Can you have too much gear ?

[grf88]

For someone with 500-999 dives living in a cold water region I am surprised you have so little gear. I guess you should be complimented for your restraint.

 

[Paulmal]

What you're really missing there is a boat.

I have a list of gear that I need that is twice as long as the list of gear I have and a boat is not on it.

I in no way shape or form need a hole in the water to throw money in,

 

[boulderjohn]

I am going to go against the grain and say that, yes, you can have too much gear, and I am guilty, even though I don't have nearly as much as some of the other people who have posted here.

Look at what you have critically. If you have gear that has been sitting around gathering dust for a long time--years perhaps--with no thought that you will actually use it in the future, then that gear is not needed. This thread has prompted me to do such an evaluation. I have wet suits that I never use despite the fact that they have only been used a few times because (ahem!) I have somehow changed sizes. I would love to think that I will change back, it it isn't looking good. I have a hooded vest that has never made it all the way onto my body (long story). I have various odds and ends, some of them expensive, that I don't use, mostly because my style of diving has changed over the years.

These things are taking up much needed space, but more importantly, they may be potential sources of income that will allow me to buy something that I will actually use. Look for a sale soon!

 

[kathydee]

Nope, never too much if you're using it all!

 

[Paulmal]

I agree having equipment that does not fit or you have no plans to use ever is too not good that's why I sell stuff if I do t like it or don't use it/ plan to use it. But I plan on doing dives that will require 4 al 80's and doubles so I am going to need at least 7 regs and 6 tanks a BP/W, drysuit, can light, at least 2 back up lights, 2 mask, fins Gators for dry suit, 1 shearwater petrel, 1 bottom timer, (sarcasm) 2 snorkels gotta have redundancy, 2 cutting divides, 4 stage rigging, untold number of under farmers, possibly a heated vest and can, 1 primary reel, 2 safety reels, and 1 more jump reel than jumps planned. This will only outfit one diver for a specific style of diving I also have other rigs set up for my Rec dives and others for side mount. Gotta have the right tools for the right job.

 

[ScubaCapers]

You can never have too much gear.
But you know you have a problem when, you insist on taking all your gadgets on each dive.

 

[phoenix31tt]

i was afraid of the answer to this question ...

at least my SO is diving to.. so I dont get to hear the complaints on buying to much gear ... but that also means i have to buy everything in two's!!! lol...

just recently got enough to dive with (no tanks/weights), and i'm already looking to procure a bp/w configuration... i'm worried what would happen if i wasnt saving for our wedding!!!

 

[Colliam7]

I'm hoping some of you can make me feel better! It seems as I look at the gear I have accumalted, I start feeling a "little guilty" at what I've spent over the years.

Don't know whether the comments so far make you feel better or not. And, any guilt one feels about what has been spent is hard to assuage - it is such a personal feeling.

But, as several have posted, you have by no means moved to the upper percentiles in terms of malignant gear acquisition behavior. In fact, as grf88 said, your great restraint and relative modesty in gear acqusition can serve ss a shining example for many others. If that makes you feel better, great!

I may appear to be somewhat harsh here, but I assure you it is for you own good:

a. I do not think 8 cylinders is anywhere near enough for a single diver. Although Lynne's talley of 33 probably reflects the collection of two divers, it should be apparent that you need to reach at least double digits in cylinders at a minimum before there is any possibility of guilt. So, let's get out there and buy some more cylinders (used is perfectly acceptable)

b. 5 regs is also a very inadequate talley for any self-respecting gearhead. That value, too, should be at least in the double digits.

Among the items I did not see in the list:

BCDs - do you have at least 10? (This can be a combination of jacket, soft back-inflate, and BP/W.)
Lights - of course, I have to assume that you have (at least one) can light. If not, you must accept that your status remains that of an amateur - perhaps, a talented one but an amateur, nonethless. But having one can light (2 is better) doesn't allow you to check that box either, as there must be an assortment back-up lights (5 minimum), tank lights, etc., that you also must have
DPV / scooter - do you have at least 2?
Reels and spools - do you have at least 10?
Lift bags and DSMBs of some type. - The minimum number is 5, 10 is better. (Perhaps you already have these in 'several boxes of extras/gadgets, etc.'. and consider them trvial items, not worthy of mention. If so, good for you.)

(In fairness, I also realize that you may already be in the active process of acquring these items and simply left them off, because that is a work in progress.)

As a word of encouragement, you have achieved a level of accomplishment in fins, and showing some real promise in computers and consoles, and in wetsuits. Keep up the good work. I get the impression that you may be able to enhance your standing in the near future when boulderjohn has his sale.

 

[ermaclob]

Don't know whether the comments so far make you feel better or not. And, any guilt one feels about what has been spent is hard to assuage - it is such a personal feeling.

But, as several have posted, you have by no means moved to the upper percentiles in terms of malignant gear acquisition behavior. In fact, as grf88 said, your great restraint and relative modesty in gear acqusition can serve ss a shining example for many others. If that makes you feel better, great!

I may appear to be somewhat harsh here, but I assure you it is for you own good:

a. I do not think 8 cylinders is anywhere near enough for a single diver. Although Lynne's talley of 33 probably reflects the collection of two divers, it should be apparent that you need to reach at least double digits in cylinders at a minimum before there is any possibility of guilt. So, let's get out there and buy some more cylinders (used is perfectly acceptable)

b. 5 regs is also a very inadequate talley for any self-respecting gearhead. That value, too, should be at least in the double digits.

Among the items I did not see in the list:

BCDs - do you have at least 10? (This can be a combination of jacket, soft back-inflate, and BP/W.)
Lights - of course, I have to assume that you have (at least one) can light. If not, you must accept that your status remains that of an amateur - perhaps, a talented one but an amateur, nonethless. But having one can light (2 is better) doesn't allow you to check that box either, as there must be an assortment back-up lights (5 minimum), tank lights, etc., that you also must have
DPV / scooter - do you have at least 2?
Reels and spools - do you have at least 10?
Lift bags and DSMBs of some type. - The minimum number is 5, 10 is better. (Perhaps you already have these in 'several boxes of extras/gadgets, etc.'. and consider them trvial items, not worthy of mention. If so, good for you.)

(In fairness, I also realize that you may already be in the active process of acquring these items and simply left them off, because that is a work in progress.)

As a word of encouragement, you have achieved a level of accomplishment in fins, and showing some real promise in computers and consoles, and in wetsuits. Keep up the good work. I get the impression that you may be able to enhance your standing in the near future when boulderjohn has his sale.

:depressed: some day..... some day.....

 

[Phil_C]

I was feeling really good about myself and my gear, but seeing the lists of what I "need" to have has left me feeling innadequate, :depressed: , oh well I must get my wallet out and start some urgent remedial therapy.

P