Any recommendations for purchasing starter gear?

[SuzanneFathi]

Am getting certified next month and must purchase a mask, fins, boots, snorkle. Looking to get this gear at the most reasonable price. Any recommendations? Do any places sell all these items as part of a package deal? Thanks for your help! :)

[Megan]

Hi, Suzanne! If you're a member of PADI Diving Society, there is a really great coupon in there for ScubaPro. You can save $50 when you purchase a ScubaPro mask fin and snorkel package AND complete your Open Water class. Feel free to send me an e-mail if you'd like more details.

[Megan]

Don't know if you are thinking mask/fins/snorkel or BC/reg/instrumentation, but especially if it's the latter, then I would not recommend buying your gear online. If you want your "hardware" to last a long time and keep you safe, you're going to want to get it inspected/ serviced and I know a lot of dive centers will not service gear purchased on line. Besides, it's best to buy gear from a real human being who can help you with fit and comfort.

[franksoprano]

I too am looking to purchase my first set of gear.. I am going to get my PADI cert within the next few months, I would like to have gear that will last me a long time and that is versitile for different water conditions..

Are there any suggestions or websites that I should look at for gear??

Thanks!

-Frank

[digitalpoodle]

I personally went with Oceanic Gear all the way. But no matter brand you get, they are all good. If you buy from dive centers you can often get deals on "packages" ie.. mask snorkle fins boots, at a lower price if you buy the same brand. Same with Big ticket items like bcd, reg, octo, computer.

hope this helps.

[jwhitlock]

My experience is depends where you live?
I would not concentrate on your gear to be versatile or lasting a long time. Get the gear that makes you feel comfortable. As you get more experience, if you continue diving then you might find that your interest change with your experience.

[my1ocean]

I agree with James. Your needs will change as your diving skills evolve. To begin with, your first set of dive gear should be simple and compfortable. Going big your first time out not only red flags you as a super novice, but may get you into trouble with complicated gear that will just frustrate you. I've found the best way, and most often suggested by long time divers, is the KISS method (keep it simple stupid). The less you have to deal with the more you concentrate on the dive and not the toys on your BC. With that being said, most dive shops have a starter package that you can buy (inclusive of snork, fins, mask) to last you a good while. I wouldn't go looking for a cheap BC. I've found you get what you pay for in that respect. Used is fine, but get it checked out. Heck the Scuba Pro deal mentioned above sounds pretty good to me.

[my1ocean]

I agree with James. Your needs will change as your diving skills evolve. To begin with, your first set of dive gear should be simple and compfortable. Going big your first time out not only red flags you as a super novice, but may get you into trouble with complicated gear that will just frustrate you. I've found the best way, and most often suggested by long time divers, is the KISS method (keep it simple stupid). The less you have to deal with the more you concentrate on the dive and not the toys on your BC. With that being said, most dive shops have a starter package that you can buy (inclusive of snork, fins, mask) to last you a good while. I wouldn't go looking for a cheap BC. I've found you get what you pay for in that respect. Used is fine, but get it checked out. Heck the Scuba Pro deal mentioned above sounds pretty good to me.

[ccibsen]

Get the best basic equipment you can afford, not necessarily the fanciest. Research it. Talk to some of your experienced diver friends and your instructor. Check in with Teri at divers-supply.com in Macon, Ga, who seems to be knowledgeable and able to provide sound recommendations, or any other reputable dealer.