New Diver gear

[A-Self]

I'm looking to get certified in the next month or so and I'm looking at getting my own gear and on a college student budget. This is one package I've found and I'm curious if it is as good of a deal as it seems to be? Or if anyone could point me in a better direction that'd be great!
Scuba Package Special of the Month @ Divers-Supply.com

 

[Spg01]

Have you checked with the shop where you will be taking classes? Sometimes they offer deals to students or reduce class prices if you buy your gear through them. You might want to try a few different BC's during the class and see which style you like best. Also check to see if any local shop will service the equipment you are looking to buy, otherwise you will have to ship it somewhere to get serviced. Not the end of the world, but something to think about.

You might even be able to pick up older rental gear for a good price from the shop. I ended up getting my gear after my OW class and have been happy with that decision.

 

[rivers]

Try as much of a variety of gear as you can get your hands on before actually buying. Or you may end up buying twice

 

[mainedvr]

Rivers I agree with spg01 try some differen BCs I thought during class I like the wrap around Scuba Pro Glide Plus, but after trying a back inflate I found that I liked that better...same with fins if you can try differen ones I like the Nova's but they are not budget minded lol. I also agree you may get a deal from where your taking your classes even if they do not have a package they may have left over gear or close out stuff and they may even take off an addtional percentage over the discount offered for clearance....

 

[altaskier]

You should buy the right gear, which doesn't have to be the most expensive but is not necessarily the cheapest. Unless you've hit the lottery, this may mean you can't get the full kit at once.

One example is to start with mask and dive computer, since they are light to carry, easy to store, and involve very little maintenance. If you get a computer, get one that is nitrox capable because A) it adds relatively little money and B) it reduces the chance that you decide you have to buy a different computer later on. I would also pick one that's capable of downloading dive data to a computer so you can review your dives. The Suunto Zoop is one example that does all this. Getting used to one computer layout is quite worthwhile.

If you get a regulator, you should think if there's any chance that you might ever dive in cold water. If so, a cold-water-capable (and nitrox-capable) regulator is not that much more money and again it minimizes the chances that you buy something now and feel later on that you have to replace it.

Next on my list would be a BCD, so you can get used to the same kit all the time.

At that point you're down to less expensive items like wetsuits, fins, lights, and other accessories.

 

[scubadiveilat]

Some good points made here!!!

It would be good to start the class. try different styles and types of equipment. Split fins, non split, different makes of masks, try 2-3 different types of BCD's if possible, Regulator there are small, large with different purge buttons. Look around and get familiar with the equipment. Once you know what you like, look into purchasing equipment. Especially if your going to be a frequent diver. Having your own BCD, Regulator mask, fins and snorkel and suit is an asset. Your choice is good!

 

[windapp]

Unless you are learning at a resort, fins, mask and snorkel (and sometimes weight belt) are usually required for the course so these will be the first you purchase. Go cheep with the snorkel. The mask needs to fit properly. Before you buy it, look for reviews of your particular mask to see how well it doesn't fog or get the advice of other local divers If you can put off buying fins until you have tried some you are probably better off.

After you have completed the course, you will want to start looking at other equipment. I would put the BCD at the top of the list of things to buy. Knowing exactly where everything is and having a really good fitting BCD will increase your safety and enjoyment of the sport tremendously. You will get a feeling for what you are looking for in a BCD during your open water dives. I know that people say to buy your regulators early, but for the most part, a rental is as good as your own. If you trust a dive shop to service your reg, you can trust it to rent you one that works properly. After the BCD I would look into a wetsuit. The thicker the wetsuit you require, the harder it is to get an exact fit, and the harder it is to get a suitable rental. You can often get used ones at decent prices. Just wash it in cold with woolite and the previous owner smells will come right out.

A computer is also a very nice thing to have but evaluate this purchase based on the knowledge you gain from the OW course you take, and the dives you plan on diving.

The decisson to purchase a regulator will be based on two things: How much money you spend on rentals, and if you want to customize it to streamline your scuba unit. I don't have a full console, and with my airtrim BC, I tie my SPG to my low pressure inflator hose (using a rubber strip and a tie wrap) in order to keep it in place. I couldn't do this with a rental rig. Also, as you do more advanced diving, you will want to purchase a regulator that you know is suited to your dives.

A tank is a tank is a tank (unless you want to switch to steal or higher capacity), and the decission to purchase one will be primarily based on how much money you spend in rentals while diving locally. You can't take your tank on an airplane so I would rent for a while before making this decission.

I guess what I am saying is don't rush in to buying everything all at once. Figure out what suits you and buy it a piece at a time. Oh...and don't buy a wetsuit online. I learned that lesson the hard way.


And one last thing..when you get sick of not knowing where you are going, you will buy a compass.

 

[blackvans1234]

I bought this one
444 Mares Scuba Gear Package - Mares Regulator, Octo, BCD, and Gauge: at JoeDiverAmerica.com

And am very pleased with it.
My only warning to you is to make sure you are buying name brand equipment, so there are replacement parts if need be.
You also get the comfort of a ''name brand''
And it's cheaper than the package you listed!

ps- make sure to have it assembled. You also may want to find out the return policy on the product/ of the website.
I know JoeDiver's is 30 days no questions asked type deal.


As a fellow college student I am happy to just get my own gear, and feel like a lot of buyers are way too picky. Maybe us college students are just used to sub-par living conditions, meals, cars, and scuba diving equipment. I don't regret buying any of my equipment yet. My only wish would to be that I had a built in dive computer. But then again, Its a PITA to have to unclip it to check depth/NDL etc, so I'm going to get a cheap wrist style computer for 150.

good luck!

 

[BVickery]

I would follow rivers advice, take the class and try out as many different styles of BCD and get the one that fits you the best. There are many options and look at what you plan on eventually doing as well. I knew I was going to go deep and wreck so my choices drifted away from jacket style to BP/w type setups. Talk it over with the LDS and if your over in Jax, the Diver's supply over here now has a pool so you can try before you buy type deal.

Also, check out the used gear here, you may be able to get a much better selection than buying all new.

 

[Banyan]

Second the advice to wait until you have some dives after your OW certification to make a decision about BCD, reg, etc. In the meantime, rent and borrow other people's rigs to see the differences. You'll be able to make a better decision about what you want. Also, there's always the chance that you will one of those people who turns out not to like diving, even though they expected to love it.

I would say your most critical early purchase is the mask; there's nothing more miserable than diving in a mask that is leaking water or rubbing against your nose. You'll likely be required to also have a snorkel and fins for the class. For the fins, you will have to decide if you want full-foot fins or if you'll be wearing booties. If you intend on shore diving, I recommend felt soles rather than rubber soles, for better traction on slippery rocks.