Scuba Diving Gear - Advice Please

[ghoastgirl1]

Hey guys! I'm enrolled in this awesome Scuba class and I need some advice regarding gear. I need to get a mask, fins, and a snorkel.


We're learning at a dive shop however I wanted to know some other opinions before I spend my parents hard earned money.



My budget for gear is around $150.00 I intend to actually use my scuba certification so might as well invest in the gear like I did for snowboarding. The shop has packages that start at around $150.00 and go up.

I'm unfamiliar with good names to trust. I have been told to ensure my mask fits the best it possibly can since the whole reason we go diving is to see under the water!

On the fins, I'm probably going to be inclined for the split however I'm used to using a solid due to my swim team experiences.

We're going to get certified in Huntsville later on in the semester. Should be a blast!

[alexarae]

I took classes at Texas A&M and continued on for the past few years and now I'm a certified cave diver.

I have the Oceanic Probe LX setup.
It's amazing. Maybe a "little" out of the price range you're looking for but I bought it my sophmore year in college (18) and I still use it now and I'm 23.

Sherwood is also a great brand.

[Zulaab]

I would say the things I would get in order are
1. Mask (prescription lenses installed if you wear glasses/contact lenses) -- Goto dive shop and test them out before buying one. Press against your face (without strap on) and make sure it sticks.. if it falls off then it does not fit and then test another mask.
2. Snorkel -- my stepdad says dont get something super fancy.. you are waisting your money then.
3. Booties + Fins -- open foot fins.. dont get closed foot fins.. those are for snorkling only.
4. Dive skin -- get something that will give you basic protection (ie you dont want to suddenly get cold and not have a way to warm back up..)

Rent everything from here on out, until you are sure you like the sport and want to invest into the sport.
From here, learn what you like and make sure that you can get it locally so you can it serviced.

5. Regulator (get something you can get serviced locally, because this will kill you if it fails, ie make sure that its always well maintained). There are tons of different kinds to get.. learn what you like and then get one you like. Spend good money on this because the wrong kind will end up as a paper weight.
6. Next would be a BC because if you rent these they will "never" seem to fit correctly. Again spend good money for this... see above.
7. Gloves
8. Dive computers, watch, etc..

I hope I have given you a list of things to think about.

[Ramius]

dang, I thought it would be fun to go scuba diving till I read all that mess. I'd be so stressed out about my equipment I wouldn't enjoy the swim :icon_hang: