I bought cheap stuff at the local sporting surplus store and kitted up for about $1200.00.
That was a few years back, and things have changed for me (funny, last year I paid that much - $1200 - just for my flashlight).
Having originally bought cheap stuff, I eventually replaced it all with good stuff, for say, $5000, including HID and drysuit. I bought from a combination of my LDS, ScubaToys, Leisure Pro and a shop in the Seattle area. I did a lot more research and did a lot of reading right here on SB. Most of this stuff is still going strong (except the drysuit, which I replaced).
Now that I'm into doubles and stages, I've added another $2500 in gear (approx).
I've spent a couple of thousand on education also (and have also scored a bunch for free) which is the best money I've spent.
That was a few years back, and things have changed for me (funny, last year I paid that much - $1200 - just for my flashlight).
Having originally bought cheap stuff, I eventually replaced it all with good stuff, for say, $5000, including HID and drysuit. I bought from a combination of my LDS, ScubaToys, Leisure Pro and a shop in the Seattle area. I did a lot more research and did a lot of reading right here on SB. Most of this stuff is still going strong (except the drysuit, which I replaced).
Now that I'm into doubles and stages, I've added another $2500 in gear (approx).
I've spent a couple of thousand on education also (and have also scored a bunch for free) which is the best money I've spent.
