Getting gear in what order?

[blackice]

My personal order of preference:

Mask / Exposure suit

Fins

Computer

BC/Regs

Others

Why? You will need a mask no questions asked, and an exposure suit that others have relieved themselves in isnot that cool, then fins as these make a really difference and it's good to have the same ones each dive so you know how well you will be able to handle different conditions.

Then a computer as you never seem to dive square profiles (maybe different in other places).

Then after you have all that the time comes when you make the expensive purchases, it's good to have extensive experience to know what sort of diving you like and would like to do. To know what is important to you.

=-)

 

[Gill]

Blackice: If you look at my first post I said I already have some of the gear. I already have the wetsuit, mask, fins. I guess I could of made it more clear. My mistake.

I'm currently in the process of getting the big ticket items such regulator, BCD, computer. That's where I needed to decide over computer or regulator first.

But yeah, it's all personal preference on which to get first. I just wanted other people's take on it. But it sure seems that all LDS now-a-days recommend computers before regulators.

 

[GreyWarrior]

1. Wetsuit (for obvious reason)

2. Reg

3. Computer

4. BC

5. Repeat as needed.

 

[sumguy]

I bought my BCD before my reg because I was tired of cheap, brown, rental BC's with their runaway inflators and improper fit. Also, I wanted weight-integrated, and the rental shop here doesn't stock it.
Regulator definitely before computer, because then you wouldn't need to rent anything anymore. Just my $.02

 

[ScottyK]

Hey Gill- Just an additional thought for you to chew on

You sound like me, in that you're not living on a trust fund or driving a Rolls Royce

If you can hold off a little longer and save up, in the long run it will cost you less to buy at least your BC, regs and guages/computer at the same time. Most places will give you a "package price" if you buy them together.

Good luck whichever way you decide to go.........Scott

 

[Gill]

ScottyK once bubbled...
Hey Gill- Just an additional thought for you to chew on

You sound like me, in that you're not living on a trust fund or driving a Rolls Royce

If you can hold off a little longer and save up, in the long run it will cost you less to buy at least your BC, regs and guages/computer at the same time. Most places will give you a "package price" if you buy them together.

Scott:

That's a good point. I'll talk to my LDS about that.

Hmm, now if I could win the lottery. It doesn't even have to be the "Big Jackpot". A fraction of it would already be good.

 

[ScottyK]

Our LDS lopped off $1,200 from his retail on two packages for Jen and I. We also added some other stuff like lights while he was feeling so generous

Give your local guy first dibs, but if he won't discount you on a package, someone else surely will.


Scott

 

[astrofunk]

I definitely agree with the prevailing opinion that it makes sense to get life support before the computer. (My personal order was exposure suit, then BC and reg, then computer.)

However, you will need depth and time info if you're going to be diving the tables. Do you have a depth gauge and a timing device? If not, maybe that's why your LDS is pushing a computer?

 

[blackice]

Gill once bubbled...
Blackice: If you look at my first post I said I already have some of the gear. I already have the wetsuit, mask, fins. I guess I could of made it more clear. My mistake.

Sorry for my haste in giving my story.

I guess LDS would like to sell computers as there may be better margins on them and less returns.

But your right each to their own. I was happy renting BC and regs for a year but could not rent a computer, so I bought that first.

Then after SARS, we decided to by our own regs, I like to do research and understand what I am buying and why.

So it took me longer to find the right regs than a BC.

And at the same time I was looking in to long hose options so had to find the right thing for me before I bought the regs.

The BC was much easier after trying a Halcyon at the Great Barrier Reef trip, it was a clear winner.

 

[blackice]

ScottyK once bubbled...
in the long run it will cost you less to buy at least your BC, regs and guages/computer at the same time. Most places will give you a "package price" if you buy them together.

That might work for some but when I wanted an OMS guage the LSD was not allinged with that brand but could sell me Apeks regs, so I bought from a number of places.

Depends on if you happy with standard gear from one shop or have pictular needs and have to shop around.

Mind you I did get better prices when I bought a BC, weight pockets, light and hose kit from the same shop.