Lower end fins/mask/snorkel adequate?

[brocnizer]

Last year before I even thought of diving, my brother bought me a US-divers mask, snorkel, and fins.

Now, when he gave them to me I thought they were great and when I would do some free diving in the Caribbean down to 20-25 feet, it all worked great. After being on here, I haven't read much about US-divers and when I do its not all too positive

Do you think these will be fine for dive use until I get more into the sport? What I mean is right now I will be doing 2 dive trips a year until I move back to FL and which point I plan to do at least 4 trips a year. I will only be doing warm water dives and I just cruise around slowly to look at the corals.

Hydrosplit Fin

Cortez LX Mask

Total Dry LX Snorkel

 

[Hemlon]

Last year before I even thought of diving, my brother bought me a US-divers mask, snorkel, and fins.

Now, when he gave them to me I thought they were great and when I would do some free diving in the Caribbean down to 20-25 feet, it all worked great. After being on here, I haven't read much about US-divers and when I do its not all too positive

Do you think these will be fine for dive use until I get more into the sport? What I mean is right now I will be doing 2 dive trips a year until I move back to FL and which point I plan to do at least 4 trips a year. I will only be doing warm water dives and I just cruise around slowly to look at the corals.

Hydrosplit Fin

Cortez LX Mask

Total Dry LX Snorkel

Price isn't important. Whether or not they fit you properly is crucial.

 

[brocnizer]

Thanks for the quick reply!

The fit is nice and they feel great on my feet and face.

I was just worried that maybe the fins didn't have adequate length, etc. for diving. I did take this set on one dive trip already and it seemed fine. I was down for 50 minutes and didn't get any significant fatigue.

 

[Jasonmh]

I agree with what Hemlon said. If it fits you, is comfortable, and works, then there is no reason to replace them. There are always more things to buy in this sport, I would save your money for something else.
I had some really cheap fins that I replaced, but only because they hurt my feet.

 

[Nemrod]

The "USD" outfit is a low end set sold at some sporting goods and retail box stores. There is nothing at wrong with this equipment for it's intended purpose. Generally serious scuba divers will need serios equipment, not toy equipment.That said, in the beginning most people did exactly that,we bought a round mask for 4.95, a set of Voit Skin Divers or Vikings for 6.95 and a single J tube snorkel for about 3.95 and this equpment served well. This is because we are be soaked on retail and MSRP on this stuff today. There is I bet a 300% markup from origin to final purchase.

N

 

[garyfotodiver]

Thanks for the quick reply!

The fit is nice and they feel great on my feet and face.

I was just worried that maybe the fins didn't have adequate length, etc. for diving. I did take this set on one dive trip already and it seemed fine. I was down for 50 minutes and didn't get any significant fatigue.

Both my diving kids have "low-end" mask, fins, & snorkel. They work fine.

If the equipment fits, and you are comfortable with it, use it. Do not be misled by those who insist you have "professional" gear.

Good Luck!

 

[brocnizer]

You all have been very helpful!

Thanks!!!

 

[spectrum]

There's low end and then there's dime store junk. Odds are if it has the USD brand on it you can give it a whirl.

Mask, It has to fit, you probably already know that it does. You want tempered glass lenses and not one of those spaghetti thin straps. If you have those 3 you are good to go. If the strap is scary thing you can buy a new strap at the LDS, they are quite standard.

Snorkel, anything that comfortably works is good enough.

Fins, If they fit go dive. I had a low end of USD fins and they broke. I guess my kick was stronger than the fin! Until something happens use them. For the sake of swimming efficiency the fins are probably the first one to upgrade when the time is right.

Have fun.
Pete

 

[brocnizer]

Well it looks like my stuff is the top model of US-divers. I have been using it for over a year ( one dive trip and the rest free diving) and no issues.

So I will take all the advice and stick with it until I get issues.

 

[ReelDuel]

The Dive shop in Belize where I was certified used alot of this brand fins/mask/snorkel sets. They used Scuba Pro and Aqua tech for BC and Regs. They put their money where it counted the most I guess.