Inexpensive substitutions

[RumBum]

Don't throw things yet!
We all know that buying dive gear from your LDS is a better option that using cheap substitutes. However, sometimes newbies just want to get started and can't afford bells and whistles. All divers will accumualte plenty of goodies with time.
Can you list some of your favorite inexpensive substitutions or simple DIY dive gear?
-baby shampoo or spit as mask defog
-brass clips from a local home improvement store
-bicycle tube cut into strips, surgical tubing, and zip ties to secure doo-dads
-buy a pelican box and make your own medical kit or Save-A-Dive kit instead of buying one pre-made

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I use bungees instead of expensive spring straps for my fins. I got the idea here Aloha Shore Divers

I also have my backup reg on a bungee around my neck rather than spend money on useless clips or mouthpiece holders. My computer and compass are worn on my arms with bungees as well, eliminating the need for a console and a retractor, not that I would ever use one. Stainless steel clips work better than brass and can be purchased cheaply on Ebay or at any pet store.
Rather than buy a pelican box for your save-a-dive kit you can use a large plastic jar from Costco's cookies or a cheap tackle box from any sporting goods store.

 

[jwalko]

I use bungies to secure inflator hose to strap on BP/W, bungie as neclace for backup reg, hardware store zip ties for a variety of needs, hardware store nylon webbing for a variety of tie downs as well, old film case (plastic 35mm canister type) for O-ring storage.

John

 

[--tom--]

-Snorkel keeper as an Octo holder.
-Old flashlight with no batteries for my "dry box" to hold my car key with a chip in it.
-Coating the fingertips of my gloves with aqua seal to get them to last longer.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Don't waste your money on expensive and heavy Pelican cases for housings. I only used mine on one dive trip before I switched to a regular hard sided suitcase. I did however take the foam from the bottom of the case and now I wrap the plastic bag covered housing in it for travel. The strobes I now wrap in a towel and check those too.

Buy a good but not too big camera backpack. I used to put my strobes in there as well but just my cameras, lenses and accessories weigh over 35lbs. Make sure you wear it when you go to the check in counter, black is a good color so not to attract too much attention. I've never had to weigh it, thank goodness and I travel a lot. LowePro makes some terrific ones and mine has been splashed, thrown around and scraped along the floor with no damage to the equipment inside. Surprising all the crap you can pack inside these babies...

 

[chrispete]

Using an old (or new if you have the yen) sock to cover & protect your computer while it's in the dive bag.

 

[mig_diver]

I use an 85L utility storage box instead of a dive bag that I picked up from teh local hardware. Also doubles as a tub to rinse all my gear in after the dive.

 

[Doc]

MagnaDoodle from the kids section at MallWart... magnetic writing slates
Flashlights from a hardware store (Home Depot)

Hundreds of manufactured, value added items are sold cheaply, but if they are channelled through the SCUBA industry... Instant mark-up.

 

[bfw]

Can you list some of your favorite inexpensive substitutions or simple DIY dive gear?
-baby shampoo or spit as mask defog
-brass clips from a local home improvement store
-bicycle tube cut into strips, surgical tubing, and zip ties to secure doo-dads
-buy a pelican box and make your own medical kit or Save-A-Dive kit instead of buying one pre-made

Most of a DIR/GUE style rig is assembled from commodity component parts (bulk webbing/bungee sold by the foot, weight retainers, zip ties) at home by the individual diver. The wing is the only manufactured assembly. Not only is it cheap to put together, it's cheap to maintain and rebuild, and the savings is not the primary motivator.

The stainless steel spring straps on my fins were assembled from components out of the McMaster-Carr industrial supply catalog. I've repaired the dry hood on a Viking suit with Shoe Goo.

 

[TSandM]

Converse High Tops on sale at WalMart or Fred Meyer instead of expensive rock boots. It's amazing how well they stand up to use underwater.