What to buy first...???

[ASmilinHeart]

I begin OW course this weekend - WOOHOO!!! But making purchases on basic gear is driving me insane. So many choices - so many questions...should I buy boots prior to fins? Are weights/weight belts pretty basic or do I really need to understand their function and buy something particular?

 

[utnapistim]

I begin OW course this weekend - WOOHOO!!! But making purchases on basic gear is driving me insane. So many choices - so many questions...should I buy boots prior to fins? Are weights/weight belts pretty basic or do I really need to understand their function and buy something particular?

you might want to hold off from buying stuff. otherwise you could end up in a year with two pairs of fins, two masks and so on.

for example for weights you have a lot of options about them: you might have normal lead pcs, belt with pouches in which case you might want to use soft-weights or BC with integrated weights.

And don't get me started on BCDs.

If you have the option, make sure to rent equipment as varied as possible for a few dives.



good luck with your OW
(and most important: have fun!)

 

[H2Andy]

jeannie, your instructor should have discussed with you what you need to
buy.

the general rule is, you need to provide your mask, snorkel, fins, and weights.

i would suggest that you buy a weightbelt that takes soft weights. they are
easier on your body and equipment. you will probably end up with a weight-
integrated BC, so you won't need these weights for long.

as to fins, you should definetely buy open-heeled fins, which means you'll
need booties. even in florida, it's just so much easier to dive with booties,
as they act as "shoes" while you gear up and walk to the entry point,
and then they just slip into the fins.

hope this helps, and have fun!!

 

[JacobK]

I begin OW course this weekend - WOOHOO!!! But making purchases on basic gear is driving me insane. So many choices - so many questions...should I buy boots prior to fins? Are weights/weight belts pretty basic or do I really need to understand their function and buy something particular?

When I started my OW class, I had to have my own personal gear. That consisted of mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and gloves. Total price was about $300 from a local dive shop. I am not sure of dive shops rent personal gear.

As for the other gear, like wetsuit, BC, weights, tank, etc... just rent them in the beginning before spending $$$.

If you plan on just diving every now and then, like on vacations only, it would make sense to just rent. If you are going to be diving, say 20 to 25 times a year, then I would say start buying the other gear after your OW class.

During your class, they will teach you about all the gear you will be using and how to use them.

 

[Archer_Pensacola]

As a recently certified diver myself, we were required to buy Mask, Snorkel and Fins for the course. In addition the shop owner threw in a set of booties, which we needed for the fins anyway. Before the final dive, we have bought wetsuits (custom made due to our "unique" sizes and uncomfortable fit of rental wetsuits) and BC's (we wanted integrated weight systems which the rental shop did not have). Our class fee included rentals of tanks, weights, wetsuits, BC's and reg's, so none of that was actually required. We were A LOT more comfortable in our own gear though, it made the final dives a lot more fun and made us ready to go do some more.

 

[Ron Brandt]

Yep....Mask snorkel,fins and boots should be your first purchase.
They will last years under normal use.
A Reg is you next choice if you are traveling....it's best to trust your own ,right.

A computer could possibly be next

Make a nice weight integrated BCD you next choice.

When I learned we had to have mask,snorkel,fins,boots,weightbelt with weights and a wetsuit. Rental gear was sparse in those days.

I did however own all my own gear including tank by the time I did my check outs.

Ron

 

[RocketMan]

My first purchase was personal gear (mask, fins, botties, snorkel, weights (soft)). I plan on renting for a while to try different items out. I did buy 2 tanks this weekend, but that was only because I couldn't pass up the great price. My next buy will be a wetsuit, maybe around Christmas. Anyway, take your time, do your homework and try things out. Dive gear will still be there.

 

[MilitantMedic]

All good advice. Take you time, reasearch, talk to people as you become more experienced, and most importantly buy quality. Trust me you can easily spend waaaay too much buying crap that breaks. Try to buy it once. If it looks cool or fancy (my opinion) is that it probably doesn't work as well. Keep it simple, keep it durable and keep it quality.

 

[m3830431]

After your personal gear, I would say the next most important item is the BCD. Once you find one you like try many, it is the item that will hold the rest of your gear and the one thing that take the most getting use to. Where are the dumps, weights if no belt, octo, where to place you SPG and any other gear you carry. It takes awhile to remember where everthing is. Then I would go to the regulator.

Personally I bought everthing right away. After trying friends. I figured if I didn't have to rent it would be easier to just go diving. No regrets

 

[Diver 4 Life]

well of course you will need mask, fins, snorkel, as well as boots(that's what i needed) for sure go with the open heeled fins it is ok to buy boots prior to getting fins, it can also be wise if you can afford it to buy all your own stuff anyway i know i bought my own BC, Mask, fins ...... etc.. it is just better that way i feel because you can practice with it and get to know how it works where renting you might not always get the same type of bc.your instructer or local dive shop can help alot when making these decisions. i am recently certified and my dive shop made it easier for me.


well have fun and good luck!!!!

Jeremy