Equipment????

[The Great Orca]

Hi,

What equipment should I start out with. Anyone know any good stores in the L.A. that I can try out the equipment?

Thanks

 

[Quarrior]

Hi,

What equipment should I start out with. Anyone know any good stores in the L.A. that I can try out the equipment?

Thanks

Simple answer is rent as many different manufacturers and models of gear as you can. Then ask some questions here like, "I used this gear and think this of it, what experiences have you all had with this gear?"

 

[The Great Orca]

I do beach and Ow dives and I was thinking on the following....

1) BCD- Tusa Platina Evolution BCJ 5500
2) Regulator - TUSA RS-130 Regulator OR Tusa Platina Adjustable Regulator (RS-230)
3)Faber High Pressure Steel Tanks (3180+ PSI)


What do you think?

 

[ShakaZulu]

Well, it's best to invest in one of these, you'll never get cold.

http://www.submarinesystems.co.uk/details.asp?src=catalogue.html

Seriously, get a semi-dry or even a dry suit first. Winter is here..........

 

[The Great Orca]

Well, it's best to invest in one of these, you'll never get cold.

http://www.submarinesystems.co.uk/details.asp?src=catalogue.html

Seriously, get a semi-dry or even a dry suit first. Winter is here..........

Uhhhhhh.. I already have a Bare Alpine attached hood, as of right now, tha's what I will wear for another year. Warm like blubber.

 

[emtdan]

For inexpensive, high quality, and very reliable gear, i reccomend most things sherwood. I would start out with Mask Fins, and Snorkel, then BC, then Reg set. I also high reccomend buying a computer... you'll nenver regret it!

 

[The Great Orca]

For inexpensive, high quality, and very reliable gear, i reccomend most things sherwood. I would start out with Mask Fins, and Snorkel, then BC, then Reg set. I also high reccomend buying a computer... you'll nenver regret it!

Yes have the snorkel, mask, fins, and suit. Just questioning bout the others!

 

[Buoyant1]

Since it's such an equipment intensive sport (and expensive at that) what order should things be purchased after your personal gear? I'm already in the process of filling my save a dive, getting a light and probably soem safety gear..but I'm planning on my next purchases shortly...

I'm considering starting with a computer THEN a BC ..then a reg set...but the other side of my brain tells me..get the BC first...

The reason I'm thinking computer is I feel I'm relying too much on other people for my info (how deep, how long, temps etc...) BUT I'm also thinking that the quicker I get used to my BC, the quicker I'll be more comfortable with my bouyancy and trim, everything else will follow suit..

thoughts?

 

[Willar]

The single most important piece of safety equipment is the regulator set. This is the thing that keeps you breathing and "failure is not an option." Therefore, get your reg set first. You don't have to spend $800 but don't skimp and by the cheapest on sale.

I also consider the computer a very important part of that safety gear, so it is purchase #1-A. Computer prices are very reasonable now for a good, reliable unit.

Yes, having your own BC is great for being comfortable underwater but any BC can do the basic job you are talking about. Renting a decent BC is not a problem most places, so I rank the BC as #2 or 3 in your case (basic beach & OW diving).

 

[pt40fathoms]

What ever gear you do end up purchasing, always remember this; there will always be someone who will say you made a good choice, and someone who will say you made a poor choice. But always let the choice be yours! The best advice I can give, without getting into brand name wars, is to try before you buy, and buy from the place that let you try. The internet is great for getting deals, but when you are buying for the first time, what you need is support.

Sorry for not coming out and say "buy THIS, and you will never regret it", but in all honesty, it would still be just my opinion, and YOU have to live with the choice, not me. The only other piece of advice is DO NOT buy all the little toys that look neat and "may" be useful. Tank bangers, retractors, and so on, are money pits. Untill you are completely certain that you "need" something, keep you money in your pocket.


Dive safe and Have Fun.