Equipment Help

[boney]

When you've narrowed down your choices, make sure to try on a lot of different sizes as well. That's something you can't do online... yet This would be a big plus for buying at your LDS, or you could try them on there and then order them online once you know the sizes. Different manufacturer's will have different sizes, by that I mean a Henderson Medium may not fit as well as say a Bare Medium as an example.

 

[triscu]

Just curious, but if you don't intend to buy from your local LDS, then why even have one? You ought to give it another thought before you buy everything from the net.

 

[ChrisA]

I have just started a class at my university with the LDC. I need some help in picking out my equipment. I have about 2 weeks until I need to have it all. I don't want to buy from my LDC because I know I can get better equipment off of the net for a better price. I am completely new to diving and don't even know what I need really. I will be diving in somewhat warm waters so I guess I don't need a suit, but I don't know really. I need someone to point me in the right direction and help me with the decision process of getting all of my equipment. I want nice equipment but I don't want to spend a fortune, as I do not know how often I would dive or, even if I will like it. I am assuming so, but I don' want to spend too much. Any help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Jacob

First off, all you need for a class is mask, fins booties gloves. The stuff they call "personal gear". Rent the rest (Reg, BC, Exposure suit, tank and weights) and buy it later when you know more.

They always try and presure you into buying everything up front but you are the worst person to pick out gear. Wait a while you will know more after a few dives

Have you ever used a dive computer? If not then how would you knwo what you want in one?

About on-line buying. It's ok BUT... Just make sure there is someone local how can service the equipment. For example if you buy a Scubapro on-line make sure there is an authorized acubapro dealer who can get parts local to you otherwise you going to run into a big hassel come anual service time. and ALL this gear does need to be taken in once a year.

You may just want to use the on-line price to bargen down the local shop toa more resonable price

Nothing wrong with on-line just make sure you have the service and warenty issues covered.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I am the type of person that always likes to have my own gear.

...Am I going to be cold at 30-60 feet? Should I get a suit? Is there anything else that I could need?

Jacob,

Most of us are the type of people who like to have their own gear. But, most of us didn't get it before we took the class.

And...(if we all tell the truth) most of us aren't diving with what we first bought.

So the real question is, "are you the type of person who always likes to throw money away?"

Until you've been diving with at least two different BCs (wetsuits, regulators, etc.) you're not qualified to say "I like A better than B because of C". Same thing with the rest of it.

That's why its a class. You rent stuff, and if you're smart you try different stuff. THEN you buy stuff. (And chances are likely that a year from now you'll still have different stuff. But at least you won't be unhappy a month from now with your new stuff.)

For all your equipment, generally speaking, fit is the most important aspect. You can't try on gear on the internet. Its considered poor form to try on a gazillion things at your LDS, then go buy it all online. Take the class. Get the basic stuff at your LDS. Try some different rental gear. Maybe borrow some stuff from someone in the scuba club there on campus - I'd be surprised if there isn't one around. You'll have more bucks in your pocket three months from now if your a bit patient, than if you run out and get a bunch of stuff off the internet that you decided on off an internet forum.

Oh, and yeah, you're gonna be cold. You'll learn why in the class. Unless the water is warmer than 80 or so, better try on the rental suits.

FWIW.

 

[Scubaguy62]

Besides all the good advise you've received thus far, I'd like to add three words,
Life Support Equipment

IMHO, even your wetsuit, masks, and fins is LSE. Without a wetsuit, if you happen to get caught in a current and dragged out to "open water," you stand to develop hypothermia even in warm waters. Just think, even 84 degree water is 14.6 degrees cooler than your core body temperature. Your properly fitting and effective fins will prevent you from getting unnecessary cramps, and your mask will allow you to see well and keep the water out of your eyes, both under water and on the surface, so in summary, do your research, and treat it as if it was some medical treatment you need...get more than one opinion (something you've already done by writing here).

Safe ascents

 

[scubapro50]

I would rent these as well. I don't think that you should buy anything in OW. There's so many choices out there and if you pick too early, you'll most likely regret a purchase.

Fins - so many choices, just take a look at the discussions on the board to see the variety of opinions on what to buy and what to avoid. Your best best is to try a bunch out and then buy the one you like. This can be an expensive purchase (over $100 for some fins), so it's best try a variety before making a purchase and then a re-purchase later on.

Boots - a lot of choices here as well. One thing to consider is that you should try your boot and fin together as a combo. Some boots have thicker soles/more padding and may not fit certain fins as well (or they can fit better). The important thing is to try them together, cause you don't want to end up getting boots and fins that don't work well together. If you can't try them together, you can post to scubaboard and perhaps someone will have the set-up you're interested in and is in your size.

Masks - this is probably the one thing that I can see buying for OW. A properly fitted mask will make your diving significantly more enjoyable. Not all masks are made the same so you must try them on before you buy.

Snorkel - this is only used in OW training. Some boats trips may require you to have them, but for the most part these are never used ever again after OW. Unless you're snorkelling too. . .



Where are you at and what's the water temperature? But again, I would rent this too.

But for inexpensive wetsuits that are well made, check out Triple-L. I dive their 5 mil and am really happy. I also have a 3 mil Henderson Hyperstretch, and while the Henderson is a nicer suit, it's also 6 times the price!

I disagree about having a snorkel with you. I have used them too many times offshore. With diveboats wanting everyone to return with 500lbs of air I have used a snorkle many times to and from the boat and the decent line. Also did you see 'OPEN WATER" the divers there swam around on their backs instead of using the snorkles they were wearing. It's a lot easier to put your face down and swim forwards than to back pedal and not see where you are ging ....... Dan

 

[RonDawg]

I have just started a class at my university with the LDC. I need some help in picking out my equipment. I have about 2 weeks until I need to have it all. I don't want to buy from my LDC because I know I can get better equipment off of the net for a better price. I am completely new to diving and don't even know what I need really. I will be diving in somewhat warm waters so I guess I don't need a suit, but I don't know really. I need someone to point me in the right direction and help me with the decision process of getting all of my equipment. I want nice equipment but I don't want to spend a fortune, as I do not know how often I would dive or, even if I will like it. I am assuming so, but I don' want to spend too much. Any help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Jacob

In addition to the recommendations made here, another thing that stuck out in my mind is when you say that you're not sure how much you'll be diving, or whether or not you'll even like it. If so why do you want to plunk down considerable sums for scuba equipment? A good basic set of "personal equipment" consisting of a mask, snorkel, gloves, booties, and fins will set you back $150 or more as it is; when you add the cost of scuba lessons, why do you want to dig yourself an even deeper financial hole for something you're not sure you want to do? Other than the personal equipment everything else is for rent at most LDS and even some dive operators.

It sounds like you have some doubts as to whether or not you even want to do this. If I'm correct you will need to think long and hard as to whether or not scuba diving is right for you. If you're not sure about whether or not this is something you want to do, then you're just doing a disservice to yourself, your instructor, your fellow students, and especially your wallet.

 

[Jme233]

if you don't want to spend a fortune get out now while you can!

Just kidding although if you do progress it will get expensive. i agree that you should rent as much as possible. That is what I did and now I couldn't be more happy.