Recommendation for buying dive gear in Key Largo

[robandliza]

Hi

I have booked to go diving with It's a Dive on Oct 23rd and 24th and looking to stock up on some gear ahead of the trip ( I am a new diver)

I'm arriving in the US on Friday 19th and staying in Kissimme. I could and probably will be popping over to the Kissimme Dive centre to check out their stuff, but in case I don't get the time on the saturday ( closed on Sunday), does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations of shops close to It's a Dive with a good selection of stuff?

I will be driving down to Key Largo on Monday 22nd and plan to be there by about 2ish

I have spoken to It's a Dive, but from what they say they don't seem to stock that much stuff. They are happy to get some gear in for me, but I don't have a clue what to ask for...I don't want them to get 10 suits in and I don't like any of them?

I will be looking to buy a wetsuit that will cover me for keys, East and west Coast as well as Springs ( I will be returning to Kissimmee at least once and prob twice every year and would like to dive each time) and also do for if and when I go elsewhere ( e.g. Egypt and something under a dry suit for UK diving). Do I go full or shorty? and what thickness would you recommend ( they reckon 3mm would suffice)

Also looking at a knife ( needed?), maybe camera (sealife reefmaster for starter?), gloves and maybe some other accessories( suggestions?). It could be the excitement gets to me and I ship in a BCD too, but the wife may have something to say on that score!!!

I should add that I already own a mask,fins,boots and snorkel

I have checked out Scuba Toys but don't know where to start. I also think that I'd need to try the suit on as from the sizing charts, I'm cought a bit in the middle ( 5'9 175 lbs and 40 in chest...man boobs included lol!!!)

For some reason, I think I should put my money It's a Dive's way, but like I say, don't know where to start ordering

Any advice is very gratefully received

Rob

 

[johnny_bravo]

wow that's a handful of a post Rob

In the Keys you might check out Ocean Divers (www.oceandivers.com) they are a huge Scubapro dealer and stock a lot of stuff.

I prefer Bare's wetsuit line myself. I have their 3/2 fullsuit and 5/4 fullsuit. A 3mm fullsuit is very versatile in tropical waters. Don't bother with a shorty you won't overheat in a fullsuit.

Divers Discount in Fort Lauderdale has them (you could pop in to seem them on your travels southbound to Key Largo on the I-95):

http://www.divers-discount.com/viewprod.cfm?&DID=1&CATID=84&objectgroup_ID=534

Hope this helps.

-J.-

 

[fisheyeview]

You could also try Divers Direct. They have a Key Largo location as well as one in Orlando. They are open 7 days a week, and the one in Orlando is not too far from Kissimmee.

http://www.diversdirect.com/

 

[Charlie99]

As you drive towards Key Largo, there will be a couple of shops worth checking out in Homestead just after the freeway ends. Just look for the big dive flags.

Just as you enter Key Largo (up around MM105 iirc), there will be a couple more good shops on the right hand side of the 4 lane divided road.

WorldWide Watersports / Divers Direct, in the big strip mall just past the MM100 marina is another good store to checkout.

 

[RonFrank]

Divers direct in Key Largo will have everything you need at MM100. They generally have an entire rack of wetsuits hanging outside on sale.

As others have said there are two outlet shops just past homestead, and there is another outlet shop (can't remember the name) as you enter Key Largo I'm guessing about MM104, on the right (west) side as you are going south.

For wetsuits, I'd skip the shortie, and go with a 3mm or 3/2mm fullsuit. I personally like the Superstreach/hyperstreach/ultrastreach/whalestreach, or whatever name the various manufactures use to describe the very stretchy material. These may not be as insulating as standard neoprene, but if you really want a warm suit, then a 3mm is not what you are looking at in the first place.

The stretch suits will run a bit more, likely a bit over $100 in a 3~3/2mm fullsuit. If you want a suit you can dive in the springs, a 5mm maybe a better choice, but it's a bit much for most tropical locations depending on how easily you get cold.

You don't NEED a knife. I've used mine a LOT to cut up ...... oranges! I have used it once to free a buddy from some monofilament. EMT shears are cheap, and work for most things UW as good or better than a knife. If you are going to get a knife make sure it's at LEAST 12" long, and can be strapped to your leg! OK, that was a joke. Make sure it is easily mounted on your BC, and get a blunt tip.

Camera's, wow that's a tall order. You would seriously need to consider budget, what you want to shoot, how serious you are, and provide a lot more background before people could begin to make suggestions as there are a TON of options ranging in price from the hundreds to over 30K.

You may want to consider posting camera questions in the photo forums.

 

[John_B]

As far as wanting to buy from Its A Dive, like any other charter/shop you are already paying them for for the trip out and back, you don't "owe" them anything else and shouldn't feel obligated to them in any way. They should earn any additional business from you (including other boat trips).

For wetsuits, mask, fins, etc. Divers Direct in KL would be a good bet for you. Plenty of fullsuit/shorty sizes to choose from, in 3mm down to dive skins.

FWIW, for dive equipment I use Silent World because they rent and stock the brands I would be inclined to buy.

Have a great time!

John

 

[ReefHound]

I would also add that these stores others are referring to such as Divers Direct are "superstores", you will be blown away at their size and selection. Most people have nothing like them in their hometown.

 

[robandliza]

That's great everyone...thanks very much....looks like Divers Direct will be my best shot

Can't argue with you there Johnny Bravo. I may not post often, but when I do....!!!!!

 

[robandliza]

Thanks for the tip on Divers Direct in Orlando too guys......just been to the website and seen it's about 15 min drive from where we're staying and it's open on Sunday.....PERRRFIK!!!

 

[deepstops]

Just one thing though, the sign you're looking for says World Watersports and is much bigger than the little sign next to it that says Divers Direct. In Key Largo, it's just south of the Holiday Inn at MM 100. The same is true for the Orlando location.