Newbie looking to save on combo set

[jac8724]

Hi, I'm new here, and new to diving, gone twice now and love it!

My dad and I are getting certified and im looking for a mask, fins, snorkel, boots combo for us, but im looking to save money at the moment because getting certified in Ill. in the winter with a trip to Bonne Terre Mines, MO for the 4 dives is costing about a grand. We dont dive often being in the midwest, but we'll probably dive about once a year. Here are two options Im looking at on ebay because I had a bit of sticker shock when I heard $200-$250 for the set at the dive center...

Option One

Can I get away with a $50 dollar mask/fins/snorkel combo set off ebay just to start out with? It doesnt have the boots though.
Snorkeling Scuba Dive Gear Mask Dry Snorkel Fins Sets S - eBay (item 220206103394 end time Feb-28-08 14:18:03 PST)

Since that set does not come with boots, will boots fit into the fins if i buy them separately? I find that sets with boots cost well over $100, and sets without boots run about $50 and boots are being sold on ebay for about $20:
NEW LADIES DIVING-SNORKLE BOOTS Scuba Diving - eBay (item 360025911163 end time Feb-27-08 18:12:37 PST)

Option Two

Here is a set for $120 that comes with the mask/fins/snorkel/boots.
Scuba Diving Silicone Mask, Dry Snorkel, Boot, Fins Set - eBay (item 320221947181 end time Mar-03-08 10:38:17 PST)


I guess what I'm asking is, can I get away with option 1 for a few dives and purchase something better in a year or two?

Is there anything Ive posted here that is total garbage and not worth it?


I really appreciate any help!!! Thanks guys/gals

-jacs

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

A comfortable fit is really important for mask and fins and boots. That being said, many modern masks will fit a wide range of face sizes, and with luck you can hopefully get fins and boots that fit well if you look at the manufacturer's size charts.

Regardless of where you buy the equipment, I'd recommend looking at retailers that will allow you to return the mask and fins if they do not fit properly. This is a REALLY big deal.

See if you can find what you are looking for locally for a reasonable price; if not, online retailers like Scuba Toys, Leisure Pro, Scuba.com, etc., will have a good selection, good prices, and the ability to return/exchange if what you buy does not fit properly.

Edit: Just for fun, I checked Scuba.com for prices for you. If you go to each section (i.e., masks, fins, snorkel, boots) and "sort by price", you'll see that you have a lot of good options.

What I found is: Masks = $25 - $60; Open heel fins = $30 - $60; Boots = $20; Snorkel = $15 - $20. This is for equipment that is "no frills", but would work just fine!

Now you can easily spend LOTS more than this, but you really don't need to when you are 1st starting out.

Anyway, you would be looking at a price range of about $90 on the lower end and $160 on the high end (plus shipping).

I guess what I'm trying to say is look a little further than e-bay unless you are certain you can return items that do not fit properly, because good fit is everything!

Good luck!

 

[JBRES1]

I wouldn't go cheap on the combo set up. You get what you pay for. A good mask will last you a long time, so why not start of with a good one.
Look into a mask that would fit your face, there are many types of masks to pick from.
I like the Mares brand of mask, and they make what they call a mid size mask for smaller faces. My daughter dives this mask, and it fits her face quite well. I dive the Liquid skin mask.
X Vision Mid Skirt Mask, Dive Masks, Mares, X Vision Mid Skirt Mask
Mares X-Vision Mask, Dive Masks, Mares, Mares X-Vision Mask

Good luck, Jim Breslin

 

[boomer68]

Jac, I would also recommend going to your local dive shop and buying there in case you have problems down the road. If you want to buy online. Scubatoys.com will take care of you, but again, establishing a relationship with a lds is important and they can really help you.

 

[driftwood]

Hi, I'm new here, and new to diving, gone twice now and love it!

My dad and I are getting certified and im looking for a mask, fins, snorkel, boots combo for us, but im looking to save money at the moment because getting certified in Ill. in the winter with a trip to Bonne Terre Mines, MO for the 4 dives is costing about a grand. We dont dive often being in the midwest, but we'll probably dive about once a year. Here are two options Im looking at on ebay because I had a bit of sticker shock when I heard $200-$250 for the set at the dive center...


Is there anything Ive posted here that is total garbage and not worth it?


I really appreciate any help!!! Thanks guys/gals

-jacs

Jacs,

The single most important piece of gear you will buy is your mask. My LDS sells the mask I use for $90, and I can get it online for around $35. The difference is that I tried on at least 10 masks to find the one that fit me the best. Taking pot shots online for a "good" fit will end up costing you more.

Snorkels, get one online. There is on "personal" fitting involved.

Booties, go to your local sporting goods store and get some "river boots". Should run you about $30.

Fins, the fit of the fin foot pocket to your foot/boot is VERY important. When you have the booties that fit you, then you look for the fins. Hate to tell you this, but you cannot do this online.

Scuba is all about be very comfortable in a world that we are not built by nature to be in. Gear that fits you and makes you "comfortable" is the name of the game. Don't chase the dollars at the expense of hassles with poor fitting gear.