Hello From NC!

[chasitymarie]

Just noticed[and got very excited] that I wasn't the only person on here from North Carolina! Granted everyone else on here has their certification, and I'll be starting my classes in late August. Been out to the Blue Dolphin Dive this past weekend[that's two weekends straight I've been there..one just checking it out, and the other to pay for the class]. I'm excited. I love everything about the water. I only just realized how awesome it would be to scuba dive. Anyways..I need to stop going on. ;D

I do have a question, though..

Blue Dolphin has a basic starter pack..fins, snorkel, mask, and boots..

There is an Aeris package they sale for $190..
or
There is a ScubaPro package they sale for $290..

They say the only difference is the fins. Pro's/Con's - Help?
I'll be going back in July/early August to get fitted.

Thanks in advance!

Chas​

 

[herman]

Hi Chas and welcome to the board. Plenty of us NC divers here, I'm in Raleigh.
Here is my take on the mask, fins and snorkels. First, the mask is the most important part of the 3. Totally ignore cost and "style" ,they really don't matter, all that really matters is fit. An expensive mask that does not fit well and/or badly leaks is pretty much worthless, on the other hand an inexpensive mask that fits well and leaks very little (all are going to leak some-at least a tiny bit) is worth it's weight in gold to a diver.
Snorkels can be quite expensive if you get caught up in the latest and greatest gismos and gadgets....watch the experienced divers, most will have a simple, inexpensive snorkel. I do prefer one with a flexible section at the mouthpiece to allow it to fall out of the way when not in use but all the fancy stuff the keep them "dry" just cost money and does very little. I have a couple of the $5 Kmart variety that do a nice job.
Fin choices vary widely and everyone has their own opinion and preferences. I personally don't care for split fins, others love them. My best suggestion is to try several different types and styles and make up your own mind. I would suggest you shy away from fins with lots of "features" that typically are more for marketing than function. At least in the beginnings, any mid range fin will do and don't overlook buying them used from a local diver, lots of us have several pairs we have just had to have over the years. Not really anything you can hurt on a fin other than the strap (that's easily replaceable) so buying used out of the paper or off Craigslist is a good way to go.....and come to think of it, I often see complete sets of M/F/S for sale fairly cheap.

 

[RICHinNC]

Hey from the Raeford area and welcome to the board.

Is the starter pack a "requirement" or you cant take the course? I personally would not do that. There are too many good dive ops that will provide those items and let you get used to them and then let you make your own decision in time as to what you want to purchase.

I agree with Herman that the mask is key. And remember, when you try it on for fit, have a reg in your mouth. When you put a reg in your mouth it distorts your features enough that a mask that does not leak with out reg in mouth....will leak with reg in mouth.

As for split fins, I too am not a fan. I use Mares Avantis and have been happy with them. I did buy a pair of Tusa Zoom...splits....and only wore them twice.

Try as many bc's as you can before you plop down the money. It can be difficult to find different styles available, but well worth the effort. Consider a back inflate.....

What part of NC are you hailing from?

 

[Scubadaddy]

Welcome to SB

 

[ruready7]

Welcome and good luck in your training. As said before mask fit is the most important thing. Hope see you in the water.

 

[Dr. Eaver]

Nice Dog!!

 

[Bob Vincent]

WELCOME TO
:sblogo::colouredsmilies::colouredsmilies:

 

[chasitymarie]

I don't have to buy the mask, fins, etc. there..It was an option.
Would it be better getting them secondhand?

RICHinNC - I'm from Walkertown[right in the middle of Winston Salem and Kernersville]

Dr. Eaver - Thanks.

 

[herman]

I don't have to buy the mask, fins, etc. there..It was an option.
Would it be better getting them secondhand?

RICHinNC - I'm from Walkertown[right in the middle of Winston Salem and Kernersville]

Dr. Eaver - Thanks.

Not necessarily better but if you can find something that will work well for you at a lot better price why not. You will find that quality dive gear will last a long time. My original mask that I started with in 1992 is still in good shape to dive with....although it has had a few straps changed over the years. I see no reason not to start with quality used gear if for no other reason than you get into the sport at a lower cost. Once you have dove for a while you are better able to decide what gear is right for you. If the used gear works great, if it is not what you prefer you are out a lot less money and can always sell it or keep it for back up use. The board is full of stories of new divers buying the stuff pushed by their particular dive shop only to realize later they really prefer a different brand/type/style or whatever.