Gear Gear Gear

[snookin_nape_town]

Hello everyone,

im new to this hobby and have gone on two dives i really like it. my question for all of you out there is on gear; new, used, what brands, are you selling any, and that sort of thing. im just lookin for suggestion, opions, and to mabye purchase some used gear.

 

[spectrum]

Becoming gear savvy is more difficult than getting certified.

Until you know what's what steer clear of used gear, especially anything technical like regulators and BCs.

Dropping a few brand names really won't get you anywhere. Virtually anything on the marked is safe and durable for recreational use. The important part is finding things suited to you and your diving.

I suggest spending some serious seat time in the New diver, Basic and gear forums. read with your eye's open and take note of a divers type of diving and location as these will bias their needs.

Pete

 

[snookin_nape_town]

Sweet man i appreciate the advice. ive been shopping around for stuff and trying my friends stuff. im getting an idea of what some of the things i like and dont like are. as i have seen though it isnt cheap for the good stuff. so i think i will continue to barrow my friends untill i can slowly build a nice set of gear i think that is a good idea. at the locale dive shop they have a lot of used gear and i have heard mixed things about that so i think i will take your advice on it and stay away from it.

 

[shotthebreeze]

You've gotta dive with it before you buy it. That's my policy. That way you're comfortable with it and won't spend the rest of your live cussing an expensive piece of equipment that you didn't even like...

 

[Jimmer]

Pay attention to what the serious divers in your area are using. That will give you a better idea of what works in your conditions. Where are you located anyway?

Jim

 

[Tigerman]

I can make a general suggestion as to what to buy, but not specific brands or models..
Id start off with regs or bouyancy device (BCD / BP/W), probably the bouyancy..
Its the device youll be using most actively (regs you just stuff in and breathe from, right?). However, as suggested, you should dive with the model you consider buying before getting it..
Personally I had the luxury of being able to get all my gear at once and I never been diving with anything else since, except the suit.
When Im going to Mexico next week, Ill also bring all but the suit, tank and lead. Ill dive as much as possible my own gear, as its what im accustomed to..

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Follow the K.I.S.S. system. Avoid expensive name brand items that offer all kinds of unnecessary and fancy add on's.

So things to specifically avoid as a new diver would be:

-Spare Air's.
-cheap regs.
-fancy computers with functions you really want but will never use.
-overly complex BC systems, hundreds or pockets, retractors, and a billion D-rings are pointless. I personlly would advise a bp/w but they are not for everyone.
-huge cool dive knives are a total waste of money look for something mid size to small. That rambo knife will cause more tangles than it frees you from.
-Dont plaster yourself with stickers, patches, and other advertisements. You will be looked at and treated like an idiot. Tattoos of a PADI logo will probably get you shot ;-)


Good Luck

 

[nferra2]

I have been researching gear, and I was going to going to rent for a while, but it seems cheaper to buy a solid set of lower end gear (like the zeagle scout, Oceanic alpha 8 sport,you get a free octo right now with it) while you decide what you really want. That way when you do upgrade, you will have a good back up and have something other than rental reciepts from your time researching what you want. But I am just a newbie too right now, but I would rather spend $200 on a cheap BCD to keep than to pay $200 to rent a cheap set of gear for 4 days.

 

[spectrum]

The Cinderella method of renting until you find the magic slipper especially for BCs is great if you can rent the good stuff. Often rental offerings are well worn basics which is fine for some but not want many end up wanting.

A friend took a referral to Florida for her check-outs and while there was able to sample a number of BCs identify her likes and dislikes and make an informed purchase. The more you can rent or borrow the more you will know.

I agree that the BC is the most individual item and if making a choice would put it ahead of the regulator set. This assumes that you can wear an off the rack rental wetsuit.

Pete

 

[ToddK]

I highly recommend the rental approach as well. Renting allows you to dive different brands/models and form opinions about what you like and don't like. Don't be in a hurry to get all the stuff immediately. Research one piece of gear, buy it, dive it, tweak it, and then when you are happy, move on to the next item.

My three sets of regulators are all used, off of Ebay. The advantages are price, and (for me) the ability to buy specific regs that aren't being made anymore. The disadvantage is that you'll have to add $100 to the purchase cost to get the used regs immediately serviced. Also, some manufacturers have a free parts with the annual service plan that you of course won't be able to take part in when you buy used. Have fun! -Todd.