Need some direction

[boilinsrt]

Ok, my sister and me just got certified over Christmas and now it comes time to look into gear. The only problem is that I am at School in Indiana and have no way of looking into gear. So I was wondering what you guys would recommend for beginner's gear. I was looking around and saw some packages for $400 but I don't know a thing about them. I will be diving in the Florida Keys and will be doing only boat diving i that helps. So if anyone can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

 

[MSilvia]

I don't recommend beginners gear at all. Get a good price if you can, buy used if you have to, but either way find gear you like and will continue to be happy with for years to come, not something you'll expect to have to replace as soon as you're no longer a beginner.

That said, if you only plan on boat diving in the Florida keys, most dive gear out there should be fine. Rent before you buy, or at the very least, try several different styles before you lay out cash. Take every opinion with a grain of salt, and make your own decisions. Try split fins and paddle fins, try jacket, back inflate, and backplate style BCs, get some regs that breathe well and can be maintained by someone local.

 

[ScubyDoo]

I think you will find that peoples opinions on gear are all over the place. Everyone has a different idea of whats good and what isnt. I would first say that theres no rush to go out and buy gear. Scuba gear is expensive, and you'll be using it for a long time. You can rent gear in the short term, while your researching your gear options. I can give a you broad opinion based on your comment about diving in in the Keys. Its warm water so a thick wetsuit is not needed. A 3 mil jumpsuit will suffice, or even a shorty if your not concerned about stings, scrapes, etc. I prefer a open foot split fin, with neoprene booties. Split fins give higher performance with less leg fatigue. All Regs these days are solid reliable regs, so its just a question of how much you want to spend. Again, warm water diving so you know you dont need the more expensive titanium regs. I would get one that is nitrox capable though, in case you go that route later on. Most regs nowdays are balanced..but if you buy used, you may stumble across an unbalanced...Dont go there! Get a balanced regulator. You cant go wrong with a ScubaPro, Atomic, or Aqualung. As for a BCD....again its personal preference. I personally prefer the Seaquest line, and dive the Pro QD Plus...but thats just me. You'll need to decide between a jacket style or a back inflate. I prefer the jacket style...but again..thats just me. Weight integrated BC's are more popular now than before, but you can also still get non-integrated and wear a weight belt. You probably already have masks, fins, snorkel that you used during your OW class??

My advice would be to peruse some the equipment links on this forum, and read up on everyones opinions. Visit manufacturers websites to view the features of each piece of equipment. Visit some of the online dive stores like leisurepro.com or scubatoys.com or diversdirect.com to get an idea on prices. Visit your local LDS and talk to your instructor or divemaster for thier advice and opinions. And remember that the single most important factor regarding your gear is proper fit and comfort....not how it looks or how much it costs. Take your time...rent for awhile while your deciding. Then purchase your new gear with confidence that your making the right choice for YOU.

Good luck! :14:

 

[MSilvia]

I think you will find that peoples opinions on gear are all over the place. Everyone has a different idea of whats good and what isnt.

This is one of the most important things to take from the discussion. There is no universal concensus, and you'll have to figure out what you like for yourself. Just as a few examples to provide counterpoint:

Split fins give higher performance with less leg fatigue.

In my opinion, they're underpowered, especially in a current. They also limit you in the types of kicks you can use effectively. Having given them a fair shake, I for one would never buy a pair of split fins.

I would get one that is nitrox capable though, in case you go that route later on.

Unless you're going to be carrying high fO2 gas mixes for decompression diving, this really isn't a big deal. Most regs will be just fine for recreational nitrox use.

I personally prefer the Seaquest line... I prefer the jacket style

I couldn't sell my SeaQuest BC fast enough, and I'd never opt for a jacket style BC if a back-inflate or backplate was available. For that matter, I'd never opt for back inflate if a backplate was available.

One thing we do agree on is that you ought to try a bunch of stuff out, and figure out for yourself what works for you.

 

[scubamickey]

Especially for your sister I would emphasize that she try on different BCs. Many of us have found that women specific styles or BP/W fit more comfortably than the standard stuff.

Do research and don't make any impulse buys.

Good luck and welcome to the sport and the forum.

 

[scubatoys]

In my opinion, they're underpowered, especially in a current. They also limit you in the types of kicks you can use effectively. Having given them a fair shake, I for one would never buy a pair of split fins.

And counter - counter point: http://scubatoys.com/store/joelarry/splitcurrent.asp

 

[boilinsrt]

Thanks for all the help! I already have masks, snorkel, fins, a couple wetsuits. What kind of things should I look for in gear? Like what makes a regulator better than the other? Sorry for all this, Im just kind of out of my element.

 

[utnapistim]

So if anyone can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

The right direction (I think) is to try stuff before you buy anything;

Look into getting mask, fins and wetsuit first. I don't know if you use snorkel but if you do get that also (I have one and take it with me to the site but not on the dive usually).
These are easyest to get out of the way. For mask the best mask is the one that fits you best.
For fins ... split fins are good for low effort with flutter kick, but in my opinion you can get even less effort for the same speed with a good frog kick (it will take some time to get the frog kick and you definitely cannot do it with split fins).

For regulator ... it depends on the price range, but everyone who tried them seems to swear by apeks and scubapro ( I usually swear by my cressi ellipse ). You should definitely try the regulator before you buy it and check that you can get air confortably using it, especially in an head down position and face up (on your back) underwater. Some regulators tend to let water in in these positions.

You coulf also decide if you will go for nitrox later (it makes no sense in having to replace your reg in 6 months time).

For BC ... here is a bit tricky (everybody seems to recommend something else). I'd say not to go for the Mares HUB (do a search on the board if you want to see why).

If available in your area, try to rent different styles (jacket, back-inflated, and backplate+wing) before you decide.

For BCD, I'd look first at confort underwater (and body position - you don't want to have to make a continuous effort for maitaining your position in the water) and at the surface; Then I'd look for clipping points (D-rings) to be in accessible places, then for any pockets it might have.

Weight integration might also be something to look for. Mine is weight integrated, but lately I just keep using a weight belt and not the integrated pockets (it's just a personal prefference). I use a TrippleL Orion (or ScubaL Orion I think); Lastly, it should be pink to scare the fishes away .

For your sister, she could try some women's BCD models (I don't know the difference for women) or a BP (I heard they can be infinitely adjustable ... or something ).


Anyway, choose your gear with the mindset that it's yours for life; If you don't abuse it ( much ) it should last for more than five years.

Also, serviceability in your area could be an important issue. Yopu don't want to have to ship your gear over half the world for servicing.

 

[spectrum]

was looking around and saw some packages for $400 but I don't know a thing about them.

Welcome to diving, both of and to ScubaBoard as well.

It's time to spend some quality time in the gear forums and do some homework.

Becoming gear Savvy in many ways is tougher than getting certified.

You may be able to divide the gear items and do the research and then cross brief each other. In the end you must each make your decisions and in some cases such as BCs fitting and testing is strongly suggested.

Beware of any unilatteral recomendaions on gear. We all have our own diving styles and needs.

If the is takes too much time then doing this first trip in rental gear may be a great inventment in avoiding expensive mistakes. Try to be renting gear models that you have an actual interest in buying.

Pete

 

[ScubyDoo]

In my opinion, they're underpowered, especially in a current. They also limit you in the types of kicks you can use effectively. Having given them a fair shake, I for one would never buy a pair of split fins.

For what its worth, I have dove Mares Quattros fins for the last 5 years exclusively, and loved diving with them. I bought a pair of Atomic splits about 2 years ago, and never used them. During my Divemaster course I initially used my Quattros for the 800yd. snorkel swim. Im a marathon runner and in great shape, so figured I'd breeze through it no problem. As it turned out on my initial attempt, I did worse than the other 6 people in my class..and most of them were fat and out of shape. The only difference I could see was they were all wearing split fins. So, on my second attempt a few weeks later, I decided to dust off the Atomics and give them a try. My first attempt took me 19:05 (1 point) and wore my legs down. The second time with the split fins, my goal was just to finish under 19 minutes and get 2 points. I totally was on cruise control the whole time...never got tired, never got leg cramps, and finished in under 15 min. 10 seconds...(the best time in the class). That sold me on the split fins.