Devils_advocate
Contributor
Granted I don't have a whole lot of experience, but I'll share what I've done.(This is also what was recommended to me years ago).
1. Wetsuit--this way it fits you and you only dive in your pee.
2. Extremely high reliability reg.--for the money! Basically one of the same models that your LDS will rent. They are normally the cheapest to maintain and highest reliability for the dollars spent.
3. Dive.....Dive.....Dive..... All the while trying your friends BCD's or renting different styles from the LDS. Find the style you like and get it.
4. Now that you have this....keep diving. If after a while you are still into it heavily buy a BETTER REGULATOR. The one you already have can be used for a pony bottle if you decide to do more involved diving.
This is the method that I would use to save the most money in the long run. Because lets face it not everyone stays in the water this method could save you big bucks. And if you do stay in the water, you get the equipment that you want.
1. Wetsuit--this way it fits you and you only dive in your pee.
2. Extremely high reliability reg.--for the money! Basically one of the same models that your LDS will rent. They are normally the cheapest to maintain and highest reliability for the dollars spent.
3. Dive.....Dive.....Dive..... All the while trying your friends BCD's or renting different styles from the LDS. Find the style you like and get it.
4. Now that you have this....keep diving. If after a while you are still into it heavily buy a BETTER REGULATOR. The one you already have can be used for a pony bottle if you decide to do more involved diving.
This is the method that I would use to save the most money in the long run. Because lets face it not everyone stays in the water this method could save you big bucks. And if you do stay in the water, you get the equipment that you want.