new to the scuba...

[cba191]

and i was wondering about the gear. i have already purchased the Atomic splits, the sub frame mask, some boots and a snorkel. if i wasn't ready to purchase everything at once, what would be the best order? (i.e. wetsuit, bcd, reg, etc...) i know everyone says to try the fins out first, but with the deal i got on e-bay, even if i didn't like the atomics, i could probably sell them at a profit.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

In my opinion: BC, Reg/computer, Wetsuit....but it all depends on your budget, where you will be diving, access to rental gear and quality....

Welcome to the world of Scuba...you will love it....The stuff you bought is very good, you should really like it


Mike

 

[Jimmer]

I'd say a wetsuit. It's so much easier to not have to worry about going to get fit for a rental, and you'll know it'll be comfortable. After that a BC, same reasons. Reg after that. Tanks can wait until the very end.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

But I would rather have my Life Support Equipment first....a loose wetsuit wont scrap a dive or cause too many problems.....A BC that doesnt fit or a reg that breathes horrible, can ruin or even cause you to scrap a dive....I loose fitting wetsuit, probably wont do that

Mike

 

[123Scuba.com]

I guess it's easy for me to say being in the industry and all... I prefer personal gear first: Mask, fins, snorkel etc. including a wetsuit. I know what people (emphasis on the "p") do in rental suits and the idea just bothers me...

 

[The Kraken]

It's always been my opinion that one should purchase those things first that effect buoyancy. Learning to maintain buoyancy is one of the keystones of fun and efficient diving.

Having said that, I tend to place more emphasis upon thermal comfort than I do B/C fit. If you are cold, you can't concentrate effectively upon the other aspects of your dive training. While an ill fitting B/C may cause some comfort issues, it won't cause potential physical problems such as lowered core body temperatures due to improper insulation (read "hypothermia").

I've observed confined water classes in which the students were wearing 5mm wetsuits in 80 degree water, but after about 2 to 3 hours in the pool, they were shaking almost uncontrollably. I know there were not able to give 100 to the instruction at hand.

Stay warm, stay neutral, you'll be able to breathe.

So, I've always been a proponent of 1 - thermal protection, 2 - B/C, 3 - regs.

Just my take on it.

the K

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

after mask, fins, and snorkel:

wet suit, because people pee in them
bc next because they all trim out and function differently
then reg and computer

as far as bc and reg, figure out what you want and then watch for a sweet deal--one will come. Before you buy the bc and reg figure out what you like and don't like from the rental gear first. Then you will make a better decision when you buy your own gear.

 

[shark_tamer]

First welcome to SB ... You'll find a bunch of friendly buddies here !!!

This is the way I went:

1) When enroling in OW class, bought fins, mask and tuba.

2) Halfway during the OW class, bought my own wetsuit ( the pee question !! ).

3) During one dive trip to the Carribean, one time I had to dive with a large BC ... that thing was up to my ears while underwater. So the first thing I did when I stepped off the plane ... bought my own BC. And since I had some extra money, bought my PDC at the same time.... Hey, my safety is worth 500,00$ .

4) Kept the more expensive for last : just bought my set of 1st stage / reg / octo last month.

 

[spectrum]

after mask, fins, and snorkel:

wet suit, because people pee in them
bc next because they all trim out and function differently
then reg and computer

as far as bc and reg, figure out what you want and then watch for a sweet deal--one will come. Before you buy the bc and reg figure out what you like and don't like from the rental gear first. Then you will make a better decision when you buy your own gear.

I agree with Leah but will add 1 thing...

If there is somehting that is difficult for you to rent than it goes to the top of the list. If are a not an off the rack suit person for whatever reason then buy something that fits even if it custom. If you are only comfortable in certain BCs then get the BC. For novice dives any regulator should suffice and you don't need a computer for a while.

All things being equal get your suit for the sake of hygiene and health. When the need is really there is is not healthy to hold back urine for an extended period. Given proper care this is no big deal but you can't count on that in a rental suit. Even if your interest fades you may get some use from a wetsuit for skin-diving, body surfing etc. Let's face it the sport has a high drop-out rate. Be practical and honest with yourself.

Next is your BCD. A little more costly and it's the core of the skills you are trying to master so lock it down.

Then comes you regulator set and analog instrument be they console/hose wrist or retactor mounted. The computer can come in here or as a final step. Actually I lied there is no final step but you get the drift.

Lights, reels, buoys, cylinders, more cylinders, pony bottle, drysuit, more fins, weight harness ............... Second set of gear for spouse, GF, or offspring :11:

Pete

PS a more complete profile is always helpful in making responses.

 

[under water]

Here's is a handy link with an overview of some tips for choosing equipment.
http://www.reefseekers.com/how_to_buy_articles.html
I tend to agree with the those who suggest wetsuit, but a lot depends on where you are diving.
Don't forget your safety stuff if you are going to do any boat diving.
Have fun & dive safe.