New Diver Help...

[Prestonhf01]

I have been certified since August 6th. Wanting this summer to do alot of diving i realisied that is going to caust more or the same a buying gear.

This summer i also plan on getting my adv. open water and rescue diving and in the fall hopefully be taking commercial diving (know more as Underwater Welding).
The thing is i am stuck at where to buy the gear and what type i sould get? there is a store called Black Dolphin Diving buy it is so expensive. Anyhow i was wondering if anyone on PEI or a experienced diver can suggest a good place to buy gear and what type.

P.S. any dover on pei looking for a buddy diver some time message me : )

 

[Vayu]

Preston,

You have made a good choice in wanting to buy gear before continuing with dive education. The last thing you need in more advanced situations is gear failing due to someone elses poor care.

There are alot of options out there, but the best thing in my opinion is to do all the research you can and try and make the right choices the first time. Gear is expensive, however buying quality equipment that will take you through your training stages is cheaper in the long run then buying multiple versions of the same thing (like BCD's).

Alot of internet retailers have pretty good prices but I can't comment on your local diving shops. If you have any specific questions i'm sure alot of experienced people here can help you.

-V

 

[spectrum]

OK so the hook is set and you're ready to spend some $$$$

I don't know how much you class raught you about gear or how much homework you have done. Had you tried equipment that you want to buy or are you starting from scratch? First sop is the Gear forums. Spend some serious time leraning the nuances of each item, whjy folks choose them and what they like and dislike. I'm taking about many hours, when you get stuck do a search for a term of question. Becoming gear savy if a much bigger challenge than getting certified, at least academically. Pay attention to where and how divers are diving in the posts. When you begin to see a picture emerge then come back with questions, ideas or a wish list.

There are also lots of dive shop VS internet threads and read those to understand the trade-offs.

Take your time.

Pete

 

[seagrave]

Alot of the gear you purchase depends on your personal preference.As far as where to buy,I purchase all my gear at Divesports.com.The guys at divesports have always been helpful to me when i had a question or concern.

 

[Rickster]

Hi,

I agree with Pete. Take your time. Research the gear, read all you can and ask questions. Learn the gear, its functions, capabilities, and if it is suited for the kind of diving you plan on doing with it. Here on the Board there are alot of divers that have, I imagine just about every piece of equipment you will want and need. Ask them about the piticular piece you are interested in.

Also, after you purchase gear, make sure you take exceptional care of it, including regular maintenance. You are depending on this equipment to take care of you underwater. Take care of it!!!

 

[Prestonhf01]

thx guys i will read the forumns i hope to do well just need to find a good way to make around $3000 dollars, gues im gonaa need more work hours

 

[spectrum]

Yes take your time. With 3K and careful shopping I bet you can get some solid gear including wet and drysuits.

 

[Prestonhf01]

where is the gear section?

 

[terrasmak]

Look into a BP and wing , gear that will last you a life time . Very versitile can easily grow with you in anything you could ever want to do. Just hit the search for more info.

 

[El Orans]

Well, you asked for it. Here it is, El Orans’ Guide to Gear Selection:
Apeks - Cressi - Halcyon.

For those of you who would like even more choice, here’s the extended version.

Gear Selection:
* Buoyancy Compensators (BC's) and weight systems
* Computers, Gauges, Watches & Analyzers
* Exposure Suits
* Fins, Masks & Snorkels
* Regulators