New Diver and New Gear

[Zoomer]

Alright here is another newbie question, I have read a lot on this forum about if a new diver should or should not purchase there own equipment or rent first. Here is my quandry... I don't like the idea of using a rented regulator first off and I would think that if you purchased all your own equipment and learned (took your open water cert) in it then you would learn your equipment as you learned to dive... but then again I'm just not sure, I am one of those people that completly and totally research before making a purchase, never last minute decisions, read reviews on item to be purchased and then make a sound decision based on that research.

Now my question is this, if you where to start over again and had the finances to purchase your own equipment when you started would you do it? Is it really better to rent first (I would think you would be relearning your dive equipment every time you dove) or is it wiser to purchase and learn in it?

Thanks,

New Diver Dave

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

Hi, Dave. Welcome to the board. For certification, I used what was available for students of my class. After my class was finished, I began purchasing my own gear.

 

[scubapolly]

I bought my gear shortly after my certification, if I had to do it over again I would have bought my gear to use it in the pool seesions of my class, and for my OW certification.

Polly

 

[dlndavid]

Tocayo,
I'm with you here, I never used rental/shop gear from day one.
I researched what gear I wanted, talked to someone with over 500 dives, and bought some top of the line gear. 2 years later I'm still very pleased with what I bought and have no plans of replacing it.
David

 

[speedhound]

For the pool classes I bought my own mask, fins, boots and snorkel. Once I was sure that I wanted to dive, I started buying the rest of my gear piece by piece over a year. I think I got the wetsuit, then BC, reg/computer and finally my tank as and when I had the cash available.

I did shop around and look at different set ups, but in the end went with my LDS. I had a good price, good support, and know that they will be able to service what I bought.
Now I have a bit more experience I do get gear from the internet, but still rely on my LDS for anything concerning life support and comfort...just my preferences.
Dive safe and have fun!

 

[Zoomer]

Thanks for all the quick responces..... now I have another question for those of you that dive with a comuter (which I assume most do these days) do you prefer a wrist mount computer or a console?

Dave

 

[TheRedHead]

I dive both. I like an AI console with no compass. I don't like big consoles, but my AI computer is about the same size as a typical consoled spg. I wear my Suunto compass on my wrist.

 

[TN Traveler]

First - I bought my equipment before certification, after doing some research. Nothing like learning in the gear you will use. Upgraded my reg when my wife decided to get certified (she took my original one).

Second - as far as a computer - I prefer a wrist mount - easy to see, especially during ascents and safety stops.

 

[dkktsunami]

Thanks for all the quick responces..... now I have another question for those of you that dive with a comuter (which I assume most do these days) do you prefer a wrist mount computer or a console?


Answer to your first question: If you can afford to do so, purchasing some of your own equipment is probably a good idea, as long as you are fairly certain you will enjoy diving and stay with it. At the end of each year you could sell items you are not satisfied with, and then upgrade as you go.

About the computer: I use a Suunto Cobra with quick disconnect and compass. For me compass mounted on console and held in front is easier to see.

Dave

 

[PerroneFord]

When I first certified, I bought skin gear and rented everything else. It was a TREMENDOUS problem for my confined checkout dives, but the open water one went ok. I then bought my own BC and regs.

Fast foward 11 years as I get back into diving. This time, I bought all my own gear. I took my time though. The benefit I had was that I could look back over 11 years of learning about equipment, diving styles, etc., and make good selections with the help of people here and in my local community. Had I done this when I first certified, I would have been making blind choices and that is sometimes worse.

I didn't have to be talked into a BP/W this time. I knew that's what I wanted. I didn't have to ask if this reg or that was good, because I knew by reputation and by what I was seeing at the dive sites. Going Hogarthian/DIR simplified my gear choices to a large degree, but that choice is certainly not for everyone.

So in short, I'd recommend you buy gear, but I'd also recommend you wait until you have a good idea what you want. The advantages of doing that can be substantial.

Oh, and I prefer wrist mount guages, though I don't have a computer.

Best of luck.