What should I buy with my remaining $250 in shop credit?

[divad]

Get a box of shears for what some dive shops charge for one pair; they don't, and aren't made to, last very long and stay sharp. They're disposable, no matter what BS you've been told

 

[Peter_C]

I might have missed it, but some more safety gear might be in order, like a Storm Whistle, and a signal mirror. SMB already mentioned should be on the top of list.

If you want to night dive you will need at least two lights. You really should carry a backup in case of failure of the primary light.

What about more training? Like Advanced Open water, or rescue?

 

[rhwestfall]

Air cards, and use the heck out of them.....

 

[herr2720]

Depends how long your LDS will let your credit sit. If it never expires sit on it. No reason to buy stuff you don't need just because you can as you will probably want something different as your diving evolves or you travel with someone and see/borrow something you really want. Get out, dive, find what you like or feel like you are missing and buy later. If you dive locally, use it for air fills, $250 should buy you a lot of experience.
Also, if your shop will let you credit it toward training think about going that route. AOW, Nitrox, Rescue, etc fees and books. That is what I would personally use a credit at a dive shop for.

 

[mselenaous]

A tale of two Steves

Anyway here is a breakdown of each item you guys touched on:

- I would imagine I'm going to have to go elsewhere for the shears. My dive shop has a limited selection of blades and most are over priced knives only. Good news is it shouldn't be costly at all. How do you guys hold your shears on your person?

- I have booties and spring straps (came standard) on my fins, super comfortable

- my wetsuit is a 5mm which will do me justice I would imagine until half way through fall. Traveling all winter to dive.

- Not sure why people are suggesting gauges and compasses, I listed a dive computer as part of the package I already purchased. I'll probably get a backup compass to hang from my BC though cheaply.

- if you think the only problem with the Dive Caddy would be the length of the fins then I would gladly check the fins to have the rest of my gear with me. Although, I haven't been able to find measurements of my fins and I lost my measuring tape

We get our shears by the box full as they don't last long due to rust, and they are cheap.
I have 2 Trilobytes carried by many shops.
Spring straps are DA BOMB!
Gauges - not everyone reads everything before posting (like those that don't listen before speaking)....it's a symptom of the internet...

Glad to hear you are so excited about diving. Come dive with me in the FL Keys.