Resources for Comparing Gear

[kchFLA]

I'm new to the world of diving. I should complete my NAUI certification class this weekend.

I'm not a compulsive buyer so I like to do my homework. Is there a good comprehensive source for comparing equipment by various manufacturers? Is there a way to find out who makes the better BC's, wetsuits, regulators, etc? Is there a place to compare prices?

As a beginner, I'd like to get some good quality equipment, but it doesn't have to be the cream of the crop either. As I put in my introductory post I'm also needing to get some furniture for a new (to me) house. Right now I'm trying to figure out a budget for expenditures until the end of the year. (I'm trying to avoid going into debt.)

Finally is there someone in Florida who can help me change locks on my doors. :06: I got a little confused in my quest for assistance.

kchFLA

 

[AquaHump]

Dive gear is such a personal thing. I would have hard time buying gear based on what others thought. Since you are in no hurry to buy your gear and you live in FL I would take some time diving difrent gear by renting it and see what works for you. and try all the types of gear ranging from BC's to back plate and wings. Try all kinds of regs and see what works for you. and most of all try all the diffrent types of diving to see what kind of diving you end up doing.
I wish I had tryed all the gear first. I ended up buying one set selling it on ebay and then buying the rig I dive with now.

 

[The Kraken]

Well, KCH, a heary "WELCOME" to the ScubaBoard.

You've arrived at "THE" place to find answers to most of your questions.

There are numerous forums here on the ScubaBoard. Just roam around in here for a while and you'll find what you need.

Once again, "WELCOME!!!!!"

the K

 

[darylm74]

Scuba Diving magazine does several reviews and it might at least give you some information but the best way is still to rent it and see how it works. There are a lot of brands that people will suggest and some with good reason versus others. I would also wait a little longer and make sure you get good gear. Better to rent for awhile (especially in Floriday where rental prices are usually cheaper than other areas) and buy good gear than to rush into things.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

First of all, just about anything you would want to buy is likely used buy someone on this site, so you're at the right place. That said a better resource for comparing gear is a good shop. You should find a shop that will let you try stuff, or has a varied rental department. Some shops will discount the price of gear if you rented something similar before making your selection. So much of diving is getting the stuff that is right for you that you should try stuff before you buy. There isn't much out there that is bad to use. Just about any gear that fits will be safe and reliable for recreational diving, so the best thing to do is consider points more specific to you. Those points may be fit and comfort, ability to get service, price and the like.

 

[Gary D.]

I'm new to the world of diving. I should complete my NAUI certification class this weekend.

I'm not a compulsive buyer so I like to do my homework. Is there a good comprehensive source for comparing equipment by various manufacturers? Is there a way to find out who makes the better BC's, wetsuits, regulators, etc? Is there a place to compare prices?

As a beginner, I'd like to get some good quality equipment, but it doesn't have to be the cream of the crop either. As I put in my introductory post I'm also needing to get some furniture for a new (to me) house. Right now I'm trying to figure out a budget for expenditures until the end of the year. (I'm trying to avoid going into debt.)

Finally is there someone in Florida who can help me change locks on my doors. :06: I got a little confused in my quest for assistance.

kchFLA

AquaHump hit the nail on the head. You can but what everyone in a group says is the best and only gear to have. But if it's not right for you it isn't going to be the best at all, infact it be be your nightmare.

Try as much stuff as you can and make your own choice. You will be much happier in the long run.

Gary D.

 

[Dave in PA]

Welcome to the board, for equipment, there is a sub forum for each class of equipment. Just remember, my opinion of a great (fill in the blank) could be differant from yours. Read a lot, ask lots of questions, visit your local shops and talk them up, find one that you like and develop a relationship there.

As for changing your locks, if they are regular door knob locks, go to the local Home Depot/Lowes/ Hardware store and buy a Kwickset/Schlage. There should be two screws on the inside of the door. Take them out, the knobs should slide apart. There are two screws on the edge of the door that hold the strike in the door. Remove them and the strike. Replace with the new ones, make sure the screws are on the inside of the door. see if the strike plate in the door jamb will work, if not, remove and replace that with the new one. What I would suggest here, is throw away the 3/4" long screws that came with the lockset and get some at least 2" long and drive them through the door jamb and into the framing of the wall. Then, do the same thing to the screws holding the door hinges, replace the screws one at a time. I like deckmate screws. You have just increased the security of the door! This works best on a steel or solid wood door. It also is assuming you have a wooden framed house without electrical wires running behind the door jambs. Oh, if you are changing more than one outside knob, you can match numbers on the packaging to get matching keys.

 

[kchFLA]

Its the dead-bolt lock that has me confused. The pictures and directions were not that clear to me. The purpose for the lock changing is I have three different keys to keep up with and want to get it to one. So I did get sets with matching keys.

As for the gear, I'm definitely going to have to be a try before you buy person. I'm on the petite (short side) so most things just don't fit right. Thanks for you responses.

I feel welcome already.

 

[darylm74]

You may end up needed to get a custom fit wetsuit. Make sure that it fits well. Not sure what you will do for the BC. There are a lot of really nice ones out there. If you can't find one there is always a backplate and wing option. I would hit a bigger shop to try on some of the things. Unfortunately a lot of the smaller shops sell or stock one or two specific brands and they not be in the price range or fit of what you're looking for.

 

[Nemrod]

No, there are no such resources. That has not been allowed since PadI took over the dive industry and the great magazine Skin Diver became a travel catalog before fading away. Here and there you will find some comparitive tests, like comparing "fin torque" what ever that is or regulators but none of it especially usefull. Frankly, most gear todays is equally boring, basicly functional and only comes in black and hope you like plastic. Ho hum, where is the fun. N