Equipment Rec. b4 OW class

[sjsfiji]

Hi All,

I'm considering taking the OW accelerated course here at Wallin's Dive Center at San Carlos, CA. They require the following equipment for class:
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Boots
Gloves
Compass

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy these on the Net or get them at the shop (Wallin's). What brands should I consider or stay clear of? What have you used and prefer... Sorry for having too many questions but I believe in buying the right thing once...

Regards

sjsfiji

 

[The Kraken]

In my opinion, the things that you need to REALLY try on to insure proper fit you should by at your LDS.

The other things,such as the snorkel, boots, golves and compass, I would buy on the internet.

But that's just me.

Now that I have opened Pandora's box . . .

the K

 

[sjsfiji]

Any particular brand I should be considering? Should I go ahead and purchase a Dry Snorkel instead of the regular one?

Thanks,

sjsfiji

 

[ae3753]

For things that require personal fittings, you want to buy these from your LDS. Masks fall in this category. I'll fitting masks can easily ruin a dive, or make OW training a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Faces/heads are so different and masks comes in all shapes and sizes. If don't get it properly fitted, you have a high chance of getting a mask that is not optimal. Worse case, you get a mask that doesn't work at all for you.

For things that don't require personal fittings, then you can safely buy off the internet. Compasses and snorkels fall in this area.

Everything else kinda falls within the two extremes. If you're can safely buy off the rack, and are confident in matching the manufacturer's size charts, then you can buy boots and gloves online too. But if have to try on a lot of shoes in different sizes, then buying boots online would be risky.

As for fins, it's definitely cheaper to buy online. However, you have to make sure that they fit your boot. One of the most recommended fins on Scubaboard is notorious for being difficult to match with boots. Kidspot put a good site about all the jet fins and boot sizes.

My preferences:
Masks - brand doesn't matter, whatever fits your face the best. Ideally something low-profile. Tusa Imprex, Oceanic Shadow, and Cressi Focus have worked well for me.

Snorkel - I like the simple, cheap, no frills snorkel like the Zeagle Flex Purge. Dry snorkels are too bulky for me. The foldable snorkel is like the Apollo Flex Snorkel is nice. But since it doesn't have a flexible bottom section, it is a bother if you wear it 100% of the time.

Fins - There is much discussion about fins here on the board. Hours of enjoyable reading, guaranteed. My preference is for paddle type fins. Mares Avanti Quattros, Cressi Master Frogs, and Scubapro Jet Fins have all worked well for me. My buddy retired her Jet Fins when she tried the Twin Speeds.

Gloves - I had asked about cold water glove recommendations, and that should be a good read. Except for below 48 deg, the Henderson 7mm Hyperstretch gloves have been good to me.

Compass - I'm surprised Wallin's requires you to buy one. I'll let you borrow a wrist mounted one I have. PM me if you're interested. Otherwise, if you need to buy one, then the Suunto SK7 is slick.

Since you're diving in Monterey, you might want to read this too: Monterey divers - what gear do you use?

Have a great time in OW.

 

[spectrum]

Mask, a local purchase for sure, it has to fit you. If you decide latter you want a spare, order that online.Do you wear prescription glasses, do you want a purge valve? see the gear forums.

Snorkel, I like a dry snorkel but I use it a lot in surf conditions for scuba surface swima and for skin-diving. It does make life easier. The Mojave works for me and my wife.

Fins, I won't even get into models, read the gear forumns butthe fins and booties need to work together, need to fit you and need to fit you correctly, I'd stay local.

Gloves? what can I say. Sizes are not always a constant indicator so it's a crap shoot online unless you can try someones and then order. Doing this at the LDS is abusive in my opinion.

Compass, that stinks. I'd be tempted to push back and have them give you something to use. Do you want console, wrist boot, slate of retractror mount. I you need to buy make sure it's a puck you can transplant to the mount of your choice latter. Again read the gear forums.

Spending time in the forums and some of the online sites like scubatoys and lesure pro will give you a sense of price range. the local shop will be asking a bit more but armed with good info you may get a decent compromise.

Be carefull when ordering, you can loose weeks if you end up shipping ill fitting gear back and forth. Soon that LDS premium dosen't seem so bad. There are many headed threads on this topic, enough said.

Have fun in your class!

Pete

 

[Spoon]

Hi All,

I'm considering taking the OW accelerated course here at Wallin's Dive Center at San Carlos, CA. They require the following equipment for class:
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Boots
Gloves
Compass

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy these on the Net or get them at the shop (Wallin's). What brands should I consider or stay clear of? What have you used and prefer... Sorry for having too many questions but I believe in buying the right thing once...

i

Regards

sjsfiji

would go ahead and get those equioment. they are the very basic and the bare bones of scuba equipment. maybe you can scrap the compass in favor of a wetsuit as to particular brands this is a case to case basis, one thing i can tel you though is never let your instructor talk you into getting your gear. theres more than enough info here if you do your homework goodluck

 

[Dive-aholic]

Does your shop have a package deal going? How about a discount for OW students? You might also see what the shop has to offer, shop around, and then give them an opportunity to meet the price. Remember to include shipping in your comparison.

BTW, the compass requirement is a little strange. You may end up getting a computer with an integrated compass later on. Check out ebay for compasses.

 

[spectrum]

Does your shop have a package deal going? How about a discount for OW students? You might also see what the shop has to offer, shop around, and then give them an opportunity to meet the price. Remember to include shipping in your comparison.

BTW, the compass requirement is a little strange. You may end up getting a computer with an integrated compass later on. Check out ebay for compasses.

Great point. The benefit may go beyond your shop. One group of shops around here extends an automatic discount to any enroled dive stuident, any class, any instructor. I think it's their way of getting people in and encouraging the sport.

Pete

 

[gcbryan]

Many people only use their snorkle for their OW class and then never use it again. If you have a buddy who already dives changes are he/she will let you borrow their snorkle for the class.

Many people swim on their back while on the surface therefore there is no need for a snorkle and it's a great feeling to get that thing off of your head

 

[*Floater*]

Hi All,

I'm considering taking the OW accelerated course here at Wallin's Dive Center at San Carlos, CA. They require the following equipment for class:
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Boots
Gloves
Compass

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy these on the Net or get them at the shop (Wallin's). What brands should I consider or stay clear of? What have you used and prefer... Sorry for having too many questions but I believe in buying the right thing once...

Regards

sjsfiji

Check the prices on the internet to make sure you aren't getting ripped off, then if the prices are good (meaning a little higher than interenet, but not too much), you might as well get the mask and maybe a wetsuit and boots because those you need to try on anyway to get the right fit.

The problem with buying gear early on is that you don't yet know what's crap and what's not, or what suits you best, so if the rental costs are not too bad then I'd just rent, or if you decide to buy, then at least post the LDS recommendations over here to get a second opinion.

Unless you plan to use a snork for serious snorkling or exercising, then you might as well get the cheapest one available, or borrow one, as you use it very little while scubadiving.