Just getting started

[DLR06]

Just certified last month. Looking to start getting some equipment. There are so many brands and styles that my head is spinning. I want to get my own equipment without spending a fortune. I was considering a regulator package from scuba toys. I don't want to get something that is too cheap. Any suggestions? Also, my daughter was certified with me and I am buying for two.



Thrilled to be diving!!!

 

[Bob_B]

Get a few dives in before buying any major gear. At this point, you may not even have a clue as to the type of diving you are going to do. (Wreck, Cave, Deep and etc.) Get the basics, like a wetsuit and rent the rest for a while. When you do start buying, get the best gear for your type of diving and Be sure that shops in your area can service the gear you purchase.

Don't let price lead your purchase decisions. In other words, don't settle on a product because you don't the have cash today. Take your time and make smart choices based on your diving plans, talking to other divers, your instructor and shops.

I know what you mean about buying for 2. My daughter also dives and I try to buy gear once.

 

[Stu S.]

You will get plenty of advice from this site, from all over the world. Check with experienced divers in your area to get a feel for what works best for them. That means folks who dive, but don't sell gear. What works best in one locale may not be right for yours. What is economical to rent here in Florida may be better to buy elsewhere. Welcome to diving.

 

[AlexMDiver]

Welcome to diving.
I also recommend that you do quite some research on what you would like, and what you actually need for the type of diving you do (and plan to do).
You should probably spend more on some things of your equipment and you can get away with spending less on other things. i.e. spending more on a good regulator will be a good investment, because it is such an important piece of equipment. I would recommend Scubapro or Apeks (but there are many more excellent brands). They make excellent regs in all price ranges, but even the lowest priced model is a high quality reg.

The other important equipment is the BC.
Do you want a simple one, one with lots of pockets, D-rings etc etc, are you likely to travel (you would want something light) or what about a backplate and wing (bp/w) (with which you can incidentally do anything)?

Fins, instruments, mask, exposure suits are all important, but you do not need the top line product.

Diving is equipment intensive and equipment is expensive.

You may also choose to not get everything at once, but add equipment as your experience grows and you know what exactly you would like and need.

Good luck. If you have any specific questions on gear, just post or pm. You will get the answers on scubaboard.

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

This one should work fine for new divers:

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=RegPackage1

The Mares MR12 reg has a good reputation, and until recently I used one myself. I'm not a big fan of the Tusa products, but it's just a console, and something you can upgrade later if needed.

 

[hopeitsapar]

Use your local LDS, prices may be a bit higher, but you will more than make up for it on service. Get the best reg you can afford, it is your lifeline, and they have manuf warranties for what they sell.

Just certified last month. Looking to start getting some equipment. There are so many brands and styles that my head is spinning. I want to get my own equipment without spending a fortune. I was considering a regulator package from scuba toys. I don't want to get something that is too cheap. Any suggestions? Also, my daughter was certified with me and I am buying for two.



Thrilled to be diving!!![/QUOTE]

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

I would call Joe or Larry from scubatoys. They are very very helpful and can guide you in the right direction.

As for me, I dive zeagle envoy deluxe. Wonderful regulator.

 

[Jason Ooi]

Welcome to Scuba BOard

 

[DLR06]

Thanks for the info. This is an awesome site.



Thrilled to be diving!!!

 

[halocline]

Use your local LDS, prices may be a bit higher, but you will more than make up for it on service. Get the best reg you can afford, it is your lifeline, and they have manuf warranties for what they sell.

I disagree with this statement in three ways; first, service levels at LDS (and prices) vary tremendously from shop to shop. I would NEVER bring my reg for service to the shop I bought from, not would I recommend anyone buying a reg from them. You have no way of knowing whether this guy's LDS is a good one or a dud, and there are plenty of both. 2nd, the old line "buy the best you can afford, it's your life.." is one of the single biggest lies in the scuba gear sales world. Want safe? Get a MK2 R190 or an old conshelf, serviced correctly. Regulator price has nothing to do with safety; they're all safe if they're in good shape, and the cheaper, simpler regs are even less likely to have problems than expensive higher performance ones. 3rd, the manufacturer's warranty on regs is not nearly as valuable as is commonly touted; in fact, the "free parts" bit for life is not much more than a way to force owners to the dealers every year to pay for service. Free o-rings? big deal; most service charges are 90% labor anyway.