Gear Help/Suggestions

[large_diver]

Agree with all the comments above. I am going through the same conversation with my daughter (certified in 2012). Renting gear for some period of time lets you get some open water experience, see what you like/don't like about certain gear and also see what other divers are using, talk to them about how they like it, etc. Renting also lets you experience New England diving before laying out a bunch of $$$.....hopefully you will become as addicted as we all are

 

[DavidInNH]

As others on this thread have said, renting is a good idea to allow you to see what you like. Many shops will apply part or all of your rental costs to purchases made soon afterwards. This is a good reason to deal with your LDS. Especially for your first gear purchases, the extra cost of the LDS (unless exorbitant) is more than made up for by the service a good shop provides.