SlugLife
Contributor
I'd second this. Whatever dive-shop you walked into saw you as a sucker. They make used-car-salesmen look reputable. Stay VERY far away from that dive-shop, except perhaps when getting tank fills, and promise yourself you won't buy anything else from there (at least not before getting a 2nd opinion from other divers).I'm sorry I came on so strong in post #3. I was flabbergasted. Since you mention these were recommendations from a dive shop things make more sense. The shop is trying to profit excessively from your inexperience.
A high percentage of new divers drop out soon after certification. Even those who bought reasonably priced equipment face a considerable loss on resale. I recommend that you research equipment carefully, listen to people on this board, take your time, listen to divers you might meet, and set yourself a budget. Dive a lot. Renting equipment is not a bad option at first.
Good luck and have fun.
Many of the dive-classes like to push the message "support your local dive shop" as if that's an act of kindness, altruism, and makes you a good person. Sure, Dive-Shops are important, but they're a business, like any other. Some are run by highly-ethical well-meaning types. Others are lazy, happy to cheat you, will rent out dangerous equipment, etc.
edit I might not even go there for fills, at least not now. The dive-shop is likely to trick and pressure you into buying stuff you don't need, and give you bad advice.