First time buyer, need help with equipment

[rickdog81]

I went down to a local scuba shop today and checked out some equipment. the guy there recommended the following package. I just wanted to
run it by the board to see if its ok scuba equipment. It was a package for $729 that includes the following:

Aeris atmos sport BC
Cressi-sub Airtech regulator
Cressi-sub xs 2 octopus
tank
gauge console with depth gauge, pressure gauge, and compass

He also recommended the aeris velocity fins which have holes down the middle
instead of a split. Will these be ok? Any other ideas for what I should get? I'm in college so money is an issue but I want the best stuff for the price.

 

[Tractor Tom]

As for the gear, everyone has different needs and buys their gear differently. You didn't mention what gear you have now, or what kind of diving that you intend to be doing.

I'll express my feeling and you can discard it as the ravings of a madman as most others will.

I would forget about the tank, and rent them for a while. I have three tanks now, and really would like to have a couple more. If you only have one, you'll end up renting a couple more anyway so you can make multiple dives in a day.

Forget the console, and take the money from it and the tank and upgrade to a good quality computer to wear on your wrist. There are lots of them out there, and of all prices. Get a compass to wear on the other wrist and just a pressure gauge to hang off where the console would have been, and a clip to attach it to your BC.

Everyone is different, but I really try to reduce the stuff that is "hanging" loose off my rig.

I use Aqua Lung regulators, because a travel a bit to dive, and you can get them worked on ANYWHERE. I have a Titan LX rig and a cheepie low profile octo, both that work quite well in the cold waters we have here in the Great Lakes, as well as down in the tropics, where I dive once or twice a year. I have never seen a Cressi-Sub regulator, and would wonder if most dive shops have parts for them, when away from your Local Dive Shop....

As for the fins, I have two pairs. A set of Tusa Zoom split fins, that work well when I'm diving wet, but kind of floppy and soft. I have a pair of Turtle fins to wear with my drysuit, and really like them a lot. I have worn them when diving wet, and they work well for that, but are pretty stiff. They are great in a current or surge, and will really get you through the water if you have the 'legs' for it.

Others will offer other opinions, and ALL are valid.

Good luck with your choices!!!

 

[DiveMistress2]

Hey there rickdog81,

I agree with Frankenmuth, everyone will have their own opinion on what gear is best etc...

I'd recommend renting it & trying it before buying it. I've run into a lot of people who hear rave reviews about regs and then don't like them after spending hundreds of dollars on them. You also need to consider warm vs. cold water regs. Your LDS should be able to advise you as to which brands perform best in these conditions.

As for BC's, I'm not familiar with the one you mentioned but I would recommend a back inflation BC. It will eliminate any squeezing on your ribs as you inflate it. You'll also need to consider if you want to eventually dive singles or doubles. This doesn't mean that you have to go backplate and harness - the diverite transpac is a great intro bc since it does both for you.

Fins - I love my scubapro jetfins. They are the same as the turtle fins only made for smaller feet. I don't find them tiring on my legs but I'll agree that they offer a lot of power.

Tank wise - I agree - wait on buying tanks. They require servicing every year with a visual & every 5 for a hydro. Once you have the rest of your gear you'll know how many, alum vs steel & what style (single vs. doubles) you want to invest in.

The main thing to consider is how big is your budget. What you've shown is a very reasonable price and it would allow you to go diving immediately which is important. I would caution you though that as you dive more you may decide that you need to upgrade your equipment and may end up spending several times more than what you initially invested.

 

[PolsVoice]

I've only been diving for about 6 months, but here's what I did... judge for yourself whether this route is for you...

I went down to my LDS and bought a dacor package for just over 500. It had the reg, octo, bc, and guage console. I was hooked on scuba at the time but wasn't sure if it was something that I was going to be doing regularly. Thanks to ScubaBoard, I found a ton of places to dive in my area (East Texas) and am thoroughly addicted.

However, I agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY with Mistress2:

I'd recommend renting it & trying it before buying it. I've run into a lot of people who hear rave reviews about regs and then don't like them after spending hundreds of dollars on them. You also need to consider warm vs. cold water regs. Your LDS should be able to advise you as to which brands perform best in these conditions.

I (so far) haven't found any scheister [sic] store operators, and although they're just trying to make a buck like everyone else, they're usually very fair. If you're curious about price, I'd go check out the prices at LeisurePro.com and compare. But, IMHO always go with a LDS (within reason). Dive store operators are the ones that keep this sport alive, and they'll often work with regular customers when it comes to prices.

but still, caveat emptor.

As for fins. I've got some Beuchat X-Jet fins that nobody ever seems to have heard of. I love them, these jet fins push me through the water just fine (and I'm 6'5" 255 lbs.) Oh, and I bought them used.

which brings up something interesting... if you need to cut corners, you can usually buy used or rental gear sometimes. I wouldn't do it with any lifesupport equip. (your reg for example) but if you find a good working BC that you've tried out in a pool or some good open-heel fins, I say go for it. If you dive much at all, your gear won't be looking good for very long. (not THRASHED, but definitely not pristine). I buy my gear for its utility not the fashion.

Since my first scuba purchase 5 months ago, I've already upgraded my console to a Suunto computer... I won't EVER regret that decision (and my creditcard won't ever let me forget it). and I got a new reg, an AquaLung LX.

I'm hooked on the ScubaCrack and I need my fix...

Welcome to the sport. It's expensive, and addicting, but the best time you'll ever have is called bottom time.

- PolsVoice.

 

[Arnaud]

What's your experience? Where do you dive? How often do you dive?

Do you already own an exposure suit (+gloves & hood)?

Most LDS have 0 interest in education. Their sole purpose is to sell you gear (and preferrably what they have in stock).

 

[seavonj]

Go down to your local dive spot where you will find lots of divers, ask a few questions and take a look at what people are diving. Most divers will be nice enough to show you what they are diving and tell you why. Your LDS is in the business of selling gear. Simple as that!!!

 

[DiveMistress2]

Arnaud,

I would argue that your local shops aren't just there to sell you gear. I guess it depends which shop is local to you and if they want to stay in business.

Any shop that wants to stay in business needs to promote ongoing education. Through ongoing education they get more gear sales. For example, if I hadn't pursued my aow, I wouldn't have some of the gear I do now.

The shops that have been around a long time promote diving as a whole. They want you out there every day if possible. The average diving career is 3 years. After that people fade from the sport and there goes another potential customer from the shop. But if they get you into more courses, with it comes additional gear purchases, trip participants and so on.

I always think it's best to rent & try it on your own before buying it. Only you will know what is best for you.

 

[Arnaud]

Arnaud,

I would argue that your local shops aren't just there to sell you gear. I guess it depends which shop is local to you and if they want to stay in business.

I said "most" LDS, not all.

Any shop that wants to stay in business needs to promote ongoing education. Through ongoing education they get more gear sales. For example, if I hadn't pursued my aow, I wouldn't have some of the gear I do now.

That's exactly my point. Education is only available as a means to sell gear.

The shops that have been around a long time promote diving as a whole. They want you out there every day if possible. The average diving career is 3 years. After that people fade from the sport and there goes another potential customer from the shop. But if they get you into more courses, with it comes additional gear purchases, trip participants and so on.

The shops that have been around are usually better at selling than the ones that are truly concerned about training because the money is made in sales. Don't have any stats but I'm ready to bet that most stores don't see the great majority of their clients beyond BOW. That's also why they try to stuff you as much as they can upfront.

I always think it's best to rent & try it on your own before buying it. Only you will know what is best for you.

We're in full agreement on this one.

 

[DiveMistress2]

Sorry Arnaud, I guess I misinterpreted your response.

I'm surprised that you think most divers stop at OW. I know at my LDS, 80+% proceeded to their AOW and 50% I believe did their TDI Nitrox as well.

I don't think they look at it as another way to sell gear but as a way to promote safe diving. They are afterall held responsible to a level if any accidents occur.

I don't think they try and load you up with gear thinking that you're only going to make the one purchase. They know you'll be back for more once you're addicted to the underwater world.

 

[Arnaud]

DM2, I guess you're lucky. IMO, your LDS is in the minority, so make sure they stay in business!