Equipment Packages

[Carribeandiver]

Thae packages are just the basics i need for the course mask, snorkel, fins, and booties.

I will give a run down on what the packages include.

Platinum-369.99
Aqua Lung Impulse 3 Flex or Dry Snorkel
ScubaPro Twin Jet Fins
SeaSoft Deluxe Titanium Boots
Rubber Marking Paint
Sea Drops Defog
FREE EDGE Gear Bag

Gold-299.99
Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Flex or Dry Snorkel
Oceanic V12 "Split" Fins
Deep See 5mm Seeboots
Rubber Marking Paint
Sea Drops Defog

Silver-179.99
Aqua Lung Impulse 2 Snorkel
Oceanic Viper Fins
O'Neill FX-5 Boots
Upgrades Available

Bronze-139.99
Edge Shadow Dry Snorkel
Edge Cruiser Fins
Oceanic 5mm Venture Boots
Upgrades Available

*With all the pacakages it states "Choose from Many Masks in Stock"

a good dry snorkel can be had for around 20 bucks, the Scuba Pro twin jets are terrific fins that sell for 180 bucks or so, the oceanic viper fins are also good quality fins that sell for less than the twin jets. Boots, smoots, a good pair of 5 mm boots sell for around $30-40 tops and forget the defog, use toothpaste or shampoo (preferably baby shampoo since it wont sting your eyes). the shampoo works better and is far cheaper than any defog.
The Bronze package is high priced in my opinion, the silver may be in line but I think you can get equally good gear for less money and the Plantinum is really high priced, in my opinion.
A good mask can run $50-100, snorkel $20, boots, $35, fins $100-200. Note, you can get fins for less and you can get a mask for less but I am giving average pricing for high quality gear. A beginner enrolling in an OW class probably should spend $200-250 and have good gear. That would be a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots.
Use that ScubaToys link not necessarily to buy but to get an idea of product costs.
I believe it is good to buy your initial purchase from your LDS where you are to train but I do not believe it is a good idea to be taken advantage of by anyone at any time.
Just my opinion,,,, good luck, congratulations on your decision to dive, you will find it a tremendously rewarding activity offering the opportunity to see things you could never imagine and meet people you would otherwise never cross paths with.

 

[EvaL]

Tommy, the prices for the packages are a little high - you can definitely get same for about 20% less online. But for this relatively basic package, I can see the benefits of buying from LDS as the savings aren't that much and you can't try them if you purchase online. The oceanic V-12 and ScubaPro Twin Jet fins are good, but more expensive. My personal preference is the Gold package, if money is not an issue.
I'd say the mask and fins are 2 things that fit is important, so go with the mask that fit your face (won't leak underwater) and have a good/wide view, and fins that kick comfortably in water, if you can try them.
For booties, fins and snorkel, you can also consider buying used. Check out local Craig's List if you don't trust eBay. This way, it won't burn as big a hole in your pocket if you don't like it later.
For future purchases such as reg, BCD, computer etc, it's good to check out reputable online sellers and ask if you LDS will match prices.
Good luck to the OW class and certification.

 

[Brewski]

Tommy
go into the shop and see the items for yourself. Ask Andy if you can try the fins in the pool before you decide. as for the snorkel I wouldn't waste too much money on one. Not too many people keep them on after OW. and I definately don't like the "total dry snorkel" thats the one with the float on the top that tends to stick if you don't keep your head in the proper position. When it comes to snorlels I believe in keeping them simple. you don't need something on top to block water from entering. Modern snorkels clear real easy.

Where you dive will dictate what boots you buy. 3mm boots with no real support will be ok if you plan to dive warm water from boats, but if you plan to stay here and dive monterey or maybe lake tahoe. then go ahead and get boots with a good sole. The sea soft boots have a great sole, and even supports your arch which is good considering all the extra weight your carrying when you walk down to the water.

as for the rest. you can pick up some paint pens at your local welding supply store, or craft store, and baby shampoo or even spit is an effective defog. so go to the shop. look at the masks fins and snorkels. buy what fits you , feels good, and fits the environment you plan to dive in. then compare the price to the "package"

btw don't forget to pick up a whistle, compass, and an octo retainer. you'll need them too.
the rest you can rent until your ready.

 

[diver 85]

Do you have any friends that are into diving???....If so, see what they use...maybe try some of it out ie fins, try their boots on etc etc....BTW, 5 mm boots will be perfect, no need for defog, marking paint, good gear bag can be bought for $20....price it all out ala cart & see what total you come up with.......

 

[dmmike]

IMHO....

I would take the least expensive package, and here is why. First, let's make sure you are enjoying the pool sections, then, make it through the open water. Once you got your cert in hand, dive the gear you got, learn how it feels, learn what you like, what you don't like, how it performs, fits over time, ect........

Then you can begin to make better chooses about gear. I've seen alot of people shell out the big bucks for gear, then have to re-buy it after they have some dives under thier belt because they purchased stuff that they are unhappy with.

Your better to go slow, understand what you what and why, then purchase the best gear your budget will allow. I still use the first reg. set I purchased over 20 years ago, but I have upgraded over time. The point being, good quailty year last "forever", and you will buying lots of it.

Good luck