New Diver want to know what is the best scuba package for beginners

[oceanhunters]

Hey Andres, There is a ton of packages that you can mix and match for under $800 by sherwood, Aqua Lung, Seac, etc. I would always check with you local shop to see what specials they have before you purchase online, sometimes the best deals are found in your local dive shop rather than online.

 

[dishonored]

I'm not sure man. I am not even certified yet. But if you knew what you were wanting and wanted to order online I was letting you know of the build your own package. I missed it my first time ordering. No compromise on gear but still got a package discount. Good luck man.

 

[drrich2]

Be mindful that the shop may well be open to modifying the package for you. When my brother-in-law got a package from ScubaToys.com a couple of years or so back, I contacted them beforehand and asked about substituting a Sherwood Avid BCD in place of the Zeagle BCD, and they did it for us (a number of Zeagle BCDs use a ripcord integrated weight release system, which some people like, but there's a bit more to reattaching the weights after release, and I didn't want to fool with that. Plus, I already used an Avid, so I knew what it was).

Even if you needed to stick to products in a given line, you could ask about 'upgrading' to a higher end model (e.g.: dive computer) or a different type of the same product (e.g.: back inflate BCD, if the manufacturer makes one), and see what the price difference would be.

Lessons from my initial gear purchases:

1.) Bought paddle fins, & later switched to split fins.

2.) Bought regular thin-soled scuba boots, hurt my foot walking on the iron shore on Bonaire, switched to SeaSoft Sunrays (thicker soled & look kind of like sneakers), which I really like.

3.) Bought a BCD with 1 tank strap; learned that was a mistake. 2 Give me much more stability. Less 'all or nothing' if one strap were too loose.

Definitely get a weight-integrated BCD (assuming you don't go back plate/wing). You can wear a weight belt with one if you want, but you won't have the option of not doing so if you don't get a weight-integrated model. Some of us bowling pin-shaped folks don't do well with weight belts; your mileage may vary.

Pick a computer that you can download dive log info. from to your computer. It's a nice feature to record your dive history over time.

Richard.

---------- Post added June 12th, 2013 at 09:26 PM ----------

By the way, especially if I'm using a console computer, I want air-integrated, since the logging feature can automatically record my starting & ending pressures and calculate my SAC rate for the dive. The Zoop 2 seems to not be air-integrated. It also doesn't come with a compass, and you will want one - check out Scuba.com's page listed the Suunto SK7 compass (well liked) as a $100 add-on (yet I've bought stand alone wrist SK7s cheaper!). And Scuba.com charges another $85 for the PC download interface cable.

So when you price your gear, factor in a good compass & the download kit for the computer, which will pump up your costs significantly. Not everybody is big on air-integration, but I'd want it! (When I dive in Bonaire, the repetitive diving without needing to bother writing down pressures is a fine feature, and SAC listings let me follow my air consumption over dives & in different conditions).

Richard.

 

[bbarnett51]

Honestly I think that's a decent deal on the essentials package. Its good solid gear at a good price. The biggest concern is the BC. Its a good one but most divers prefer a back inflate over a jacket style. If you are going to have a console then you will want air integrated. If not then you are likely to prefer a wrist zoop and an spg.

These are just a few thoughts BUT no matter what you buy you will upgrade/change eventually anyway. At least the package you are looking into is solid equipment.

 

[diversteve]

thank you everybody! But what are some places that I can rent different kind of gear?

Every single dive shop in your area most likely once you get certified...google lists about 15 in the Ft. Lauderdale area and at least a dozen more towards Pompano. Some shops even list the brand they rent in their rental section. iluvtheocean seems to have given you a good list to start with. I could be wrong but I don't think Divers Direct rents gear - although you'd think they must.

Rental gear is often going to be more generic - i.e. you'll likely find more jacket BC's since they fit more body types. Generally speaking back-inflate gear is more expensive so less likely found in rental fleets. Although with the Zeagle factory so close - and popular in the area, you may find the odd Escape or other entry level BC for rent somewhere. ScubaPro is often a rental option also - esp. in the Caribbean. I've seen more SP Pilots than just about anything else.

To try a backplate/wing, you'll likely have to find someone about your size that will let you try theirs since the straps are often cut to fit.

 

[8u88les]

best scuba package for beginners is the shop rental gear. no joke!

 

[MrChen]

Hi my name is Andres Caballero, I am going to be new to diving I will be certified on August 3rd. I have been looking at scuba packages from Divers Direct and Leisurepro. The one that has caught my attention is the Aqualung Essentials Scuba Package because it includes everything. What do you guys think? Are there any other packages that are in the $950 or less that also include a dive computer?

If you're considering Divers Direct, go to their shop, they are local here in FL. You can try on the gear and see how it fits. I'm sure they'll help you get the right sizes on everything.

 

[iluvtheocean]

one question i have --- which shop are you getting certified thru? or it is thru one of the local schools like BCC?

 

[boulderjohn]

Another thing to think about is that some shops include rental gear in the price of the course. That's how it would be if you took the course at the shop with which I work.

 

[Kharon]

Some things I think are essential. First, find boots that fit & are very easy on and off. Not all are easy to don and doff, even if they fit. Next find fins that fit the boots well and again are easy to put on and get off. More difficult than you might think. Next find a mask that fits and that you like. This is your interface with the underwater world, it pays to try a lot of them. You can probably live with/learn to like most any wetsuit, BC, etc. For me the fit of boots/fins & mask are critical.