When and what to buy?

[esskar]

Hi,

i'm peaking up the pace. I really got into diving, doing 2-4 dives every week for the past month (don't laugh ;-) ).
As i get more and more excited about diving, i thinking about buying my own equipement.
Mask, Fins, Bag, suit-alike-shirt (do not need a wet suit around here) ...
Now, there is more of course. diving computer, BCD, regulator, valves, ...

since those stuff needs to be maintained properly i'm a bit scared to go for the stuff already, on the other hand i meet a lot of people that of course have their own equipment.

What do you recomment when and what to buy?
When i go diving, the prices only get cheaper when you only need weights/air. If you bring only your bcd and need to rent the regulator, you have to pay the same as without own bcd.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Ill tell you what not to buy and thats unservicable older Dacor regs.

Other than that without knowing your budget, what type of diving and where, it would be hard to begin choosing gear for you.

 

[PacificNWdiver]

I would buy the mask and fins first. A good fitting mask will greatly improve your overall experience underwater. An exposure suit can not only protect you from getting chilled, but also from contact with jellyfish and other undesirable creatures. From there it is a matter of how big is your wallet.

Regs and computer would be next on my list followed by a BCD. Not generally an inexpensive purchase. I would talk with other local divers and find out what they like and dislike about their equipment. It can be helpful to narrow down your choices on what equipment to buy.

Maintenance of your equipment can be done by trained professionals on an annual basis. However,you will be responsible for learning how to clean and store your equipment, but this is easily learned.

This is a sport where price points can really vary between "high-end" gear and "low-end". The most expensive equipment doesn't mean it's the best equipment for you and the type of diving you will be doing. With a little patience you can generally find good equipment at a fair price.

 

[on_two_wheels]

Just plan on buying things twice....although not necessarily the same. I've got a great wetsuit but looking for a drysuit. I've got two computers, several different size tanks, gloves, lights, etc, etc. If you can rent various types of BCDs and such, that would be ideal. Try a few various types such as back inflation vs jacket, etc. Then you'll buy what works for you the first time.

 

[scarefaceDM]

What to buy...buy what you need for the type of diving you do now and want to to later.

When to buy..when you have the cash for the GOOD stuff. Do not get suckered into a real deal for this and that and then you will have to start all over again...most have done this..I have done that...now I know better..I buy what I need as opposed to what they have...

Buy the right gear, the best gear and the best fitting gear that is for you.

Mask. Must fit you properly. Fins same thing. BC again same thing.

REGS. hold on ...regs are not just regs.
Regs are one of if not the most important piece of dive gear you will invest in.DO not go cheap on your regs.
This above all else is your main life support. There are great deals on good used regs of high quality out there. Choose wisely. Do not rush into a DEAL with out being informed or having tried it for yourself. If you buy new, make sure you buy from a reputable LDS or outlet that is authorized to sell the reg you want.

Wetsuit if you need one...make sure it fits properly.

What ever you do...make sure it is right for you. Fits you well. Having proper fitting gear will make your diving that much more enjoyable.

safe dives.

 

[djanni]

Hi,

i'm peaking up the pace. I really got into diving, doing 2-4 dives every week for the past month (don't laugh ;-) ).
As i get more and more excited about diving, i thinking about buying my own equipement.
Mask, Fins, Bag, suit-alike-shirt (do not need a wet suit around here) ...
Now, there is more of course. diving computer, BCD, regulator, valves, ...

since those stuff needs to be maintained properly i'm a bit scared to go for the stuff already, on the other hand i meet a lot of people that of course have their own equipment.

What do you recomment when and what to buy?
When i go diving, the prices only get cheaper when you only need weights/air. If you bring only your bcd and need to rent the regulator, you have to pay the same as without own bcd.

Based on the information you've provided it seems logical to start with a mask, fins, computer and regulator saving the BC for last. That assumes you're finding rental BC's that fit well. Valves and tanks, in my opinion, would be the very last items if purchased at all.

If you buy name brand equipment locally there shouldn't be any issue with maintenance. Don't overthink it. Talk to your friends and visit a few dive shops. This isn't rocket science but you do get what you pay for so if possible don't scrimp to save a little money.

I suppose I would put fins and mask at the top of the list followed by a regulator, computer and then the BC. If the BC's you're renting leave you wanting then I would put that right after the fins and mask.

 

[lmorin]

Don't be fooled into thinking that higher price=greater safety. Rent or borrow gear, write down the names and models of what you use. Then dive and follow the dive with a record about what you liked or didn't like in the equipment. There are numerous manufacturers. All make safe products. You will find, in general, that everyone likes the gear they have lived with for a while. I do, and mine was some of the least expensive available.

 

[Garrobo]

ScubaSaurus:: Old Dacor regs are actually quite serviceable and easy to work on. They are almost bullet proof. Not much to go wrong with them in the first place. I've got several sets of Dacor regs made in the 70's which work just fine. I've bought a lot of service kits on Ebay which I am storing in the doubtful situation that they ever need any work. Otherwise most of the parts, except metal, will interchange with parts from some modern regs or are a stock item. If worse comes to worse some can be fabricated. When my new plastic stuff goes off I revert to my Dacors.

 

[esskar]

thanks for the hints. of cource i got my own mask, fins, shoes.
Since i didn't want to rush into things and don't want to buy stuff that i do not need, i felt it was a better idea to hear from the pros first.

 

[ScubaSarus]

well let me reword that not to buy the older Dacor regs where you have to go on ebay and buy the kits and are difficult and more expensive to get your regular yearly service if you desire to do so.