What Gear?

[phan000]

I am totally frustrated.
I have finished the pool and classroom part of my OW class and am figuring out what gear to buy when I complete my checkout dives next week.
I really loved the pool dives and don't want to be renting gear every couple of weeks.

The problem I have is that I have limited resources, but do not want to have to replace or upgrade anything soon. I live in S FL so there a million dive shops but it seems like I would spend an xtra $200 to get gear there instead of online.

There seems to be decent used stuff around, but I don't know much about quality or what to look for so I can't take the chance.
Also, I did well at the tables, but am horrible at math so I think a computer might be a necessity? Are they really that helpful?

Help Please!

 

[Bowmouth]

Your best choice may to be buying the cheaper regulator and BCD models of brands like Aqualung or US Divers online. Older models (but new) on sale may be a good choice too. Choose fullfoot fins rather than open heel which are more expensive and need extra booties.
Basic SUUNTO wrist computers aren't very expensive; just don't go for the latest or more gadgets models.
In general buying scuba gear online is cheaper than in dive shops. Buying second hand gear can be a good option too; especially when it is hardly used. Ebay may have some good deals for you.

 

[diveman7683]

My best advice is to rent gear for a few dives and try different types, ie: jacket bc, back-inflate, BP/W, different types of regs. Also think about the type of diving you'll be doing now and in the future.
Hope this helps.

Cheers
Troy

 

[rawls]

For my divemaster classes I use a Sea Quest Latitude...Sold my Pro QD because it was too bulky. The Latitude is much more light weight for what I am using it for. It isn't as deluxe as a Pro QD but I like the light weight for classes. Has an integrated weight system. I don't use it. Went back to the good old lead. Just found I like a weight belt more. The only thing I really don't like about the Latitude is it has plastic D-Rings and no bottom dump valve. But like I said...I'm only using it for classes. Still a good start out BC for $400.00. Come to think about it, since you are starting out, you may want to get one with a bottom dump. Look around. You should be able to find one in the same price range. Look at Zeagle regs. Envoy Deluxe for about $300.00. Heard good things about them. Now you are at about $700.00. Fins...You can get a good pair for $75.00. Brand not that important in my humble opinion. But if you want to go into battle then look at some of the posts on fins. But beware...you will be more confused than ever Mask...same thing...$60.00 to $70.00 will get you a good mask. Fit and comfort is a must. Snorkel...some don't use them. I use a stow away. Would recommend you get one starting out...Just make sure you get at least a flex with a purge valve...$25.00... You can spend extra money on a semi-dry or dry snorkel but I don't think they are really necessary. By no means will everyone agree on my suggestions. But I feel confident you won't go wrong with the equipment I listed for starting out. So you are looking around $770.00 for a good new start out set up. Hopefully some of the other members will give you some other suggestions. That's what's so good about SB. This is a start...As far as online vs LDS...BIG differing opinions. I tend to support my LDS because they have been very good to me. If you are just shopping a dive shop you have no relationship with then who cares. Try online...either way really...If you do go online I would suggest you deal with a reputable company...Congratulations on your cert...I hope your future in diving brings many Zen moments

 

[wunat]

My best advice is to rent gear for a few dives and try different types, ie: jacket bc, back-inflate, BP/W, different types of regs. Also think about the type of diving you'll be doing now and in the future.
Hope this helps.

I would agree with this. I won't rush in at such stage to get the gears. Do some research and talk to people on various alternatives you have out there. If better (and possible), get into the pool with some gears you are interested and try them out. But while you may want to do this for gears such as BCD, regulators, and even fin, you might want to go out and get your wetsuit and mask. Having a good mask that fits you can make a difference in your diving experiences.

There are lots of information on this board.

Enjoy!!!

 

[H2Andy]

one option when you are buying on a budget is the Sea Elite packages that
Diver's Supply puts together. they also have other packages available:

http://www.diverssupplyusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=689


this Oceanic package looks nice for $600. you can get a computer for an extra $270
(for a total of $870)

http://www.diverssupplyusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=17818


for $700, including a computer, you can mix and match here:

http://www.diverssupplyusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=17803

 

[BrianV]

Get a wrist computer despite the fact that a console computer may seem like the better bet. I wanted a console, but got a great deal on a wrist one so I bought it. At first I was disappointed, but I QUICKLY realized that I'd hate myself if I got a console computer.

There are numerous threads here where people have been upset that they bought console based ones and regret not getting wrist ones.

A lot of the divers here are pretty technical and dive backplates w/ wings. I think that's extreme for a new comer and would recommend picking a nice back inflate or jacket style (depending on what you like). Back inflates do a good job of orienting your horizontally, but jackets feel more supportive since they squeeze you and are easier to use on the surface.

I would definitely get a good regulator and get a BCD that fits well. My first BC was two sizes too big and it really hampered my comfort while diving. I bought it used thinking it would work, but I was wrong.

I like Oceanic and Scubapro for brands because of the following:
1) I think the quality is there
2) My LDS sells/services both
3) They're two of the largest brands out there and whenever I travel to another dive shop you have a high chance of finding their gear there which means you can get stuff services or get parts while on a trip.

 

[phan000]

Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it.
I already have all the personal gear including a wetsuit. I know I should probably try out some rental gear first but it seems like $50-75 per trip would be a waste if I am going to get the gear later anyway.

 

[BrianV]

Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it.
I already have all the personal gear including a wetsuit. I know I should probably try out some rental gear first but it seems like $50-75 per trip would be a waste if I am going to get the gear later anyway.

That's a small price to pay (a couple of times) for you to learn what you do and don't like. Diving is all about feeling comfortable and picking safe/reliable gear (that you're comfortable operating).

 

[langs15]

Defenitly rent your gear the first time. No sense to waste your money on gear that you've never used and hadn't had any friends or anything use and waste all that money.