New Diver looking for basic equipment advice.

[Mellman]

Working on my PADI cert, we do our pool dives this weekend. I went diving while on a cruise last summer and got hooked, the certification class is actually through the LDS, but i get school credits for taking it.

In any case, my LDS has been very friendly, and helpful advising equipment for me. I have size 14 deep sea boots, I believe they reccomended regular size fins(what he handed me), however he kept saying XL. I'm in a toss up between the Volo Power fins and the Quattro Exccel. He dives with the Power's, and absolutly loves them.

The LDS price of $190US seems relatively expensive to me for volo power fins, and ~$80 for a cressi sub big eye mask.

Where is a reputable place to buy scuba equipment online? What size fins should I purchase?

I'd love to go ahead and purchase a BC/reg as well, but the LDS quoted me around $1300 for that (Zeagle Ranger EXT)

Thanks for any advice!

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

Scubatoys ( http://www.scubatoys.com ) has a big following on this board, and I've had good luck with them too. I'd also consider Leisurepro (great selection and prices).

Scubatoys matches other prices too, so it's hard to go wrong with them.

$1300 for BC and reg? Ouch! If you pay more than $1000 for those 2 things you should be clubbed! Check out the Aeris / Zeagle package on this page: http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Package_BC_Reg.asp?PAGE=2

For a BC you might consider a BP/W. They're usually cheaper than a conventional BC, and people who dive them rarely go back to a conventional BC.
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[Mellman]

BigWhiteSquare -

Thanks for the tips. I think for now I'll save some money (AKA Put it towards my taxes owed!)

But that seems much more reasonable for a BC/reg combo. I'm also never afraid of buying used equipment, and apparently there are swap meets where instructors sell 2-3 year old equipment at very cheap prices so I will look into that once taxes are taken care of. For now Im just going to go with fins and a mask.

Now i'll just ask my dive instructor what the differences are between a black and clear mask and then put in my order at leisurepro (have the mask I like and scubatoys does not)

-Matt

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Obviously I have a online store-but we're pretty specialized. For everything else I go to World Water Sports when in Florida, or use DIVER'S DIRECT (their online store) for online purchases

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

ScubaToys. they'll put together a great package for you.

Don't go anywhwere near LeisurePro. ScubaToys will match their prices and if you buy from LP, you don't get a warranty. You shouldn't even consider them for BC or regulator. Search this board for the account of a lady who got a BC full of holes that LP wouldn't take back.

ScubaToys will beat the pants off your LDS prices. Those sound ridiculous.

 

[Mellman]

While browsing at scuba toys I noticed another fin that looked very similar to the mares volo power fins. the Dacor Tiger Fins
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=TigerFins

Is it worth the additional $60 for the mares volo power's?

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

That's a lot of money for the Volos. Another fin on Larry's site I'd consider before them would be the Plana Avanti Quattros. That's a good price on those.

Something else to consider: Whatever you get, you're not gonna like it in a year or two. It's amazing. It seems like every diver you talk to ends up getting rid of their first set of gear when they figure out what they really want. That's why I advise going cheap on your first set of gear. That also why I suggested you consider a BP/W. It's modular design means it can be upgraded to fit your needs in the future. The cheaper part is nice too.

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[Mellman]

Wow this board is GREAT! I've had such excellent advice from all of you!

I actually emailed larry last night and he replied to me today (On a Saturday!) That's definetly a plus, and he's already earned my business for that and the great advice he gave.

I may reconsider purchasing a BC/reg now if i can get a good package deal. The only thing I am worried about there is fit - But I suppose thats why you go cheap on the first set, and stuff is always adjustable.

Did our first confined water dives today, and our next 2 tommorow, it was fun but not nearly as fun as the open water dives I did last summer! Can't wait to get out again.

Thanks all!
-Matt

 

[ZULU6]

Mellman ...hands down, go with the Plana Avanti Quattros. You will not be sorry. A much better choice than the Volos.

 

[tangfish]

I have the Avanti Quattros, I've used them for years. A few months ago I tried the Apollo BioFin XT. I'll never touch another Mares fin for as long as I live, they're THAT MUCH better. You should check these guys out if you're interested in a pair of Apollos, they used to own the company.