New to Scuba Gear Question

[phil823]

hello everyone im new here, and just have a couple questions about gear. ive been scuba diving a few times on vacation and enjoyed it very much and have decided to take my certification class. although the class rents everything i have decided to buy my own fins, mask and snorkle. and was wondering what brands/models you would suggest. being new and all im looking for the best bang for my buck. im not looking to buy the cheesy walmart sale mask.

i figured people with experience would have the best opinions! any feedback welcome and thanks for the help!

P.S. i wear size 14 shoes, with that being said i think my range of fins are lowered a little ;(

Phillip
Illinois

 

[scarefaceDM]

yikes,,,you do not need fins then..them feet are big enough..

 

[phil823]

haha!...not the first time ive heard that lol.

 

[Guba]

Your local lds will most likely have a full range of gear with lots of options considering price range and features. However, you want to exercise some care in selecting the right one for you, of course.
The "best" mask is one that will do what you want it to, namely fit and stay where you put it. Be sure to try it on in the store and test it by placing it on your face, but do not put the strap on. Gently inhale through your nose. The mask should stay put without any seepage or hissing. Flex your face and see if any gaps or wrinkles pop up that break the seal. If there is any leakage, eliminate that mask and try another.
Select the features you want such as quick release buckles, angle of view, and ease of care from the ones that fit. Factor in how much you're willing to spend, and you'll most likely have found your mask.
As for the fins....you're going to get a full range of suggestions on this board because there are lots of opinions about which is "best" (jet fins, split fins, solids....you name it), but I'm not going there.
Perhaps the best suggestion I can make is to buy the best quality gear you can afford. It almost always pays off to invest in good equipment.
Hope you find exactly what you're looking for, and welcome to both scubaboard and diving!

 

[kf6alc]

As far as masks go, the 'best' one is the one that fits best. You may have to try on several until you find the right fit, or many may fit, then you can choose what you like best. A good dive shop should be able to help you find the best fitting mask for your face.

Also, when you buy a new mask, be sure to scrub the inside many times with toothpaste (not gel) to get the mold release off the glass to reduce fogging. They should be able to tell how to best do that as well.

Anyway, welcome to the wonderful world of Diving!

 

[kf6alc]

Looks like Guba just beat me to the post!

 

[loosebits]

Snorkel: Either get the cheapest one you can find or a collapsable one (e.g. you can shove it in your pocket). There's a lot of debate on the usefulness of a snorkel in scuba. I for one fall in the camp that is should be left on the beach or in your pocket but not on your mask.

Mask: Fit is of course the most important concern. Other than that, I simply hate the little side windows as they lie to you..you will see something that you think is at 90 deg but instead it's at 120 deg (or maybe I have that backwards but regardless, it's wrong. I prefer a clear skirt as I like the peripheral light. Others like a black skirt. Black skirts also look cooler

Fins: Oh god.. there are split fins and blade fins. What most people will agree with is that splits will let you swim faster but don't give you much control (e.g. can't turn too easily). Blades give you great control but sacrifice speed. Splits really only work well with a small fast flutter kick. Blades allow different types of kicks that might be more appropriate in silty conditions. You should have no problem finding fins that will fit. I have the same size shoe and with wetsuit boots I use XL OMS Slipstreams. These are a lightweight clone of Scubapro Jet fins that are very popular.

 

[phil823]

Ok i will take the recommendation of the fins. that about the right price range for them

i understand about the mask...do you recommend a mask have a purge? or is just something could could go wrong that i should stay away from?

Yea i understand your point with the snorkle but for class i must have one. im thinking about, I might try the Oceanuc Pocket Semi-Dry Snorkel. portable and dry is a nice advantage i think

 

[lazyturtle]

I like loosebits description about fins, but I'd add one thing: split fins aren't very good (at least in my opinion) in strong currents.
Try and pick your fin based on where you'll be doing most of your diving. If there's strong currents pick something short and stiff. No current, take a longer, floppier fin.
One more comment about fins: if you look at them and say to yourself 'I bet this fin will eventually break here' it will. I said that to myself when I bought the Mares Volo Race fins, and they broke about 2 years later in the exact spot I predicted. Despite that they were nice fins while they lasted...
I like the collapsible snorkels. I have the oceanic one, it works just fine for snorkeling and fits comfortably into a bcd pocket. Whatever you do, don't get a 'waterless' one; they're for snorkeling only.
With the mask: it's been said. Find one that is comfortable and fits well. If you have difficulty getting a mask to fit well, buy two that fit (in case they stop making your 'perfect' mask). I don't like the red tint, unless I'm diving deeper or spending lots of times looking into caves. In silty conditions (or when looking up) everything looks red. Also if you're in a rescue situation, people have a harder time seeing your eyes.

 

[teamgs]

Welcome!

Just don't buy an "Orange Shovel" !

If you are curious, just do a search on this board.

Gary