Amadeus023
Contributor
Welcome to SB - I am a new diver as well. I would certainly say to do your research before you actually bite the bullet. Certainly use some of the rental gear so that you do have an opportunity to try some things out. I personally wanted my own equipment so that I could start becoming familiar with it. I don't like having too many unknowns - so, I wanted to minimize them by having my own gear and to allow myself time to play around with it before I do some very serious diving. Here are some sights to check out:
http://www.scubatoys.com/
http://www.thescubaguide.com/introduction/
I purchased several things from ScubaToys and found them to be wonderful to work with. They also offer great package deals and offer a 10% discount for SB members. So, definitley look into it. I would probably stay away from ebay purchases because being a new diver I would want the warranties to fall back on. I think that you will save yourself money in the long run. I also like the SB because you can do your own research and get opionions from people and make your own decisions regarding your equipment selections. I spent about a month or so researching before I actually purchased my gear. My local dive shops carry specific brands and I did not want to feel pressured in buying what they carried. If what they carried is what I wanted then I don't mind supporting them. Some brands like Scubapro & Atomic are not available for internet sales so you will have to go to your LDS. You can take a look at my dive profile link and see my equipment list. My gear is a combination of gear from various manufacturers. So, please spend some time utilizing the resources available to you here on the SB before you jump in a make a purchase.
http://www.scubatoys.com/
http://www.thescubaguide.com/introduction/
I purchased several things from ScubaToys and found them to be wonderful to work with. They also offer great package deals and offer a 10% discount for SB members. So, definitley look into it. I would probably stay away from ebay purchases because being a new diver I would want the warranties to fall back on. I think that you will save yourself money in the long run. I also like the SB because you can do your own research and get opionions from people and make your own decisions regarding your equipment selections. I spent about a month or so researching before I actually purchased my gear. My local dive shops carry specific brands and I did not want to feel pressured in buying what they carried. If what they carried is what I wanted then I don't mind supporting them. Some brands like Scubapro & Atomic are not available for internet sales so you will have to go to your LDS. You can take a look at my dive profile link and see my equipment list. My gear is a combination of gear from various manufacturers. So, please spend some time utilizing the resources available to you here on the SB before you jump in a make a purchase.
