Dive Gear Choice, My Reasons

[Painter]

Like many other new divers here, I have been trying to decide what equipment to buy beyond the basics. I finally decided to get a computer (Cressi Leonardo) first for the folowing reasons:

1. I like gadgets
2. While on a dive vacation in November I became concerned about ascent rate and safety stops. The computer was great for that on my most recent dives last week.
3. I haven't done any cold water diving here in the Northeast, and am not certain that I will even like it, so I'm reluctant to buy a heavier wet suit yet (I have a 2mm shorty).
4. If I don't do much or any cold water diving it may just be more convenient to rent when I go to warm destinations.
5. My budget is limited and I'd rather put money toward travel.

If I do like cold water diving I will probably go for the heavier wetsuit next and keep renting the other gear until I know more about what I want.

 

[BDSC]

Not necessarily a bad plan. I would only say that if diving is something you think you are going to stick with, in the long run it will be cheaper to have your own gear and buying used gear is an option where you can get some really good stuff for a fraction of the cost.

 

[eelnoraa]

sounds like a good plan to me too. IMO, computer or some timer gauge device is more important than things like regulator. Regulators may not perform the same, but they all function the same. Computer on the other hand, if you are not familiar with it, it doesn't help. Having your own and get to know the in and out behavior, display, message is important.

 

[Storker]

Agree with the others. Like many other divers, I have my own gear, but the bulk of my diving is local, so rental isn't a very good alternative for me. When I go on a vacation - not a dive vacation, but a vacation where I hope to get in some diving - my priority list for packing is:

1. My computer
2. My mask
3. My reg set
4. My BP/W

That's also the order I would buy personal gear if I weren't to have a full set of equipment.

 

[fjpatrum]

If it works for you, then it's a good plan. Everyone has their own reasons for the order they purchase their gear and they are all good reasons, if they're actually thought out. Some of us just went out and bought all our gear right away, others of us take time and careful consideration (and budgeting) to make such purchases. Good for you getting started, whatever your justifications and choices. Now go get wet.

 

[Painter]

Not necessarily a bad plan. I would only say that if diving is something you think you are going to stick with, in the long run it will be cheaper to have your own gear and buying used gear is an option where you can get some really good stuff for a fraction of the cost.

I think that I am going to stick with it as long as I can, but starting at age 65...damn, wish I had started a lot sooner.

I have seen what look to me like some good deals on used equipment, but I feel like I need to know a whole lot more before I go that route. I saw a BCD offered locally on Craigs List that was similar to one that I had rented, but feedback here made me think it was overpriced, and I am not sure that I trust my ability to evaluate. I don't yet know any other divers in my area, so I don't have anybody to ask for an opinion.

 

[Painter]

Agree with the others. Like many other divers, I have my own gear, but the bulk of my diving is local, so rental isn't a very good alternative for me. When I go on a vacation - not a dive vacation, but a vacation where I hope to get in some diving - my priority list for packing is:

1. My computer
2. My mask
3. My reg set
4. My BP/W

That's also the order I would buy personal gear if I weren't to have a full set of equipment.

Mask is up there on my packing list, too, because I need prescription lenses. A new mask may be my next purchase because, though the lenses are the right strength, the fit is uncomfortable.

 

[TMHeimer]

I agree with everyone so far. When I started I was fortunate enough to have more than enough money to run out and buy everything brand new. Didn't though--bought most of it used --most of which lasted 10 years. Now I look to replace stuff only when absolutely necessary. I've got a used BC to sell--It will look really bad, but a little better if you take off the duct tape.

 

[Reku]

A computer is a fairly good choice in your situation! I like your list.

 

[dmaziuk]

4. If I don't do much or any cold water diving it may just be more convenient to rent when I go to warm destinations.

How many trip/year do you plan on? Say, you pay $50/trip for renting the regs and you can a reg set new for $400. So it's 8 trips for it to pay off, plus you'll need to spend a hundred on servicing them every once in a while.

The flip side of course is at this point buying a set of regs is a much better investment than taking $400 to a bank...