Gearing Up To Get Wet

[Rune]

Like my profile says, I am new. What I am finding most is that I just don't know what is a good quality brand vs a lower quality brand, and if I cheap out, where am I going to notice the difference?

Since we ( my b/f and I) are just getting into the world of diving and we are finding it a little overwhelming, any information that anyone would be willing to offer would be much appreciated.

Until this afternoon, I was calling a fin, a "flipper." You can see why I've headed here for help. So far I've been told to get a weightbelt, a snorkel, fins, boots and a mask. If anyone would like to toss out some trusted brand names that would be great!

 

[KDDiving]

When buying fins, you need to decide if you are going to use full foot or bootie type fins. Scubapro makes really good ones along with Tusa. I use the Tusa xpert zoom's and love them. AS for a mask, look for XS Scuba or Mares. They are both good ones. I would recommened a dry snorkel, they keep the water out if you submerge with it in your mouth. As for a weight belt, you may want to try a soft weight style. It is easier on the hips and allot more comfortable. The Dry suit maker DUI makes a really nice weight belt that has suspenders to take the load off of your hips and distribute it over your shoulders and hips. You can find a DUI dealer on line. Hope this helps!

 

[murphdivers286]

Welcome to the board. Find a forum that best fits your question and do a search with in that forum. You will be amazed at the information already listed. Here are a couple of links to help you get started.

This link will help you get to know the board and how to navigate the board.
Click here ---->[red]A Beginner's Guide to Scubaboard.com[/red]

This link will help you get to know a little more about scuba diving.
Click here ---->[red]New Divers & Those Considering Diving[/red]

This link will contain several different links to information on all different types of scuba diving equipement.
Click here ---->[red]The Equipment of Scuba Diving[/red]

Please fill out your profile so we can help you a little better.
Click here ---->[red]User Profile[/red]

 

[scubamickey]

I don't know why you would need a weightbelt. They are provided on board 99% of the dive boats and when you decide to get your own BC it will have an integrated weight system--unless you buy the kind without which I hear can still be bought

This is a good place to get information. I recommend you don't go too cheap on the mask and get open heeled fins. But I don't recommend split fins. Do lots of research and try everything on in the pool or on a real dive.

Welcome to the board and to our collective addiction!

 

[rascal1933]

Greetings and Welcome to ScubaBoard!

You will find everyone has their favorites on what gear they use.

Find what works for YOU as far as Fit and Comfort....

Would suggest this gear to buy first:

(1)Fins
(2)Boots
(3)Mask > {I prefer Mares masks for fit and comfort.}
(4)Snorkel (Dry snorkel for sure!)

When you get ready to buy... do go with a soft weight belt and soft weights.

***When picking fins see if your dive shop will let you try (test drive)
a few different ftypes of fins in their pool.

May be tough on the pocket book > but would go with best fin you can afford.
Some of the better fins to choose from out there are:

Apollo Bios (These are what i dive with and they are great + easy on your legs.)
Scubapro Jets,
Scuba Pro Twin jets
Tusa expert zooms

VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure you fit your dive boots to/with the fins you decide to buy. {thickness+styles+sizes vary in all manufactuers of dive boots.}

Any other Questions ask away!

You will find ScubaBoard members are always willing to help you.

Glad to have you, and welcome to the Board!

Cheers

 

[El Orans]

Hello Rune,

welcome to your newfound addiction!

Here’s the itinerary for your ScubaBoard journey: A beginner's guide to the ScubaBoard.Com forums.

It would be nice if you’d fill out your Public Profile (and Dive Info) on one of your next surface intervals so we can get to know you a little bit better. Don’t forget to add a Profile Pic. If you’re not in a particular creative mood, you can have a look at my Public Profile for inspiration.

As a newly addicted diver, you may want to have a look here as well: New Divers & Those Considering Diving.

Well, you asked for it. Here it is, El Orans’ Guide to Gear Selection:
Apeks - Cressi - Halcyon.

For those of you who would like even more choice, here’s the extended version.

Gear Selection:
* Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) and weight systems
* Computers, Gauges, Watches & Analyzers
* Exposure Suits
* Fins, Masks & Snorkels
* Regulators

You may find something useful here too: ScubaBoard.Com > Community Forums > Women's Views > Diving Related.

Laurens

BTW, welcome (Scub)aBoard! :happywave

This message brought to you by GreetBot R/3

 

[SubMariner]

Moved from Introductions & Greets forum.

 

[MSilvia]

I don't know why you would need a weightbelt. They are provided on board 99% of the dive boats and when you decide to get your own BC it will have an integrated weight system--unless you buy the kind without which I hear can still be bought

I use one because only about 5% of my dives are on "vacation" dive boats where weights are provided. Local dive charters expect you to provide your own gear including tanks and weights, and on shore dives there isn't anyone else to provide gear for you. Besides that, I dive with a backplate harness BC that I've opted not to add weight pockets to in the interest of simplicity and streamlining. Different dives lend themselves to different gear Rune, so let us know where you live, and what your dive plans are (diving locally or on vacation, in warm or cold water) and we'll be able to make more informed recommendations. What's right for a wreck diver on Cape Cod may not be what's right for a shore diver in Bonaire.

 

[theskull]

All the major brands are good, so no worries there. Within the brands, though, there are good, better, and best models, so just don't go "cheap".

Most is a matter of good fit and personal preference. On personal preference, I would contradict a couple previous recommendations and say don't bother with a dry snorkel. On this item, do get the cheapest model available--it's just a big straw, and you don't use it much anyway.

theskull

 

[DandyDon]

Just gimme your credit card info and I'll take care of it.

Really, don't worry so much - get wet. Get your Instructor or Shop to assist you with initial purchases, then swim with them while you're waiting on you pool sessions to come around. Get used to wearing a mask & fins and breathing thru a mouthpiece.

:cowboy2: don

I don't know why you would need a weightbelt. They are provided on board 99% of the dive boats and when you decide to get your own BC it will have an integrated weight system--unless you buy the kind without which I hear can still be bought

Yeah, we ran into this when my lady dive buddy did her OW in Houston. Just a way to sell more gear, I guess? Might want to shop for another shop, as this is not a good sign.