What are typical Tec diving equipment costs?

[Padipro]

I'd have to agree, for the most part, with the estimates of others posted so far but don't be discouraged. Start out slow, maybe just a BP&W, you need that to carry the doubles. Then maybe a set of AL doubles and another reg so you'll have a set. You can always dive mixed gear to start. Dive with this gear for awhile until you can afford to add something else like a deco bottle and another reg. I started out this way because I couldn't afford to buy all the gear at once either. I dived the gear recreationally for about a year before I had saved enough money for the first class.

If you know what you want you can find some really good deals on Ebay. I got my AL backplate with harness, new for around $50 and my latest set of new Apex DS4/xtx regs all set up for tech diving with 7 foot hose for $650 for both. I've bought a lot of used gear on Ebay as well. I had one AL tank to start with and bought a second for $50 plus shipping and a set of bands for them for $30. You just need to know exactly what you want and ask questions to make sure it's in good condition.

 

[apeks74]

As many folks have pointed out, you will never have all the gear you want but maybe more then you need. Make a plan and buy quality gear in phases. Training is always a good investment to start with. Many Tech Classes have gear requirements that may point you in the right direction.

Good Luck

 

[lundysd]

There are also deals to be had on just about everything if you're patient enough....

Here's a list of my best finds

Halcyon Explorer BP/W -- $250
Halcyon 10w HID -- $350
Worthington LP85/bands/thermo manifold -- $500
Atomic Z1 x 2 + SPG -- $700
DUI TLS350 -- $900

That's the core of my setup -- most of it was bought used from trusted sources (or at least inspected prior to purchase). It took me well over a year to find all those prices though, and I've had a few good deals along the way go south. The moral of the story? Shop around, but ALWAYS thoroughly inspect and test-dive anything bought used.

 

[TSandM]

Although I bought my doubles sight unseen off the Deco Stop, and my doubles regs sight unseen off e-bay (but from a known seller). I've either been pretty lucky, or you can learn a lot about the people who are selling things if you monitor their on-line history.

 

[Hoosier]

I gave up the list out the price at some point. I think I roughly spent about $10K.

Sure, there are many ways to lower down the price, but you have to live on the net to grab a good deal and you have to be handy. Depending on your location, to get a killer deal will be much easier, for example FL, CA, NY, WA, etc.....