I may be the only person on the planet who did this, but I bought my first entire set of equipment before I had my first open water pool session. That was in 1997. My reasons were much like those suggested in the original post. First, I thought if I invested $2000 in equipment I would be a more active diver. Second, as a student at my local dive shop, I was given 20% off everything I bought. Third, I was scheduled to do my open water dives in Maui, and then a couple of other dives after. The rental gear there was going to run about $100.00. Finally, I bought gear from my local shop, tried it all, and it fit me and was comfortable.
So my initial saving from discount and not renting was about $500.00 And the fact is, I was and am a very active diver. When my wife entered the sport a few years later, we did the same with her, and she has been active as well.
If you are buying from a reputable local dive center with whom you will train, and will have a relationship with them for a long time, my view is that it is never too early to acquire equipment. As far as research and consulting friends, fine. But separate personal preference from hard facts on what equipment is designed for the type of diving you will do. I currently dive in widely varying conditions, so have 3 different BC/ reg set ups, and a whole closet full of different exposure gear. But going back to the beginning, I strongly favor acquisition of your own gear as early on as possible (and I don't even own a shop or sell gear!)
DivemasterDennis
So my initial saving from discount and not renting was about $500.00 And the fact is, I was and am a very active diver. When my wife entered the sport a few years later, we did the same with her, and she has been active as well.
If you are buying from a reputable local dive center with whom you will train, and will have a relationship with them for a long time, my view is that it is never too early to acquire equipment. As far as research and consulting friends, fine. But separate personal preference from hard facts on what equipment is designed for the type of diving you will do. I currently dive in widely varying conditions, so have 3 different BC/ reg set ups, and a whole closet full of different exposure gear. But going back to the beginning, I strongly favor acquisition of your own gear as early on as possible (and I don't even own a shop or sell gear!)
DivemasterDennis