Hello

[maphic]

Hello.
I'm scheduled to get Dive certified in just a little over 3 weeks. I'm real excited and have already been looking at gear, and places where I will want to dive.
I have a few questions, about Fins and Masks.
I know I'm going to love diving, so I can see myself 5-10 years from now still doing it. Since I'm confident enough to know I will stick with Diving should I go ahead and make a purchase of some decent gear that will last me for the years to come?
I was thinking about buying Apollo Bio-Fins, and a HyperOptix Mask. I tend to read into things, and read that these have won awards and have great reviews. Is this stuff neccesary or will another mask and fin do just as well?

Thanks,
Austin

 

[jonesbf]

I haven't used gear from the brands you mentioned. I have a low volume Atomic mask and Atomic split fins and both are great. You are doing the right thing by asking before buying. Look for quality brands, but most importantly look for stuff that fits right and is comfortable. That goes for any piece of gear. If it's not comfortable it will make your dives much less enjoyable.

And welcome to the board!

 

[Rainer]

Buy a mask that fits. Try it on before you buy. I personally like frameless masks. I paid 20 something dollars for mine and it works just fine. I've been happy with stiff full blade fins (Jets and Turtles). Talk to many people, read reviews, and try before you buy if at all possible.

Edit: Do yourself a favor, get spring straps for your fins. If not now, soon.

 

[Blackwood]

Buy a mask that fits.

Best advice possible. All the awards in the world mean nothing when the mask leaks. Since your face is different than everyone else's, no one can really say which mask is best for you.

 

[maphic]

I'm going to find some stores, I was going to buy off the internet. But I will take the advice given and try my stuff on first.
What makes the Spring Straps important to have?

 

[jbd]

What makes the Spring Straps important to have?

I personally think they are overrated for standard open water recreational diving, but that is soley my opinion. A quality fin will have a strap that will last for years at no additional cost.

 

[Rainer]

Clearly you don't shore dive much. Regardless, it's soooo much faster to get in and out of the fins with spring straps, why would you ever want to bother with anything else? Silly.

 

[herman]

Find a mask that fits reguardless of price or awards. Fit is everything so buying it on line is not a good idea.
As for spring straps, they are certainly not necessary but I really like mine. It's a convience issue more than anything else. What kind of fins...or other equipment is another matter is largely a matter of opinion. Everyone has their favorites. Split fins are a matter of much debate, some love them and others hate them. My suggestion, beg, borrow and try out every kind/brand you can and decide for yourself.

 

[paradicio]

Welcome to the board!

I'm sorry, I don't mean to hijack your thread but....

Been wondering about the spring straps. From what my instructor has been saying it's very important to get your fins on quickly while shore diving (as we'll be putting them on in the surf zone). It seems like the spring straps would be great for this. I do have concern, however, about how well they hold the fins on to the back of your feet. Are they fairly effective, or do the springs give more "bounce" than standard straps?

Thanks!

 

[Rainer]

Not an issue. When CA shore diving (as opposed to here in MA), I find it even more important to have spring straps, as putting fins on in the CA surf zone can be, well, interesting...