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

[scarefaceDM]

Sam...Slow down

Stop with all the worry. Go to the dive shop try things on. Ask them if they can put a package together other than a BEginner package. I would personally avoid a Beginner package. Get a Great Mask. good fins and a regular snorkle.

A bag, well I use an old roller suit case for pool work and when I shore dive I have a STANLEY roller tool case. it is HUGE and fits two sets of dive gear.

Aside from the other things you listed. Just get the mask, fins, botties and snorkel. to start your course with. Gloves are gloves...Spring straps are a great invention...But you do not need it right now. But get them if you can.

The best is not what you listed. It is what fits you properly that is right.

Keep doing what your doing...but get out and shop around

Stephen

 

[Sadamune]

Hi sambookamax,

I suggest trying on as many of the masks at your local dive shop as you can and selecting the one that fits you the best, regardless of make or price. A mask is usually the first piece of gear a new diver will purchase and is the most personal, as it absolutely must fit your face well in order for it to function properly. Thus, I wouldn't focus on any one particular brand. Buy the mask that fits you best. However, if you want a recommendation, I suggest that you look at the Atomic Aquatics SubFrame. I've tried it myself and I was so impressed that I've resolved to buy it in the near future. Also, don't buy a mask with clear silicone unless you like the sickly yellow colour it turns to after a while. Black silicone won't discolour over time like clear silicone and can reduce the internal glare on the lenses from light entering the translucent silicone skirt (which is particularly important for photographers).

Fins are something that must be tried before purchasing. Buying them used is generally a good idea as they are not 'life support' equipment and don't really wear out as long as they're treated well. So try as many different types as you can and then buy a pair on eBay.

Lastly, I would seriously recommend that you try a backplate/wing setup before you go out and buy a jacket style BC. If you hang around this board long enough you will notice the large crowd of 'converts' who started with a conventional jacket BC and then switched to a backplate/wing system. Remember to research, try out, and then buy. Once you know exactly what you want, then you can decide if buying from a dive shop, Internet store, or eBay is best.

Enjoy your Open Water course!

Sadamune

 

[Stu S.]

Don't think that basic "beginner" gear includes a rubber duckie. There are some items, like fins, where certain models do fairly well for about 99% of everyone. Once a diver gets a little more refined, he or she may want something more specialized. If a diver gets to the point of wanting to get more specialized gear, the first set becomes the "spare". My spare fins are pretty beat-up, but they have been useful. Many divers carry a spare mask.

Most divers I see don't use a snorkel. It is a good thing to know how to use, but it was more useful before the BC was invented. A Wal-Mart type snorkel is as good as any.

 

[MSilvia]

Do get the best gear you can, but don't make the mistake of thinking that the most expensive gear is necessarily the best. Also bear in mind that the reviews in diver magazines are often biased by advertising dollars. IMHO, if you want good recommendations, talk to experienced divers who aren't trying to sell you stuff.

Since it seems like that's why you're here, I'd say you're on the right track.
The gear you've selected looks like good stuff. It's not necessarily what I'd pick, but it's definately adequate gear for an open water diver. I wouldn't recommend the purge mask though... you'll learn how to clear a mask in class, and the purge valve then becomes unnecessary, and only serves to add to the cost of the gear. Get the least expensive mask you can find that fits well and seems to have a good field of view. You definately want to try it on before you buy.

Also, it would be easier to evaluate your choices if we knew where you lived and what kind of diving you want to do. What I use for local diving in the winter in New England won't be the ideal setup for someone in Kansas who plans to fly to Bonaire for an annual week of summer vacation diving at a resort.

In any case, I second the "cheapest snorkle" recommendation. Unless you plan on doing lots of snorkeling, it's not worth spending a lot on.

 

[Dutch552]

If there was one thing I wish I had known when I first entered the sport of diving, it would be to purchase gear in anticipation of my future diving needs rather than cheap out on stuff and then have to upgrade in a year when I wanted to start diving deep or cold or Nitrox. You have received a lot of good advice here, in addition:

Fins fit each foot differently and fit the same foot differently when used with different combinations of boots. I have a pair fo the TUSA Imprex Tri-Ex open heel fins that I like, although they are a little stiffer than I would like. Look at the Mares Avanti Quattro for a more flexible fin of the same quality and price.

The only way to buy a mask is to try it on physically before buying it otherwise you will spend 4 months returning them for one that fits better. This is one of the biggies but it doesn't have to be expensive-so long as it doesn't leak.

Boots are pretty much boots as far as temperate diving goes mind you the varying degrees of price and sole construction that come into play when walking to a dive site as opposed to boat diving.

Snorkels are snorkels, in a year you most likely won't use it so don't go all out-the cheapo will do here.

Spend money on a few quality pieces of gear that will last and you won't kick yourself in the butt 12 months after getting open water certified like I did when I wanted to advance my diving career but the gear I bought was holding me back.

 

[eckybay]

Mr. Eckybay is correct.

That's Ms. Eckybay, thank you very much


Like others have said, just because the dive shop may be calling it a "beginners package" It doesn't mean that it's low quality gear. You're definitely doing the right thing by researching the purchase.

The more you can try on, the better you will be able to able the knowledge you're learning from this research. Reviews are great, but the do bring a personal bias. I know a lot of people love split fins, for example, but I tried them and decided I liked my cheap single blades better.... What one person calls a feature, another may see as a hindrance.The main thing is that you go with what feels comfortable fit wise and usage wise to you.

 

[diversteve]

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

These should be the same price at your LDS. That's what I paid for mine. So try them on before you buy them locally. Since they use "Nature's Wing" technology, no one discounts them and Tusa or the other mfr's set the price.

012070 INNOVATIVE EZ SPRING FIN STRAP (PAIR) Black Medium $22.95 $22.95

Your call on these but I guess I'm one of the divers who doesn't like spring straps. In 5+ years of diving them I've never broken the rubber strap that came with my Tusa's

018827 SCUBA DIVERS DUFFEL BAG $19.95 $19.95
070702 Scuba.com Special $19.95 OFF SCUBA DUFFEL BAG ($19.95) ($19.95)

Buy this online or wherever is cheapest. A bag's a bag. I bought mine at Sports Authority. It doesn't scream expensive dive gear inside either...

003233 TILOS 3MM TITANIUM ZIPPER SOFT SOLE BOOT Black Mens 9/Womens 10 $24.95 $24.95

I'd try these on locally to be sure they fit.

039031 OCEANIC ULTRADRY SNORKEL Yellow $44.95 $44.95

Too much for something you'll probably occasionally use. I paid $39 for a Sherwood Avid fold-up snorkel that I've used once - just to try it out. If you live/go somewhere with long surface swims you might want to get the Ultradry if you actually plan to use it.

027621 H2O ALPHA 2 PURGE MASK Yellow With Purge $49.95 $49.95

Don't buy this before you try it on somewhere - A mask has to fit without leaking or it's useless. And don't get the purge valve. You'll be taught in class how to clear your mask by tipping it and exhaling.

028066 SCUBA. STRAP WRAPPER $6.95 $6.95

You might need this, but mine makes my mask slip off the back of my head easier.

070808 Scuba.com Special MASK STRAP DISCOUNT ($6.95) ($6.95)

The mask comes with one. It's not likely to break anytime soon. Buy a spare that fits the mask you buy. Some aren't universal

044094 XS SCUBA CORDURA WEIGHT BELT Yellow 6 Pocket $31.95 $31.95

This presumes you're not going to dive with a weight-integrated BC. The only time I did was in class and I used theirs. Weights and Weightbelts are the one thing that most diveboats etc. include in the cost of the trip. so having your own is more of a comfort thing. If you buy a W/I BC or a BP/Wing as mentioned above later, you won't need a weightbelt.

019136 XS SCUBA KEVLAR BUG GRABBER 2MM GLOVES. Mens Medium $23.95

Never use gloves so no comment. Some warm water destinations - Bonaire for example - ban them as it encourages you to touch the reef.

 

[ReefHound]

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?

Here's *my* opinion.

No matter what you buy, you will want something else in a year or two. Divers were born to buy dive gear. Not because what you have doesn't do the job, but because these will be your toys and kids always want new toys. If you are going to be a diver, just plan now on spending all your available funds (and then some) on dive trips and dive gear. OK, this is said in humor but the point is to not stress too much on getting the perfect item that will last you a lifetime.

First rule is that the LDS is trying to sell you gear to make money. You, as a new diver, are their most profitable customer and primary source of income. Use their expertise but also do your own research so you can discern when they are steering you right versus when they are blowing smoke. As has been said, many items are dependent on proper fit and those items may best be purchased at your LDS. Other items may best be purchased online, where you generally will find lower prices.

The online/LDS debate is perpetual and a book could be written for both sides. While I am a big advocate of buying online, it requires knowing exactly what you need, how to mix and match, and how to ensure proper fit. You don't know how to do yet that so be careful about what you get online at this point.

Go cheap on snorkel unless you plan to snorkel a lot. Most experienced divers (unless instructing a class) don't even wear a snorkel. I keep a folding snorkel in a pocket.

Avoid a purge mask, purging is a simple task and the purge valve is just another failure point. I am a big fan of frameless masks. You can get a Dive Rite or similar online for $30 and I don't know anyone who has had problems with them leaking. They are so soft and flexible that they seal on me even if I haven't shaved in 3 days.

Fins are fins, just get the right type for you. Research split fins versus stiff fins and see where you lie. Fins are something you could safely buy used. I would never pay over $100 for fins. Spring straps aren't necessary right now but you will probably want them eventually and $22 is an unbeatable price.

If it's cold enough for gloves then you need a hood. If you just need gloves for descending an anchor line then cheaper reef gloves will do. Boots are not a big deal but rather than alternate between 3mm and 5mm boots I just wear 5mm all the time, even in warm water. That way I always have the same fit with my fins and it's not like your feet are ever going to get too hot. Tilos is a good value brand for a wetsuit but fit is everything here.

I wouldn't spend $35 for a weight belt. Just get a nylon web belt and use hard weights for now. You'll probably eventually not wear a belt when you get a weight integrated BC or BP/W with ditchable pockets.

But whatever you do, don't forget the six inch titanium dive knife to strap onto your leg to fight off sharks and giant squid.

 

[namabiru]

Yeah, I'd try on stuff first maybe before ordering.

I can tell you with confidence that you will enjoy spring straps. However, I will say that some people like split fins, others don't. It might not be a bad idea to try out a pair before paying the money for them. For fins, you could get a pair of regular fins for not so much. Then if you like the splits and later get a pair, it's quite easy to move your spring straps over to the splits. Just kind of coordinate on color if you're into that.

For a nice, less expensive fin, I'm using the Aeris Mako. I liked it a lot.

Of course, though, if you want to do splits from the start, more power to you

Yeah, you wouldn't necessarily need a weight belt. Most boats can provide those with the weights. If you *do* want your own, how about just a plain webbed belt where you thread the weights on? Those aren't as much. Then that way if, further down the road, you go with a weight-integrated BCD, you didn't invest as much in a weight belt you won't use.

Neoprane straps are wonderful--best $5 investment. I'm a chick though, so my hair got caught and all that. They're great, though, and could also be moved from mask to mask easily enough.

Where are you diving (temperature-wise)? I'll tell you--I don't own booties of any thickness yet. What I'm using are inexpensive water moccasins for now. They protect your feet fine. That way you don't have to get as far into purchasing if you don't want to.

 

[jaybombs25]

as said before snorkel isnt a big prioority the cheapest one you can find the better in my opinion but invest in a good mask and wetsuit.... its worth it..

also scubatoys.com and 123scuba.com are two great sites that offer 10% discounts to scubaboard members on all items.. you can alo speak to them anytime call them up or talk to them on the board .. have fun