What is the best type of scuba diving equipment?
I am going to start scuba diving as a hobby and am looking to get some opinions on what type of scuba diving equipment to buy.
UPDATE!!! I’m looking at this mainly as a hobby but also i’m looking at joining the local dive team as i’m in Law Enforcement. If that makes a difference. Thanks
If you’re going to dive "as a hobby" then you’re probably not going to do high-end diving (Tek, photography, cave/wreck, etc.)
That means you don’t have to spend wagon loads of money on expensive gear.
As with anything, there are ‘discount’ grades of gear and opportunities to spend too much.
Get connected with a local dive shop that has a good reputation among local divers. That’s how you want to handle purchase and maintenance of critical life support – specifically your regulator. DO NOT EVER buy this kind of stuff from an online vendor.
Wet suits and gloves and accessories you can buy online once you know what size and what you like. I actually have a wetsuit that I bought used and have gotten good service from it.
Personally, I won’t buy a mask that I can’t try on first.
Fins will last a very long time if maintained and they’re not expensive to buy at the dive shop.
Don’t get in a hurry to buy gear. Try out several kinds as rented equipment first. You’ll especially want to see what kind of instruments you like before spending the bucks on gages or a computer.
Personally I would rent some of your equipment from a reputable dive shop. They can help you pick out correct sizes and suggest items for the specific types of dives you do.
Once you try some of the equipment out you’ll have a better idea of the features you want on your own things.
I just purchased my own BC, regulator, computer, mask, fins, and wetsuit. Actually I am on my 2nd BC because I found one with a feature I liked a lot better than the first I purchased. Since the first one was still new, the dive shop took it back. Slick!
It pays to take your time!
References :
If you’re going to dive "as a hobby" then you’re probably not going to do high-end diving (Tek, photography, cave/wreck, etc.)
That means you don’t have to spend wagon loads of money on expensive gear.
As with anything, there are ‘discount’ grades of gear and opportunities to spend too much.
Get connected with a local dive shop that has a good reputation among local divers. That’s how you want to handle purchase and maintenance of critical life support – specifically your regulator. DO NOT EVER buy this kind of stuff from an online vendor.
Wet suits and gloves and accessories you can buy online once you know what size and what you like. I actually have a wetsuit that I bought used and have gotten good service from it.
Personally, I won’t buy a mask that I can’t try on first.
Fins will last a very long time if maintained and they’re not expensive to buy at the dive shop.
Don’t get in a hurry to buy gear. Try out several kinds as rented equipment first. You’ll especially want to see what kind of instruments you like before spending the bucks on gages or a computer.
References :
As the other answers have suggested – your local dive shop is a good place to start. Be very cautious about buying anything online second hand. Make sure that you try things on. Different manufacturers have different sizes, and what might be comfortable in a ‘shorty’ design, might leave you feeling really uncomfortable in a long-sleeved/leg design – even though it’s the same size. There are dive shows / equipment shows held throughout the year. That might be a good place to start looking. Whichever way, choose what suits you. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a certain brand is better. There ARE some that are more reliable than others, but dive equipment needs to be what YOU are comfortable with!
References :
experience