New to Diving

[Oremus20]

I am very new to diving and I have a couple of questions. What is the diffrence between a balanced or unbalanced regulator? Also, my LDS only carries Scubapro. I have notice that scubapro has a reputable name. However, I have also noticed that they have a very limted number of BC's and they are all quite exspensive. I am not planning on my first set of gear lasting me more than a year or so; and I plan to dive often. So should I be loyal to the the dive shop and see if they will work with me, or should I look elsewhere, maybe online?

 

[tx.lakerats]

I'd start with your LDS first... just my 2 cents

 

[Debraw]

They only carry Scubapro? I guess I thought most dive shops carried at least one or two other lines besides their main line at a minimum. I carry four! Go back and tell them your budget, give them a chance and then if you can not work out a deal start looking elsewhere.

 

[Halthron]

I am very new to diving and I have a couple of questions. What is the diffrence between a balanced or unbalanced regulator?

Scubatoys has an explanation, http://www.scubatoys.com/store/joelarry/jlpneumatically.asp

 

[paulwall]

I am very new to diving and I have a couple of questions. What is the diffrence between a balanced or unbalanced regulator? Also, my LDS only carries Scubapro. I have notice that scubapro has a reputable name. However, I have also noticed that they have a very limted number of BC's and they are all quite exspensive. I am not planning on my first set of gear lasting me more than a year or so; and I plan to dive often. So should I be loyal to the the dive shop and see if they will work with me, or should I look elsewhere, maybe online?

See if you can buy one of their rigs out of Rental Inventory. The LDS (usually) tries to turn them over every year. Also, one of the LDS's around here has a "flea market" twice a year for divers to get rid of their old gear.

The advantage of the Rental Inventory is that it it generally very inexpensive, and the LDS is familiar with maintaining it. Also, you don't look like quite a newbie with bright shiney gear - your gear has "seasoning".

 

[Damselfish]

Why would you plan on your first gear not lasting you more than a year? Sure you're bound to change your mind later on some things no matter how much research you do, but there's no reason good gear shouldn't last you a long time even if diving a lot. Especially if you pick out a good reg, that ought to keep you going for years.

If your LDS only sells Scubapro regs, I think that's a good choice. But there's so many choices in BCs and fit is so important, I'd look further than your LDS if you don't really love something they have. Where you live, you should be able to get to lots of other shops?