Originally posted by Swamper
Hi everyone I will soon take the OW and the thought of what to buy and when to buy has been on my mind. maybe I am putting the cart before the horse. At the present time all I own is a mask and a snorkel. I am 6'1" tall and about 230 lbs.
With that little bit of knowledge:
When do you really start buying the rest of the gear.
There is a lot of Information about the types and brand name so which do you choose. I know easy breathing and confortable but I don't want somthing that won't last and needs endless repairs aside from the yearly inspection.
Dry suit or wet in Texas?
LDS or shop around?
I think yall get the Ideal so " If there is something that you wished you could do over again what would it be"?
Randy
As far as Dry or Wetsuit for Texas....like many answers, "It Depends..."
If you are going to be a hard core diver like me (in the water every weekend, even if it's the pool at the apartment complex), and hate being cold, then a dry suit is something to consider. Dry suits are not required by Texans, but will definitely double your value in your gear investment since you will be diving year round versus just April through October.
But at first, use this summer to get the other skills down cold. And a good basic wetsuit that fits you well will do just fine at the beginning. And the key on these is "good fit" (looser fits transfer more water and cause heat los).
When to purchase gear? Go ahead and get the initial comfort items now. Meaning mask, snorkle, fins. These are items that you are likely to use for the rest of your diving career.
As far as regs, BC's, etc.....
never be in a rush or get pressured into making a purchase RIGHT NOW. There is always plenty of time.
The best way to find out about gear is to talk to
very experienced divers who are doing the type of diving that you aspire to, ask plenty of questions, try to beg and borrow that type of gear so you can try it out, and experience it for youself. Kinda like me saying that the 2002 Chevy Avalanchce is the best driving truck out there, but until you get a chance to drive it youself, you won't know if my statement is valid, and if the Avalanche is the truck you want.
Purchase from LDS or elsewhere: I am a big proponent of making all life support equipment purchases at the LDS. These items are keeping me alive as I enter the hostile environement of the underwater world. Therefore, I rely on the shop providing me good stuff, a warranty to back up workmanship, and service to ensure I am always a happy diver.
I will purchase non-life support items (usually smaller cost items) from "other sources" (aka online). But only those that don't require extensive post sale assistance.
Dream set of equipment: Be absolutely happy with what I got?? Never!!!
There's always something new that I want!
