Sharing Gear to Manage Costs

[Fairfax22032]

My daughters, 20 and 17, have been PADI OW certified for about 2 years and I recently got certified on a vacation to Cancun. The girls have their own wetsuits and have gone diving a few times with rental gear, but we are now thinking about making an investment in our own stuff. Given the cost, however, and the relatively infrequent usage I was wondering whether it was common for people to share gear and if there are any risks with this.

My daughters are the same size and they like the Seaquest Libra BC. We have used the Aqualung Titan LX as a rental from a LDS and were thinking about buying one of these since it seems to be well-reviewed and something that we could have for a long time. Does this seem like a reasonable approach to managing costs?

I would also appreciate thoughts regarding console....is an SPG and depth guage sufficient for now?

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Using your own "family gear" is not much different than using rental gear. Except you know how your own stuff is cared for and is always ready to use and you never have to drop it back off.

 

[Blackwood]

Used gear may be a viable option. Check the classifieds forum.

 

[spectrum]

It sounds like a perfectly logical way to ease into the investment.

A computer is not needed at this time. Depth gauge and SPG are fine but they will need a time piece too. I would not dive without a compass.

At least with one set of gear when they meet local fellas that dive one will be ready to go. At those ages I would not be above having them contribute to the give gear fund either. Now that you have them started that might mean having buy wetsuits adequate to enjoy local dives. This may also serve to test their real interests before you overbuy.

Meanwhile the odd daughter out can sample other rental gear.

If they are generally confortable in any BC then getting them each into their own air delivery first may be worth giving a thought to. Otherwise I advocate owning the BC since that is what a their diving habits revolve around. Owning one complete rig, ready to go is probably the best approach. As you have probably already seen there are a lot of ways to slice this.

Pete

 

[Fairfax22032]

They will each have some skin in the game so to speak...it looks like the AL Titan LX with octo is around $550 with another $125 for a console with SPG, depth and compass. Since this is going to be a share toy I was figuring on $150 each with mom & dad covering the rest. The wetsuit is already taken care of...the both attended the Boy Scout Florida Sea Base and got a good deal on their wetsuits at the end of the course. It is 3mm, but since most of their diving should be in warm water they should be OK and can wear an extra layer underneath if necessary.

I hear very mixed things about used gear. Probably wouldn't buy a used regulator, but a BC doesn't seem like a bad option if you can find what you are looking for.

 

[Narcd_dvr]

To save some money or get more bang for your buck, I would suggest buying used in this forum or at the Deco Stop. In both sites, you'll find a lot of excellent used gears, regs included.

I certainly understand your apprehension on regs, but all you have to do with those is have it serviced by your LDS and they are good as new..

 

[SteveAD]

Using your own "family gear" is not much different than using rental gear. Except you know how your own stuff is cared for and is always ready to use and you never have to drop it back off.

I agree with the second thought, but completely disagree with the first.

Rental gear is always a crapshoot. You never know what brand, style, configuration, condition etc.. you're going to get. Your own gear, even shared gear will always be the same.

Analog guages should be fine.

 

[oly5050user]

At 17 and 20 yo they should be able to get their own gear if they want to dive ,especially being that it seems they still live at home..tell them to get a job..for them to appreciate and care for their belongings they need to EARN them..good time to start is now.

 

[spectrum]

You have the idea. Don't make it painful, just enough $$ to have them acknowledge that they truly are interested.

If you are not averse to a little risk and are fairly gear savvy eBay is worth watching especialy for the ladies model BCs. Many get retired early with ultra light usage.

For light duty use a $20 watch with a decent depth rating will do as a time piece. Worn on the wrist or lashed on someplace accessible will work.

The joy of having my daughters join us in the sport has eluded us, so far. I'm glad for you.

Pete

 

[TravisD]

And on the used front - Craigslist. There's *always* barely-used divegear up there. That's also always ancient, been sitting in a closet since the late 80's gear there as well - so do some research. By buying locally, you can check it out without risking more than some time and gas money on your part. Also, see if your LDS has a consignment program. They may know someone who has stuff they're looking to sell, and if they get some of the profits on it they may be more likley to service it (or, better yet, may already have done the service on!)