leebo37
New
hi i am new to scuba but i have done a try dive once in gozo and loved it, i am going to take my open water shortly and hope to dive all over as a newbee what sort of gear would you recomend to get me started thx
Hello from a newbee
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It may sound cliche', but you will find that many here will be in the same boat, rent gear or borrow gear from others until you find what works for you. When I started, I didn't heed the warnings of " if you buy, after the first year you will probably not be using the original gear purchased". i went out and bought gear that I thought would be GREAT gear, after the first year, the only gear that I was using was my mask and fins! Not that I got rid of the original gear, but use for newbies and clients that don't have or forgot too bring. The only thing I CAN say, is don't buy an octo that you wouldn't breath yourself!!! Because in the case of an emergency, the diver out of air will be looking for a reg that is known too work, ie: the one in your mouth!! So you will need too use YOUR octo. Also remember, all your gear is life support equipment, unless you have a set of gills.
But I don't think so. Most brands of equipment are comparable, in the end it is what you are comfortable with. There are many different opinions of which are best, but all major brands are capable of breathing under water. Some are better suited for cold conditions and some are better suited for deep diving. For those reasons it is best too figure out what type of diving you will be doing most. Some have major reserve from buying used gear online while others prefer it. Most LDS will give you a song and dance about servicing gear bought online or at the least not purchased by them. If that is the case, it is their loss, find someone that will!! The one thing that is nice though, is an item (regs mostly) will be serviced by the LDS through the manuf. annually for labor only considering the manuf. will supply parts if done annually. Where if you purchase from an online store you may have too pay shipping and all servicing prices. Also, if anything goes wrong with the gear, you will be out of gear while it gets repaired. Most LDS will set you up with gear for a dive if they sold you something that failed during the repair time.(customer service) One thing I could suggest though is too look into a back inflate/wing style of BC and split fins along with a computer instead of a SPG. Those are my opinions though, like I said before though, "look for what suits your needs" The thing you will find here is, if you ask 10 people, you may end up with 12 opinions. I've never been a real advocate of renting, but, there are so many different configurations out there, that at least tring a few, is a "wise choice". Better too try a few, than too buy something that in a year you find is not what works for you! Hope this helps or at least brings some attention too some of the questions you may have. If there is anything else you may have Q's about, you may PM me and we can chat sometime.
Joe
But I don't think so. Most brands of equipment are comparable, in the end it is what you are comfortable with. There are many different opinions of which are best, but all major brands are capable of breathing under water. Some are better suited for cold conditions and some are better suited for deep diving. For those reasons it is best too figure out what type of diving you will be doing most. Some have major reserve from buying used gear online while others prefer it. Most LDS will give you a song and dance about servicing gear bought online or at the least not purchased by them. If that is the case, it is their loss, find someone that will!! The one thing that is nice though, is an item (regs mostly) will be serviced by the LDS through the manuf. annually for labor only considering the manuf. will supply parts if done annually. Where if you purchase from an online store you may have too pay shipping and all servicing prices. Also, if anything goes wrong with the gear, you will be out of gear while it gets repaired. Most LDS will set you up with gear for a dive if they sold you something that failed during the repair time.(customer service) One thing I could suggest though is too look into a back inflate/wing style of BC and split fins along with a computer instead of a SPG. Those are my opinions though, like I said before though, "look for what suits your needs" The thing you will find here is, if you ask 10 people, you may end up with 12 opinions. I've never been a real advocate of renting, but, there are so many different configurations out there, that at least tring a few, is a "wise choice". Better too try a few, than too buy something that in a year you find is not what works for you! Hope this helps or at least brings some attention too some of the questions you may have. If there is anything else you may have Q's about, you may PM me and we can chat sometime.Joe
DivingPrincessE
Contributor
Welcome to the board! Where are you from?
Also, I agree...don't but your gear yet. Maybe just a computer to start out, keep you from doing something foolish as a newbie (speaking as a newbie myself)
Also, I agree...don't but your gear yet. Maybe just a computer to start out, keep you from doing something foolish as a newbie (speaking as a newbie myself)
ScubaSteve2000
Contributor
I agree about trying different types of gear to see what you like. Also, check with your LDS. Mine also takes gear on consignment from people that have upgraded. They go through, inspect and service all the consignment gear. I got a screaming deal on a reg set with octo and a wing style BC. If after a year or so I decide to upgrade, I have less than $200 in what I have now and will probably get that back if I put it up on consignment. But I'll probably keep it for back-up. The thing is, well cared for gear will last a very long time. Like anything else, let the buyer beware. Keep your eyes and ears open and don't be afraid to ask to try the gear out before you buy it. Even (actually, Especially) the consignment gear. (my appologies to local dive shop owners all over the world)
