I've seen so many new divers, full of excitement and enthusiasm, rush down to the dive shop and buy everything the sales staff puts on the counter...
and make some really poor choices.
I rented and borrowed gear for my first year of diving.
This helped me determine what I liked and didn't like,
Which manufacturers produced quality,
What gear I really needed, and what gear was just added fluff.
I also used the time to see what the more experienced divers were using, and what gear was most appropriate for where I was diving.
I soaked up all the advise they were willing to share with me.
You're more likely to get an honest opinion from a diver you meet on a boat or a beach, rather than the salesman in the dive shop.
Gradually I started making purchases one piece at a time.
When I walked into a dive shop I knew what I wanted... but also what I didn't need.
This strategy must have worked, because after twenty-three years I'm still using some of the first gear I bought, including my main set of regs and computer.
K.