Equipment purchase

[newdiver1965]

Again I'm new to all of this, I need to purchase my equipment, what brands should I look at and which one to stay away from? I'm starting with about a $200 budget for now, (that is until I can get my wife to let me spend more). Were should I focus my money and spend it the best way?

Thanks everyone!

Mark

[reefraff]

What pieces are you looking to purchase? $200 isn't going to last long at the register but it's enough to start with some very basic kit...

There are a lot of brands out there, almost all are at least decent. A few rules of thumb to consider:

using price as a primary guideline in purchasing decisions is how many of us have ended up with some of the dust-catchers in our closets, and;
most of the gear out there is at least decent quality, the place to start is by decided what features/functions you want and then figuring out which brands meet those features, and;
give preference to brands that your local shop carries, especially when you're just getting started, so that you can benefit from their advice and service.

[Atlaua]

using price as a primary guideline in purchasing decisions is how many of us have ended up with some of the dust-catchers in our closets, and


To an extent you are very right. But wise shopers can cut down on that. For example, I've read countless tales about how people started out with a jacket BC, then wen't to a Zeagle and eventually a BP/Wing. Some carefull study on my part cut down at least one step in that process.



most of the gear out there is at least decent quality, the place to start is by decided what features/functions you want and then figuring out which brands meet those features, and;
give preference to brands that your local shop carries, especially when you're just getting started, so that you can benefit from their advice and service.

I've come full circle on that. I admint I bought my first kit online and did well for myself doing so. However, I was not "aligned" with a shop at the time. Getting your gear in from the same place you have it serviced is a huge advantage, one I didn't realize at the time.

James

[theskull]

Do you own anything yet?

Good first choices for app. $200:
A wetsuit that fits well.
A simple wrist computer.

When you can spend $400-$600:
A BC that fits well, that you can wear well and master the control of.
A good basic regulator with SPG and Octo, so you will know it is well-maintainted.

If you can consider buying all these things at once (credit card) many shops will give you a "package price" discount that will make it all much more affordable. Early Xmas present??

Have fun,

theskull

[newdiver1965]

I have the basics, Mask, Fins, Snorkle, nothing fancy, just wasn't sure were to go from here. Thanks for the input.

Mark

[BottomDweller]

My first purchase was my own wetsuit - a 7mm for diving in the local quarry, where the temp below the thermocline is in the upper 40's - mid 50's most of the year. I've read that the first piece of personal equipment a diver should buy is a regulator, but my next purchase was a BC. Buying a reg doesn't do you any good unless you can buy your alternate and SPG or console at the same time. Plus, I had a very bad experience diving with a rental BC (weight pocket velcro was worn out so the weights kept falling out, zippered pockets were torn and had loose flaps of fabric flopping around, the whole thing was too big, etc.). After that I swore I'd never dive with a rental BC again. Plus, the owner of the dive shop where I bought it gave me 6 mos., no interest financing, and I'm meeting him at a local pool to dive with it - he's going to make sure I know every feature of my BC and how to use each one, and if I don't like the BC after that, he'll let me return it. As a new diver myself, that's reassuring, and I'll know I'll get the best use out of my purchase. Hope this helps!
-BottomDweller