Where's The Best Place To Get Equipment for Beginners?

[MatWill]

another vote for trying a mask and fins on in a shop where the staff can check to see if the inner seal of the mask is sealing ok.. or at least you can look in a mirror to check!

as for the rest let economics decide, but supporting your lds is also a nice thing to do!

personally i get my gear from LP only because i save lots of money on duty and tax.. with the money i save i can support the locals by taking dive trips with them! win win

 

[spectrum]

When shopping for gear as a new diver there are several things that can go wrong.

1. It won't fit
2. It won't be the design or style you eventually find you want
3. You may pay too much.

1. Nothing can spoil your learning experience and even short circuit a lifetime of diving like poor fit. This stands out to me as the reason to but anything that has an element of fit locally if at all possible. Supporting the local shop is essential for the sport to continue as we know it but at the end of the day you NEED gear that fits.

2. Styles and features. Buy as needed and borrow rent as much as you are able while devouring the ScubaBoard gear forums to learn all that you don't know. Becoming gear savvy is more challenging than getting OW certified.

3. Price, be an educated consumer. Local shops can often close the gap compared to online retailers. Be sure to assign value to cash & carry, local set-up and response.

Any way you do this it's going to cost some real money so do not be penny wise and pound foolish.

Pete

 

[PePaw]

Another voice for trying on Mask, fins and booties. Also the fit and feel of a BC can make all the difference.

Give your local LDS a shot if they're good people that your comfortable with.