Prioritizing gear

[Cosmographer]

This question (or variants thereof) must have been asked numerous times, but after hours of searching, I could not find a thread on point, so forgive me if it's been discussed before - I did try!

As a newly certified diver who would love to dive every month (but more likely will end up doing it every other month), I am not sure what gear to purchase first. I need to fly to reach any worthwhile dive location, so weight and size is an issue. I'm not asking what type of gear to purchase (tons of threads on that) but rather, what order I should do it in. I definitely don't want to splurge on everything all at once (figure that as a beginner, I should get to know what I like and don't like first) - not to mention that this would save some money upfront.

So putting together various hints and tips scattered across SB, I've come up with a list of things I will buy in the order I think I should buy them. Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

1. UW camera system (what can I say, it's a priority for me; wouldn't want to dive w/out one - already purchased)
2. Gloves (Only 9 dives so far, but been stung by jellies or something numerous times on several dives, leaving me miserable and itchy for days)
3. Dive Computer (Even though I passed OW, I still hate using tables. I know, I know - so sue me )
4. Mask (Never had an issue with rented masks, but seems this is high up on everyone's priority list)
5. Regulator (Less quality/maintenance issues with own reg*, and don't have to use a used mouthpiece)
6. Fins/booties (Mostly for convenience - I don't like the foot-fitting fins carried by most dive ops)
7. Wetsuit (Cumbersome - also I'd rather pee in a rented suit than my own - kidding! ... sort of)
8. BCD (Cumbersome, also would like to try out a rental BP/W before deciding)
9. Signaling (Mirrors, whistles, SMB - low because all our dives have been private w/DM - should this be higher up?)
10. Knife (Again, always had a DM close by - while nice, in hindsight, the DMs have probably become a crutch for us)
11. Compass (For whenever we get around to doing a navigation course)
12. Dive travel bag (Don't really see a need for this when I can buy a Briggs & Reilly bag with a lifetime warranty covering wear and tear - even for salt water damage. Am I missing something here?).

*Note: I'm not convinced this holds true for a noob since I probably will end up taking poorer care of my reg than an experienced dive op.

Does this look like a reasonable order in which to buy gear?

 

[koozemani]

Here's my thoughts,

IMO, your priorities are way off. You want to drop a whole bunch of Money on a camera, but not own your own mask and fins? For the price of a cheap point and shoot w/o a strobe you could clear half your list. Add even a cheap strobe and there's either your bc and or computer.

1. Mask/fins/booties: I good fitting mask is priceless. You might not be so lucky renting one. You can probably buy all three as a package.

2. Safety equipment: plenty of threads on why

3. Gloves: fairly inexpensive, you can get a decent pair for less than $30. I wouldn't even put them on a priority list and just buy a pair.

4. Knife: you could probably put this under safety equipment. Shears or something smaller will work.

5. Computer/Compass: having your own computer means you'll be familiar with it and know how to use it. Compass only if you go wrist mount, otherwise, there's probably one on you console. Same with the computer, unless it's a wrist mount, you might as well buy a whole reg setup. Which would also take care of that.

6. Camera: I'd wait until you improve your skills underwater. It's hard to take pictures when you're flailing about.

7. Bag: at least get something to bring all your gear to and from the boat.

8. Bc/reg/wetsuits: figure out what you want/need before buying. If the dive ops rental wetsuits are in good condition then theres no rush.

 

[Cosmographer]

Thanks for the advice. As for the camera, it's a no brainer for me. If my topside SLR broke, I would postpone a vacation until it was replaced - I don't see the point of going on a vacation without one. Indeed, I would rather not go on vacation at all rather than go without a camera. A similar mindset applies to diving. If I see something amazing while diving without a camera, would I be happy and excited to have at least seen it? Nope, I'd be disappointed and hitting myself for a long time (maybe forever) for not having shot it. I would rather have not seen it all. Different people have different priorities, I suppose. Maybe I'm just weird. However, I will note there are a few exceptions to this: when learning new skills (ie cave diving, wreck diving) I might leave behind my camera until I felt more comfortable. As for regular rec diving, I'm comfortable enough (but far from perfect) with buoyancy, etc. so as to not be distracted by lugging around the camera.

As for the rest, I find it interesting that regs are so low on the list. I can understand that with the BC/wetsuit, but it seems that SB members often recommend buying your own reg early. In terms of the safety stuff, it makes sense. It's just that we've been spoiled on every dive thus far with DMs who would figuratively (and in one case literally) handhold us through the entire dive. In fact, diving without a DM escort seems a bit intimidating, but that's a subject for a whole 'nother thread.

I do wonder why everyone puts the mask so high on the list though. Do people really have that many problems with fitting a rented mask? (actually, my wife does, but I always figured she was the exception).

 

[LowDrag]

So putting together various hints and tips scattered across SB, I've come up with a list of things I will buy in the order I think I should buy them. Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

1. UW camera system (what can I say, it's a priority for me; wouldn't want to dive w/out one - already purchased)
2. Gloves (Only 9 dives so far, but been stung by jellies or something numerous times on several dives, leaving me miserable and itchy for days)
3. Dive Computer (Even though I passed OW, I still hate using tables. I know, I know - so sue me )
4. Mask (Never had an issue with rented masks, but seems this is high up on everyone's priority list)
5. Regulator (Less quality/maintenance issues with own reg*, and don't have to use a used mouthpiece)
6. Fins/booties (Mostly for convenience - I don't like the foot-fitting fins carried by most dive ops)
7. Wetsuit (Cumbersome - also I'd rather pee in a rented suit than my own - kidding! ... sort of)
8. BCD (Cumbersome, also would like to try out a rental BP/W before deciding)
9. Signaling (Mirrors, whistles, SMB - low because all our dives have been private w/DM - should this be higher up?)
10. Knife (Again, always had a DM close by - while nice, in hindsight, the DMs have probably become a crutch for us)
11. Compass (For whenever we get around to doing a navigation course)
12. Dive travel bag (Don't really see a need for this when I can buy a Briggs & Reilly bag with a lifetime warranty covering wear and tear - even for salt water damage. Am I missing something here?).

*Note: I'm not convinced this holds true for a noob since I probably will end up taking poorer care of my reg than an experienced dive op.

Does this look like a reasonable order in which to buy gear?

1. For me, this would be at the very bottom of my list based on tasking loading and not being able to complete my OW cert's last month due to being overloaded with mask issues and breathing problems causing enough anxiety already.
2. Gloves, mask, fins, boots, snorkel and dive bag all came in my basic snorkeling package that I hand picked myself with assistance from LDS lead instructor.
3. Dive Computer will also come in a package deal: Reg's, BC, and console - to include PC, SPG & Compass. My LDS will work with me on setting up my package with reg's as 1st priority, BC's 2nd. Safety gear is not that expensive and can be picked anywhere at a reasonable price.
4. Covered in #3.
5. Covered in #3.
6. Covered in #2.
7. Wetsuit: Personally I am going to be going dry so with that I am going to need to take a bit of time to purchase due to price and wanting to make sure I get a good suit.
8. I have looked at travel BC's and I don't see enough weight difference personally to warrant a cheaper built/less expensive rig. I would rather pay a bit more to travel than to use a BC that is not built as well as a regular BC. Not to mention, most people I have spoken to about a travel BC only use it to travel so you would need to be comfortable two different BC's.
9. Covered in #3.
10. Shears are inexpensive and cause less hassle at the airport or when getting on board a cruise ship.
11. Covered in #3.
12. Covered in #3. That is until you get a really nice piece of actual luggage.

As far as your *Note goes. If you spend the time, effort and money to get into this sport and then not take good care of your own gear then you should just rent everywhere you go so that you are wasting a ton of cash. Saltwater will destroy your gear if not cleaned properly after each use.

Thanks for the advice. As for the camera, it's a no brainer for me. If my topside SLR broke, I would postpone a vacation until it was replaced - I don't see the point of going on a vacation without one. Indeed, I would rather not go on vacation at all rather than go without a camera. A similar mindset applies to diving. If I see something amazing while diving without a camera, would I be happy and excited to have at least seen it? Nope, I'd be disappointed and hitting myself for a long time (maybe forever) for not having shot it. I would rather have not seen it all. Different people have different priorities, I suppose. Maybe I'm just weird. However, I will note there are a few exceptions to this: when learning new skills (ie cave diving, wreck diving) I might leave behind my camera until I felt more comfortable. As for regular rec diving, I'm comfortable enough (but far from perfect) with buoyancy, etc. so as to not be distracted by lugging around the camera.

As for the rest, I find it interesting that regs are so low on the list. I can understand that with the BC/wetsuit, but it seems that SB members often recommend buying your own reg early. In terms of the safety stuff, it makes sense. It's just that we've been spoiled on every dive thus far with DMs who would figuratively (and in one case literally) handhold us through the entire dive. In fact, diving without a DM escort seems a bit intimidating, but that's a subject for a whole 'nother thread.

I do wonder why everyone puts the mask so high on the list though. Do people really have that many problems with fitting a rented mask? (actually, my wife does, but I always figured she was the exception).​

If you can handle the camera at this point in your skill set then why not take it but based on what I have read here on SB and what I have felt like underwater so far that would be the last thing I would be thinking about down there for a while.

As you can see by my list, Reg's are a high priority to me. I want good quality reg's to dive with. Do you have to buy everything all at once? No, it would be nice but not everyone can afford to do that.

I can speak for a proper fitting mask. On my second dive for OW I had loosened my mask because it was uncomfortably tight. That was a PIA all by itself then to have it too loose was an even bigger PIA because I had to pay attention to clearing it every few seconds. That combined with the breathing problems (due to lung congestion which did not feel bad on the surface but got worse @ 20') caused my anxiety level to go thru the roof. Proper fitting gear of any kind will make a huge difference under water.

This is all just my opinion and I sure there are folks out there that will question my thoughts here. These are just lines of thought I have gained so far from talking to others, personal although limited experience and reading peoples posts here on SB.

Good luck with your diving,
LowDrag

 

[Cosmographer]

Thanks for the input, LowDrag. Actually, I have to admit, I'm awfully tempted to buy a wetsuit first - maybe it's the fashion bug in me, I don't know - but I'm trying to be disciplined about my purchases. I suppose I could buy a lot of the stuff as a set, but I really don't want to be one of those people selling off all their gear on Craigslist or in garage sales because despite their initial enthusiasm, things got in the way of their diving.

As for the mask, now that I think about it, I would really like to get those neoprene pads rather than use the rubber straps that the masks come with. I guess that's a good enough reason to get my own mask even if rentals fit me just fine.

Regarding the camera, oddly enough, I find that it enhances my control underwater. I'm forced to practice buoyancy control in various body positions in order to shoot subjects. Far better practice than fin pivots, imo, which no one does throughout an entire dive anyway.

PS. As for the regulator, it's not so much an issue of me not caring about the maintenance, but more about how to care for it properly. It seems like a complicated piece of gear, and when it comes to such critical equipment, I would think experts would be better at maintenance than a noob - then again, maybe it's not as complicated as it seems?

 

[Searcaigh]

@ OP, I see that you are based in HK, lots of great diving a short flight away, however lots of dodgy dive ops too.

I too cannot dive without a camera, it's a no brainer for me, no camera no dive, but then again I have been taking u/w photographs and video almost since I started diving. The key is that without good buoyancy control I would never have taken a camera underwater, I think I morphed into a fish during my 4 open water dives, it has never been an issue for me.

Mask/Fins/Boots should be an immediate purchase.
Second would be a wetsuit
Third would be a regulator, I generally don't trust rentals when it comes to something going wrong at 30M, I had a second stage fall apart on me once.
Rental BC, can live with that, but prefer my own, I know where all the controls are without thinking about, not all BCs are the same, and I have seen many rentals in poor condition.

Other small things such as a knife or line cutter as well as an SMB are mandatory, why rely on somebody else, you should be self sufficient, as you might be too busy taking a shot of a nudibranch in low viz conditions and suddenly realise you can no longer see your insta-buddy or the group you are diving with, been there done that got the T-shirt.

Finally use your tables, they don't need batteries and can't fail underwater. You should also have a decent watch that works to 50M. If you can obtain a PADI Wheel, use that, much better than a standard table, but not sure that it is still made.

Good luck with your u/w photography and diving and dive safe.

 

[RTee]

1) Mask/fins/booties (and snorkel if planning to snorkel)...I consider them to be like underwears...Very personal items that you want to fit properly
2) Regs...because you know what has been in, through, condition and the last time it was serviced
3) Toss up between BC/BP&Wg and thermal protection. One is for fit and proper trim and the second...don't know what others have done in them
4) safety equipment (whistle, shear, SMB, compass)
5) Dive computer ...because up to this point you should still be able to go diving just using a watch, depth gauge and tables
6) camera...come on seriously no camera/no diving. It baffles me that some folks would rather be miserable at home rather than go diving and relax just because they have no camera. Better you then me...camera/no camera I am still going diving.
7) last...gloves and knives because most marine parks do not allow them

 

[Cosmographer]

Hahaha, we'll just have to agree to disagree on the camera thing. Actually, it's partially a wife thing too, since she wants pics more than me, lol. As for the gloves, after dealing with stinging crap so often despite having done so few dives, I'll be taking them with me regardless of what the marine parks say (unless they can prove to me that I won't be stung) - Having open wounds/blisters/sores is a health hazard, imo, and looking out for one's health comes first (ok, so maybe it's not really that big of a health hazard, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

 

[Bob DBF]

I'm not as hung up on the camera if you are already a photographer, because your farmiliarity with the camera leaves leaves room to focus on your diving, especially if you are taking snap shots. As long as diving trumps pictures it should work out OK.

1) Mask, fins, snorkle, gloves, booties, and wetsuit. I put the basics and exposure protection togather because you can now go diving without the tanks, and all need to fit you well to be comfortable in the water. You can get them a bit at time, if so, pick up safety gear in between the bits.

2) Safety gear starts with a safety sausage, whistle, and mirror. Shears and a line cutter are good, especially where you can't carry a knife. Without a kinfe, your buddy will feel more secure around agressive sharks.

3) Reg set with gauges and timer. Tables work, but if you dive a lot in a day you might want to pick up a computer or list it on #2.

4) BC, whatever kind you like.

5) Then the addiction sets in!

In closing, research what you are buying, try it out, talk to other divers about their gear preferences, search ScubaBoard, and try to get a good deal when you buy. If you are comfortable in your gear it makes diving easier.


Bob
----------------------------
It is necessary for us to learn from others' mistakes. You will not live long enough to make them all yourself.
Hyman G. Rickover

 

[TSandM]

I wouldn't have bought the camera first, but that's because I have seen so many new divers who can't maintain buoyancy control and have poor situational awareness. A camera makes all that worse.

My approach to gear is simple: The first things you buy are things that have to fit to work. Mask is number one, because a leaking mask is at best an annoying dive. Exposure protection would be number two, because if wetsuits don't fit well, they don't insulate. Getting cold is miserable and can cost you dives.

Safety gear would be number two. If you dive off boats, you ALWAYS run the risk of surfacing away from the boat. Even if you go with a guide, there is no guarantee that the guide will get you back to the boat. I've even done a DRIFT dive (where the boat is supposed to chase you) where the boat captain misread the currents, and was on the other side of an island when we surfaced. Signaling gear can make the difference between a short wait and a long drift or swim, or worse. I carry an SMB, a mirror, and a DiveAlert on boat dives.

I include a dive computer in safety gear. Having your own, so that you know how it works, what the displays mean, and you can be sure the battery is good before a trip, is important.

Next, I would buy things where personal preference makes a difference. Fins, for example; you can rent fins that you can stick on your feet, but good fins make diving more fun, because they can make swimming easier or more precise. BCs can be rented in a variety of sizes, and if you don't fall at one of the ends of the bell-shaped curve in body proportions, you can find something that will fit. But having one that's COMFORTABLE and familiar is awfully nice. Lights are handy gadgets, because deep water has reduced illumination. They bring out color and can help you find cryptic critters. Having your own means you can have one you find easy to carry and which has the kind of light and beam you prefer -- and it may be more likely to WORK than a rented light

So, that's my take on things. Of course, I own all my own gear and haul it everywhere. Who needs clothes on a dive trip, anyway?