New Gear for DM

[Easdem]

hello all, and happy holidays!

I will start a DM class with my LDS next year so I have asked my family for cash for christmas so I can purchase any needed gear for the program. I have 2 80 al tanks, bcd (aqualung malibu) reg set with compy (AQL Titan LX, Octo, Cobra 2 Comp) dive watch, exposure protection etc (all brands that the LDS carries BTW).

The LDS (still) hasb an internship and encourages doing more than PADI requires. I am really looking forward to that, since teaching/assisting classes is the main reason for pursuing the DM. However, I am concerned what the chlorine will do to my gear after 6 months of interning OW classes, Discover Dives etc...

I was considering buying a cheap-o BCD/reg set from the LDS that will more resemble the rental kit the students will be using and use the other set for the OW portions of the classes...(also for AOW and Rescue parts of the internship)

What do you all suggest I should do?

 

[Divedoggie]

If you plan on working for the LDS as a DM, they may require that you use gear that they sell in their store. Usually, DM's and Instructors are given a discount at the store. Perhaps you should wait until you are a certified DM and then buy the gear that you want, at a discount, from the LDS.

 

[Islandheart]

Yes, the chemical hazards of pool work do cause damage to gear but that's part of it is all we can say.

Remember to rinse gear, that will help, I have seen many DMs and Instrs just hang their stuff without doing so, then complain because of fading ???

Shop discounts help and well as getting paid once you get your cert too.

 

[edm81363]

Hi -

I'm a working DM in the Seattle region. I have gear dedicated for pool use. I have an ancient BC that I got for $20 and a reg set that wasn't much more. All of the gear was serviced immediately after purchase. I also have a 3mm wetsuit just for the pool, but those only last about a year.

That allows mew to keep everything separate and always packed without exposing any of my open water gear to the pool.

I know that's a lot to just get started. You might want to just use the same gear provided to students for their pool work until you stumble upon your own gear.

 

[herman]

Hi -

I'm a working DM in the Seattle region. I have gear dedicated for pool use. I have an ancient BC that I got for $20 and a reg set that wasn't much more. All of the gear was serviced immediately after purchase. I also have a 3mm wetsuit just for the pool, but those only last about a year.

That allows mew to keep everything separate and always packed without exposing any of my open water gear to the pool.

I know that's a lot to just get started. You might want to just use the same gear provided to students for their pool work until you stumble upon your own gear.

I do pretty much the same thing. I have a cheap (but the same shop brand) reg and BC that I picked up on ebay for little of nothing. I would not worry too much about the reg, they can take the chlorine if you wash them good. The BC and wetsuit on the other hand will take a beating. I use them for the pool work then swap off the other gear for open water work. I use a jacket type in the pool and a back inflate in OW or any other non-pool dives. I just prefer them and since my LDS sells both, it's not a problem. Besides, it showes the students differnt types of gear any that you can have good buoyancy and trim in any equipment.

A word of caution, AL made a series of BCs that were intended to be lightweight and inexpensive....and they were but to cut cost and weight they used nonstandard inflators which are prone to failure....I have one, but was able to make another inflator work. You will often find these on ebay cheap....there is a reason.

 

[Fishpie]

Diaphragm regs hold up well to chlorine.....I do find that the o rings of piston regs (particularly Scubapro) tend to go crispy very quickly when used in the pool.

 

[scubadiver888]

hello all, and happy holidays!

I will start a DM class with my LDS next year so I have asked my family for cash for christmas so I can purchase any needed gear for the program. I have 2 80 al tanks, bcd (aqualung malibu) reg set with compy (AQL Titan LX, Octo, Cobra 2 Comp) dive watch, exposure protection etc (all brands that the LDS carries BTW).

The LDS (still) hasb an internship and encourages doing more than PADI requires. I am really looking forward to that, since teaching/assisting classes is the main reason for pursuing the DM. However, I am concerned what the chlorine will do to my gear after 6 months of interning OW classes, Discover Dives etc...

I was considering buying a cheap-o BCD/reg set from the LDS that will more resemble the rental kit the students will be using and use the other set for the OW portions of the classes...(also for AOW and Rescue parts of the internship)

What do you all suggest I should do?

When I started my DM I had all my gear I needed for the type of dives students would go on. As you go through the program you will have to demonstrate your skills. Having your own gear and access to a pool means you can drop by the pool and practice with a fellow DM candidate or dive buddy.

Hopefully the pool has a fresh water hose on the deck. Your blacks will get faded but so long as you rinse everything down at the end of the session, it will be fine. We give students a bio-break in the middle of pool sessions if for no other reason than to let them warm up. I'll hop in the shower with all my gear and rinse off before getting back in the pool.

A year of pool work as a DM and my gear is fine. Now that I'm working it might start to show some wear and tear but I figure I can get new gear at a discount from the shop when I need it. Current plan is to buy new gear for personal use and keep my old gear for the pool.

My shop is all about not spending money you don't need to. They sell none of the gear I wear but they are fine with me using it. I'm just expected to promote the gear they have in stock. They have a good selection so I'm fine with that.

I suggest sticking with the gear you have. When it needs replacing consider replacing it. Hopefully by then you'll be an OWSI or MSDT and get a bigger discount on the gear you purchase.

 

[DevonDiver]

If you're doing pool work in a highly chlorinated pool, just get some v.cheap stuff from Ebay.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I would also look into just grabbing a reg and bc from the shops pool gear. Doesn't need to fit exactly or look great. If it is the gear the shop carries why use or buy your own at all? If you are assisting with classes it is likely you are not being paid. If this is the case the least they can do is let you use their gear. In addition it will be good practice. Though it is preferable to use your own as a pro you should be able to take any BC that fits halfway right, properly weight yourself and get in trim within a few minutes of getting in the water. I've worn everything from smalls to XL's in jackets and back inflates. It really makes no difference in simple recreational dives or pool work.

 

[bracko]

If you're doing pool work in a highly chlorinated pool, just get some v.cheap stuff from Ebay.

we use the hire gear for all of our pool work.

the only thing i do use of my own is the regs.... mainly due to not wanting cooties

I 100% agree with the first reply. The LDS will offer a significant discount on the BCD and wetsuit (especially as they're the most visual on you) they want you in for the students to see... and it works.