Having your own gear is the way to go, but if you only dive once a year, then it doesn't make sense to have 3 grand worth of beer money sitting around.
IMHO, I'd say the things that need to fit right would be your first choice. You can always rent gear but fit can easily be a problem wrecking your vacation. That means mask, boots/fins and BCD to me. You're looking at about $650. For cold water diving, that would also mean a hyperstretch type suit. Infinitely more comfortable than most rental suits. That's another $350.
The reg has to be reg and computer so that quickly gets steep. However, you can rent a decent reg and computer, so that would be second to me.
Without looking at the BCD you reference, think about the BCD before buying. I have a Zeagle Ranger back inflation one and many people think it's right, but in warm water diving it's overkill and talking with divers on my last trip, I would rather have one that has air bladders around your body rather than all in the back. I found I had to arch my back a lot to dump air and all that bouyancy makes it more difficult to make the subtle changes you do in warm water. It's a top quality BCD, and is good for my local Monterey diving, but I will be looking for another for warm water in particular. Again, some people feel it's a matter of technique or skill, so you'll get strong opinions.
You can make better decisions on what gear to buy after you use it in practice.
mlat:
i am what they call a desert diver, which means i was trained how to dive in the desert. I have been on about 5 freshwater dives and 2 saltwater dives. I dive on a avg of onyl once a year because im in college and money is tight. though i have been saving up money, enough to buy all my gear...so here are my questions'
1. Since i dont dive that much but i do love should i buy my own gear?
2. What do u think about the gear i am buying
Zeagle Brigade bcd
Zeagle ZX 50D
Zeagle Envoy Octo
Tusa SCA-343 Nitrox Computer
Thanks you...