Cayman - dive gear

[pelan-pelan]

When I was in Cayman some years ago there were auctions of dive equipment - stuff that had been just left by visitors. Might have been a police organised thing.

Do they still do that?

As for buying gear - is there anywhere that will let you try different BCs in a pool to see how they fit?

Any comments on gear shops that are good with advice, good prices etc?

We're only going to be there a week and do not want to waste too much time "shopping around".

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Occasionally dive shops turn over their inventories of dive gear. Sales of used gear can be a great way to get a first set of gear. In my experience, the equipment is usually serviced prior to sale, but you should inquire to verify.

I'm not specifically aware of police auctions as a means of buying dive gear. I would guess that the police may occasionally do that, but its certainly not the route I would go.

Diver's World and Diver's Supply are the two primary dive equipment retailers on the island. Both carry full lines of gear at multiple price points. I would suggest that you compare and contrast these two stores. Both have experienced staff, though neither has a pool for testing equipment.

The last option I would think of is the thrift resale shops at the Humane Society or at teh Red Cross. Occasionally used dive gear is donated. It is definitely a caveat emptor situation... know what you are buying and you should definitely have any life support gear purchased in this way fully serviced prior to use.

 

[pelan-pelan]

Thanks.

 

[dcs917]

Pelan-Pelan,

Not sure of how much time, or budget you have, but I would recommend that you visit your LDS(s) and try different gear in a controlled environment while making your critical gear decisions. Important considerations for life support equipment (Regulators, BC's, etc.) like service and warranty are too important for me to risk to a second hand shop - you never know what you are getting, or how it has been used & maintained. Also, I would not recommend taking equipment you are not familiar with on a "real" dive. Make sure you test it, and are familiar with all the functions before venturing out on some of those fantastic deep wall dives in Cayman!

Non-life critical equipment (wetsuits, fins, plastic snakes, etc.) would certainly be fair game for this method of purchase.

Dive safe!