First Time Diver.. Need equipment advice..

[msg]

Where are you taking the class? IMO the fit of the mask is paramount. With the snorkel, cheap is ok. I have used cheap fins and expensive ones that the shop has allowed me to try. My favs were the SP twin jets. There is a difference, but cheap ones will still paddle you around. I would definitely utilize the lds for the basic equipment, but before you invest in bcd or regs, use the shop's stuff and rent some different things to see what you like, prior to buying.

Good luck in your class and enjoy

 

[seabird24]

good fit is key ! i finished my owc not long ago and it took 3 masks and 4 fins before i found what fit and performed well . my lds worked with me throught the whole thing . just bought all my gear with them found what i likd online and went to them and they worked with me on that too.don't count them out a couple of dollors more for gear is worth the personal touch you get to me.

 

[a22shady]

where abouts are you located

 

[h90]

I have recently signed up for a basic dive class through my university and I have a few questions on dive equipment.

1. I got off the phone with the local dive shop that is doing the class, and got the whole speech about buying locally and being able to try the stuff on. While I want to support them, I dont really have money too. Is a local dive shop worth the extra cash?

2. I'm looking at the following options for equipment: Thoughts?

Fins:
Aeris Velocity XP Scuba Dive Split Fin - Blow Out Sale! - Compare to Oceanic V16: at JoeDiverAmerica.com

Mares Raptor Split Fin, Mask, & Dry Snorkel Package for Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: at JoeDiverAmerica.com

Mask:
Genesis SM7400 Quadra Mask

Snorkel
Genesis FS7000 Mojave Dry Snorkel

Boots:
Blue Reef Ultra 5mm Dive Boot with Zipper

3. Are there any brands to stay away from. I want to get decent quality without breaking the bank. Mares seems pretty legit from what I can tell.

4. Any other advice would be appreciated!!!!
Thanks you guys rock!

I wouldn't buy something at all, unless you have a couple of dives....
First of all....maybe you don't like diving at all.
Second you can't judge even if you try it unless you have some experience.
third: as beginner you are the best food every sales ever dream off.

Start slowly....rent as many different equipment as possible first. Bug every other diver who come around with questions.
With luck you even get across a good deal on an almost new second hand thing.

Usually the first bought things are wrong......

Start with a mask first.....
Than fins....
Than up to you either computer, or if you don't like to stay in the pee of other people: the suit

 

[h90]

Another thing: When I started, I wanted to buy things with the most features.
But now I prefer things with as little features as possible.

For example I like the Mares Abyss. It is a primitive regulator....it is almost empty inside....not much that can brake. So adjustments from outside. But once it is working perfect it never fails. I know people who never serviced it for 5-10 years and it still works perfect.

And never trust any sales guy

 

[TSandM]

Well, at least around here, most shops require you to buy your own mask, snorkel and fins for the class. And buying a mask and snorkel isn't a bad thing, since you can always snorkel with them if diving doesn't suit.

I'd just counsel to avoid buying the most expensive stuff in the store because the salespeople tell you you need it. I bought split fins as a new diver, because the shop owner told me I wouldn't get leg cramps if I used them. And he was right, I didn't. But I've never gotten leg cramps with any other fins, either . . . And the fins I like the best cost less than half what the original set I bought did.

 

[halocline]

The Mares avanti quattros are good all-around fins. There are a couple of different models (superchannel is one you might like, being Superman) and they all seem more or less the same. If you're going for warm water diving I personally prefer full foot fins. I use mine way more than I use my open heel fins, but I live in a warm climate and I don't mind walking barefoot in most places. I think scubatoys has them on sale for about $60. The open heel avantis are a little more. They're good middle-of-the-road blade fins, just about neutral and kind of a medium stiffness. Please don't spend $200 on split fins before your class, and if the salesman tries to sell them to you, ask him if you can bring them back once you get good enough at diving to realize how much they suck.

You probably have to try on the mask, and as everyone else says, get the cheapest snorkel you can find. Oddly enough, the only dive gear I've ever had stolen was a crappy snorkel I left in my gear bag during a dive; I was actually kind of sad to see it go. It was pieced together from a really old garage sale special and a silicone mouthpiece. Maybe my next one will be a DIY out of PVC pipe and an old regulator mouthpiece.

You might find that there's an incentive to buy from the LDS in connection with the class; one of the local shops does that here. Conversely, you might find a serious vibe if you show up with gear purchased elsewhere. It happened to me, and i've heard some horror stories about shops charging a $75 "inspection fee" for snorkeling gear brought in to an OW class. That's a good one, sometimes I wonder how guys like that can keep a straight face.

Anyhow, have a great time with your class and try not to spend too much on gear at first.

 

[iztok]

I started diving June of 2009. Bought few things I wish I wouldn't. But everyone is different.

Things I would do differently?

1. No split-fins. Blade fins.

2. No console computer. Buy wrist mounted. Only think is SPG.

3. If you want to get BCD, go with back inflate. Or even better get BP/w. It is good for rec diving as well.

4. Cheap snorkel or even better one of those you can fold or roll and stick into pocket.

 

[driftwood]

I agree with the other posts, you are getting some good advise. Properly sized full foot fins will always perform better than the same style open heel fins and are great for warm water and where walking on rocks/coral will not bother you. In those instances, you really need booties and open heel fins.

You don't need to buy scuba booties. A pair of "river boots" from a big box sporting goods store will work just as well and probably cost less. If you go with the booties and open heel fins, buy the booties first, then try on fins that fit very well so the whole system works as one. You are looking for a nice tight fit in the foot pocket with your foot and booties deep in the pocket

Two things that will make your life easier are a neoprene strap for your mask and spring straps for your fins. The mask strap I would go ahead and get. Wait on the springs to see if you get into diving.

What ever you do, don't let them talk you into buying a special mask cleaning paste like Sea Buff. Toothpaste works just fine (not gels).

 

[scubamikey]

I always need booties up here in NY, and I found I have different scuba booties that fit with different fins. You want the whole foot/bootie/fin combo to feel good. I have booties that fit great, but then they won't fit in certain fins.