New diver equipment question

[Divingtrucker]

:06: I’m new to diving. SSI OW, I’m a little confused a few things. What mask is better. A low or high volume, a black or clear, a single or double pane, mask. I am using a clear high volume single pane mask, but I have been told it is opposite what I want. I am also using split fins; again I am told I want a short fin without a split and lots of flex. The dive computer (my first) I am looking at getting is the dive-rite nitek duo, again I am told I want the nitek plus because it has an alarm for assent rate and deco stop. It would seem that this one is harder to read though it does have a nifty little noise maker (alarm) ha-ha . Will I get so comfortable that I will not be looking at it anymore? As a newbie, I know I will be asking a lot of dumb questions, but like I tell my kids, don’t ask, don’t know.

 

[bpage08]

Your mask is personal preferance. Fit and comfort comes first. The Duo has the ascent warning and deco capability.

 

[Blackwood]

I prefer low volume masks. They are easier to clear.

 

[Damselfish]

:06: I’m new to diving. SSI OW, I’m a little confused a few things. What mask is better. A low or high volume, a black or clear, a single or double pane, mask. I am using a clear high volume single pane mask, but I have been told it is opposite what I want. I am also using split fins; again I am told I want a short fin without a split and lots of flex. The dive computer (my first) I am looking at getting is the dive-rite nitek duo, again I am told I want the nitek plus because it has an alarm for assent rate and deco stop. It would seem that this one is harder to read though it does have a nifty little noise maker (alarm) ha-ha . Will I get so comfortable that I will not be looking at it anymore? As a newbie, I know I will be asking a lot of dumb questions, but like I tell my kids, don’t ask, don’t know.

Lots of this stuff is personal preference and opinions.

Low volume is easier to clear and generally considered a good thing. But if you have a high volume mask that fits you and you like it's not the end of the world. Single or double pane, black or clear or neon - whatever. Fit is most important.

Split fins some people love some people hate, whatever works for you. People get into religious arguments over fins. (Over most gear actually.)

I wouldn't consider an alarm the most important feature of a computer. I think most any computer you buy now will have an alarm if you ascend too fast. I think my computer has other alarms but I don't use them as I just pay attention to it all the time. It's definitely important that you can read it easily. You also want an interface that's easy for you to use and understand. And you want it to have any special features you want or need such as Nitrox capability. (Even if you don't use Nitrox yet, I don't think it makes sense to buy a new computer at this point that doesn't handle it.) Some computers it's easy to change the battery yourself, some it is harder or you may have to send it someplace to get it done.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

Beyond anyone's opinion I would encourage you buy what is going to make you comfortable in the water. You will recognize your gear needs as you dive. That being said, it was not too long ago that I found myself in your shoes. After quite a layoff
( college, kids, kids in college ) I came back to see that all of the equipment had changed dramatically...EVERYTHING! So I started buying new equipment. I now have two of everything, but here are some things I found out that increased my comfort in the water.

1) Black masks will improve your vision by blocking out stray & reflected light. This helps if you are going to enjoy photography. You will wind up having to clear whatever you buy so low volume is good. Purges are a personal preference but in mine, they suck.

2) Without beating it to death, I have found nothing more stable, comfortable, durable, and adaptable than a BP/W setup. If you DIY it is also the cheapest.

3) Split fins are great for drift diving. For anything else save some money...buy Jets. They cant be beat for manuvering, and they will last forever. Cheap too.

4) If you are buying in pieces buy your regs 1st, and BC next. Dont skimp on the reg. Overbrathing one at depth is not something you will enjoy.

5) Find a good instructor...agency aside...and never stop learning. There will always be that next evolution.

6) Never think twice about calling a dive.

7) Scubatoys, and Scuba.Com....close to the vest...Good folks, Good advice.

8) Cut up all your credit cards!

Enjoy!

 

[Scottri]

Pick the mask that fits your face. Period. If it's low volume or high volume is secondary. A mask that doesn't fit sucks. Same with fins. Try as many as you can and decide for yourself what works. You may change your preference in time as your kick changes but buy what works. Everyone has an opinion and everyone you talk to either sells or uses the best gear made. Take it all with a grain of salt and decide for yourself.

I prefer low volume masks with black skirts but that's me. My best dive buddy has a very high volume mask with a clear skirt. He loves his and I love mine. And we both swear we have the best mask made As for fins same thing, I love blade style fins and he swears by split fins. Of course mine are better!


Scott

 

[scubaaaronh]

:06: I’m new to diving. SSI OW, I’m a little confused a few things. What mask is better. A low or high volume, a black or clear, a single or double pane, mask. I am using a clear high volume single pane mask, but I have been told it is opposite what I want.

I like a low volume mask claer with one pane it seems to allow more peripheral visionn and easier to clear

I am also using split fins; again I am told I want a short fin without a split and lots of flex.

Depending on the split fin i use atomic aquatics splits and would use nothing else. Splits are the new rage in the dive world

The dive computer (my first) I am looking at getting is the dive-rite nitek duo, again I am told I want the nitek plus because it has an alarm for assent rate and deco stop. It would seem that this one is harder to read though it does have a nifty little noise maker (alarm) ha-ha . Will I get so comfortable that I will not be looking at it anymore? As a newbie, I know I will be asking a lot of dumb questions, but like I tell my kids, don’t ask, don’t know.

as far as the computer i am not familiar with the two but you will always be looking at it. It has very important information to help you make important decisions underwater. I do like ascent meters and deco stop info. According to their website it has the following alarms.

Alarms -- Audiable alarms in Dive mode alert the diver to possibly hazardous situations including the following:

Alarm indicating approaching or exceeding maximum PPO2 (1.4 for Mix 1, 1.6 for Mix 2)
Alarm indicating exceeding recommended cumulative oxygen exposure limits
Alarm indicating change in required decompression state
Alarm indicating ascension above a manditory stop ceiling depth
Alarm indicating decending below a diver selected preset maximum depth
Alarm indicating a diver selected preset dive time has been reached
Alarm indicating excessive ascent rate

It shows an ascent rate in it. For the money that it runs i think i would look at a counsel with a computer pressure gauge and compass. I got the new oceanic veo 250 from scubatoys for about the same price as the computer your looking at. but thats my $.02 on the computer. Welcome to the wonderfull world of diving and decisions on equipment.

 

[Divingtrucker]

Lots of this stuff is personal preference and opinions.

Split fins some people love some people hate, whatever works for you. People get into religious arguments over fins. (Over most gear actually.)

.

Because I am interested in tec diving and wrecks they are telling me I need to learn a frog kick (sounds like the old he’s new joke) and that I cannot do that with split fins. I was looking at the fact that I am new and need a much help moving around as possible.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

Because I am interested in tec diving and wrecks they are telling me I need to learn a frog kick (sounds like the old he’s new joke) and that I cannot do that with split fins. I was looking at the fact that I am new and need a much help moving around as possible.

Tec/Jets...I...Me....would buy the computer last...way last.

 

[dlndavid]

8) Cut up all your credit cards!

Enjoy!

But how can you buy all your gear from Larry without the credit cards?
Like Larry says, He knows he won't make it on his looks, and you won't be purchasing from Larry on your charm.