.95) ($6.95)
044094 XS SCUBA CORDURA WEIGHT BELT Yellow 6 Pocket $31.95 $31.95
019136 XS SCUBA KEVLAR BUG GRABBER 2MM GLOVES. Mens Medium $23.95

 

[scarefaceDM]

Not familiar with those brands. But the best advice I will give you for free is BUY the best. Cheap stuff will be uncomfortable. You will dislike it as your doing your training. The worse thing is having gear that does not fit right, uncomfortable and leaks or breaks or loosens up.

Make sure the mask fits comfortably. If you have not gone to a dive shop to try masks on..DO so before you order anything on line. And the purge..your not going to need that.

Same goes with the booties...GO to a shop and try diffeerent brands. See which one is most comfortable and fits good.

And when you get a wetsuit. Make sure it fits like a GLOVE...No too tight not too loose just snug and form fitting. a good fitting suit makes for a nice enjoyable dive.

DO not buy cheap gear. The other items you mention are just fine, bags strap gloves weight belt will do just fine.

Safe dives and have fun

Stephen

 

[BabyDuck]

totally personal info/advice, here. take it or not, fine with me!

get the cheapest possible snorkel (just a bent tube is fine!), and don't worry about a mask wth purge.

you'll love the spring straps!

try on the mask *with your mouth open like it would be around a reg*.

have a great time learning to dive!

 

[MB104]

My recommendation is to not buy your gear on ebay unless its the type of gear that is not life support, and is not the type of gear where size, fit and comfort matter. Since that that pretty much rules out everything you listed, I can't emphasize enough that you should buy from your local dive shop after considering the type of diving you may do, trying on each item (in a pool if available), and making sure each item fits properly and is comfortable.

Going cheap will only cost you more when you realize that you need to replace your ebay purchases because they don't fit, aren't comfortable, may not be safe, or are wrong for the type of diving you are doing.

Spring straps are the way to go. And like BabyDuck said, a purge on the mask is not needed.

Welcome to your new addiction. Check your wallet at the door.

 

[eckybay]

Since different fins fit differently with different size boots, it may be better to go to a local shop where you can actually try the fins with the boots at the same time - that way you know it'll fit.

Same thing with the mask. Different masks fit different faces. You need to make sure you get one that fits with yours.

I like to watch the bottom line as much as anyone, but it might be better in the long run to pay a bit more for stuff at the local shop that you know is going to fit you and work together than looking for the best deal.

Also, some shops have "beginner packages" - I got my fins, mask, boots, and snorkel at the shop I took lessons from for $125. While it may not be top of the line stuff, it is all quality items from some of the better known manufacturers and it meets my needs. With most of the places with "package deals", you can swap out the basic items for a higher end one and just pay the difference. And the best thing - I got to try everything in the pool before I finalized the purchase.

I do want to "upgrade" to spring straps at some point, but the set up is functional with out them.


And welcome to ScubaBoard!!

 

[sambookamax]

Now see, I thought that gear I listed was pretty good, based on reviews I read on the gear?

I am more confused than ever! The dive shop where I will be certified, there beginner package is $275 for gear and does not include a weight belt. I thought by doing the research and shopping for a reputable online site to purchase from, that I would be getting a lot more bang for my buck! I am definitely confused and nervous...

 

[PePaw]

Why not just buy mask, snorkel and fins for your class. You may get the opportunity to try different BC's and regs in your pool work.
Then decide.

I would agree that it's best to buy the best gear you can afford and buy it ONCE.
It's much cheaper in the longrun.

Also JMHO...a weight intergrated BC is better than a belt.

 

[sambookamax]

That is what I have listed, pretty much just the basics...I haven't even considered the bcd, regulator, and things like that...gonna rent those for a while. In order to take the class though, I am going to need the mask, fins, snorkle...the dive shop I will be getting certified from is charging $275 for these items and that is the BASIC package.

I am just confused, cuz this is new to me...

please read my initial post, it tells what I was considering buying...I am looking at getting some good high quality gear, (fins, snorkle, mask, boots, etc.) and will worry about the other stuff later, once I have some experience with different BCDs, etc. from renting...

 

[Stu S.]

Mr. Eckybay is correct. A "beginner package" is the way to go. If done correctly, it will be things that are easy to use and a good value. Some of the expensive stuff is for experts rather than the average guy.

There are people that buy gear ,and after certification find out diving is not for them. Our most experienced local instructor told me that 80% of the students who complete training are not diving a year later. Keep that in mind when you get set to spend.

 

[sambookamax]

Mr. Eckybay is correct. A "beginner package" is the way to go. If done correctly, it will be things that are easy to use and a good value. Some of the expensive stuff is for experts rather than the average guy.

There are people that buy gear ,and after certification find out diving is not for them. Our most experienced local instructor told me that 80% of the students who complete training are not diving a year later. Keep that in mind when you get set to spend.

Yes, I am keeping that in mind..that is why I am here asking questions...

I want to buy good quality gear, that I will be able to use for a good number of years...I do plan on continuing to dive for years to come...already planning a vacation for late 2007 to go diving with my girlfriend..

If I get a beginner package, won't that be beginner gear, hence after I do get good, I will be wanting to go out and spend another large amount of money on new gear? I am a fast learner, and a natural at just about anything I try, I know that is a bold statement...but with that said, I don't want to buy complete "beginner" gear because I will be wanting to replace in a short amount of time...hence wasted money spent. I would hate that...buying something only to replace it in a few months...when I could have just bought the good stuff the first time...?

again, thanks everyone for helping me out...I am doing as much research as I can, and your added input is much appreciated!