Gear Question

[Darwin]

Question about gear. I was wonder if there was a certain brand of gear that is better/worse to use. I assume it depends on preference, but what do ya'll recommend?

Also, I don't want to sound too stylish, but are there certain locations that give a better variety of colors or do manufacturer only make few varieties? What would be a good resource to buy gear from if my local dealer doesn't have what I'm looking for?

One more: Are split fins as hot as they talk them up or again is it a matter of preference?

 

[Jay Roy]

One more: Are split fins as hot as they talk them up or again is it a matter of preference?

Dont waste your money on them...Who cares how fast you can swim...Everyone I've saw with split fins are the ones one the boat later saying..what? I didnt see that..nope, didnt see that either...

 

[spectrum]

As far as brands go you really can't go wrong, it's more about getting the features you want and the fit you need. A quick search here regarding any brand or model you are considering is likely to be informative. Liability has pretty much weeded out the junk. Mixing and matching between brands is common. All of your regulators want to be from one brand for the sake of servicing. At the very least they all want to be supported by the same local shop.

As for shopping and where. You could drive to a less local dive shop and do business there. Lots of online sellers are visible here. Scubatoys and LeisurePro are both common and are VERY different operations. Fit is critical in dive ghear so think twice before going online. This topic also offers lots of reading if you do a search or just browse the Basic forum. If you decide to buy online make sure there is a local servicing dealer. Don't expect to get top drawer service when you bring your online purchases in for attention. This attitude varries from shop to shop.

As for splits, some swear by them and some swear at them. Mine are for sale. Not to be a broken record but a search in the fins forum will be a gold mine.

Take your time and remember that becoming gear savvy is in many ways more work than getting certified.

Pete

Question about gear. I was wonder if there was a certain brand of gear that is better/worse to use. I assume it depends on preference, but what do ya'll recommend?

Also, I don't want to sound too stylish, but are there certain locations that give a better variety of colors or do manufacturer only make few varieties? What would be a good resource to buy gear from if my local dealer doesn't have what I'm looking for?

One more: Are split fins as hot as they talk them up or again is it a matter of preference?

 

[The Chairman]

I teach my students the "NetDoc Mantra": FIT AND COMFORT! Don't worry about stylin' in the suds. Everyone's looking at the fishies!

As for splits. You might have to try them to see if you like them. I have a pair and they do great, but they don't always fit my diving: I have to be able to tow people and most splits just can't handle that!

 

[DiveMaven]

Ditto NetDoc!!

I really think that as long as you're looking at quality gear, fit and comfort are the most important consideration. I believe it is extremely important to TRY gear in the water (if you can) prior to purchase. That's the only way you're going to know 100% if a mask is comfortable, if fins give you cramps, if a BC is too bulky, etc...

People seem to fall into 2 camps about splits....hate 'em or love 'em. I'm in the hate 'em camp because I find them floppy and feel disconnected from my feet in them. However, I know people who LOVE their splits and my chosen fins give them cramps.

What you're going to find most of anywhere, including here is "different strokes for different folks", and its a matter of finding the gear you like, is comfortable, and you can afford.

Good luck on your hunt, it can be frustrating, fun, and extremely rewarding. But be forewarned, even if you think you're getting the perfect setup, be prepared that you'll likely swap some out after a year or less. Happened to a number of us....

 

[rawls]

Agree with Doc...Fit and comfort....Agree with Spectrum....Liability has weeded out alot of the junk. Ask some experienced divers to help you with gear selection. I say that because, although there are many altruistic dealers, there are also those that would tell you anything to get you to buy their gear...Ah...new diver...$$$$. Style...Black all the way...Splits...Go with nonsplits if you will be diving in different types of conditions....

 

[Mo2vation]

Dont waste your money on them...Who cares how fast you can swim...Everyone I've saw with split fins are the ones one the boat later saying..what? I didnt see that..nope, didnt see that either...

This is often so true. Classic observation.

---
Ken

 

[hdtran]

Color looks great on land; fades in the sea.

My wife wanted (initially) a purple wetsuit. After seing a photo of herself in a (rented) wetsuit, it was "no, black. Black is slimming." Well, we eventually got her black with purple trim.

In 20 fsw, the purple trim looks blue.

So, on the one hand, I really like the Zeagle color panels ("I'd like to order a BCD with a neon yellow left shoulder; dayglo orange right shoulder; grape left waist; lime right waist; paisley lower bladder; fuchsia bladder pleat; and ferrari red upper bladder ") But at 60 feet down and 20 feet away, it's all one blurry blob.

My one concession to color is bright yellow fins. Nice and visible at a distance. In fact, if I could buy one yellow and one red fin, I would. Manufacturers, are you listening? (I can just see the movie--The short balding guy with one red fin)

 

[*Floater*]

Question about gear. I was wonder if there was a certain brand of gear that is better/worse to use. I assume it depends on preference, but what do ya'll recommend?

Also, I don't want to sound too stylish, but are there certain locations that give a better variety of colors or do manufacturer only make few varieties? What would be a good resource to buy gear from if my local dealer doesn't have what I'm looking for?

One more: Are split fins as hot as they talk them up or again is it a matter of preference?

Buying your first set of gear is tough because you may not know what your future needs will be. Most experienced divers seem to end up with several sets of gear and lots of purchases they end up replacing. I ended up replacing my split fins with jetfins. The splits were great for the type of diving I was doing when I bought them, but then I learned about other finning techniques and fin properties and then realized the splits weren't meant for my diving future. It's often the same story with other scuba purchases. Just take your time and do your research with every expensive piece of equipment (and inexpensive too if you have the time).

 

[Packhorse]

Dont waste your money on them...Who cares how fast you can swim...Everyone I've saw with split fins are the ones one the boat later saying..what? I didnt see that..nope, didnt see that either...

Ok this is relivant when your diving from a boat and not going to cover a lot of ground, but when your doing a shore entry or covering a lot of ground or diving against a current I want to be able to swim fast and efficently.
They are not the greatest fins for ALL dive but im sure there are dives where they will be the greatest.
Cover all your bases, but a pair of splits, a pair of standard fins and a pair of free diving fins. That way you will always have the best suited fins for any dive. If you cant afford them all decide what sort of diving you will be doing the most of and then buy to suit.