Is a pre-packaged “Save A Dive” kit worth the expense?

[PFF]

Is a pre-packaged “Save A Dive” kit worth the expense?

I am not talking cost but the quality and durability of the spares offered in the kit. I am debating as to whether or not the kits are worth while versus assembling a more personalized kit with specific individual pieces tailored to the equipment I own.

[D_B]

Are you talking about something more than the usual O rings-in-a-box kit ?

I bought one of the little box of O rings with the most different sizes in it and then made up the rest of my Save-A-Dive box with stuff more specific to my needs

DB

[Ber Rabbit]

It's a pretty good place to start especially for a new diver if the straps, etc. that are included will fit your gear. I started with one of those years ago and have expanded it to suit my equipment and my diving style.
Ber :lilbunny:

[PFF]

I am talking about these pre-packaged kits that have mask & fin straps to snorkle keepers, including a few o-rings. I have been accummulating spares but I am lacking the fin / mask straps and such. I am wondering what type of quality is these kits or am I better off finding replacements from manufacturer?

[Ber Rabbit]

The one I had was fine as far as quality even though it was a few years before I needed the fin straps. Not all straps will fit all fins though, keep that in mind.

I replaced my regular mask strap with a slap strap (which I love) and put the original mask strap in my save-a-dive kit.
Ber :lilbunny:

[PFF]

Ber Rabbit, I have never heard of a "slap strap". What exactly is that? Why do you prefer that over what came on your mask originally?

[scubatoys]

I'd probably say the little small ones are not much of a value... If you want a nice little kit, there is one that comes in a small box with a scuba tool, 40 o-rings, straps, mouthpiece, etc... and since a scubatool by itself would run most the price - those seem like a good deal.

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=deluxe_saveadive

[Rick Murchison]

The day you need it it's worth its weight in gold.
Rick

[Misplaced Priority]

So what back up items should one include in a customized "save a dive kit"? parts-tools etc???

[Walter]

A slap strap is a neoprene mask strap. Divers with hair (I was once one of those) find it doesn't tangler in their hair like a typical silicone or rubber strap.

[Ber Rabbit]

Ber Rabbit, I have never heard of a "slap strap". What exactly is that? Why do you prefer that over what came on your mask originally?

It's a neoprene strap. They make two kinds, some slip over your mask strap and some replace the mask strap. It's wide, easy to put on, doesn't twist, doesn't slip if you are wearing a hood (with the exception of some drysuit hoods) and if you are diving without a hood it doesn't tangle in your hair. They usually have an interesting picture on them or the name of the dive shop. Cost is about $13 at a shop the last time I looked but well worth it. You can get them online for about $10.

Ber :lilbunny:

[Damselfish]

I got one one once with a mask strap, finstrap and some other stuff and found it a waste as they didn't fit my gear. You definitely want a kit, but unless you find one that gives you a really good deal on things you might actually use instead of filler, I'd create your own. Even if you bought something premade you will be adding to it anyway over time.

There have been several threads posted where people list things they have in their kits you might want to read for ideas. Look at the bottom of this page under Similar Posts to start.

[Sideband]

I'd probably say the little small ones are not much of a value... If you want a nice little kit, there is one that comes in a small box with a scuba tool, 40 o-rings, straps, mouthpiece, etc... and since a scubatool by itself would run most the price - those seem like a good deal.

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=deluxe_saveadive
That does look good. How much extra room is there in the box for additional pieces?

Joe

[mike_s]

I'd probably say the little small ones are not much of a value... If you want a nice little kit, there is one that comes in a small box with a scuba tool, 40 o-rings, straps, mouthpiece, etc... and since a scubatool by itself would run most the price - those seem like a good deal.

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=deluxe_saveadive


that looks like a good deal. The scuba tool and the box alone are worth the $34 the kit costs....

[Wristshot]

PFF,

Worth it? That is something that only you can answer for you.

Since you asked opinions, I would say Yes. As stated by others, it can be a starting point. I bought one of the pre-packaged, then bought a pair of replacement straps that are specific to my fins. Then I slowly added other tools and goodies. I still have many of the original pieces from the purchased kit. The straps etc that came in the original kit could still save someone else's dive, which could save your/my day. So even if I never use some of the pieces, they still may be extremely valuable.

If you are intrepid, and feel that you can gather all the pieces yourself, and you can identify what you need, and something to hold them in, then bypass the pre-packaged and make your own. If you want something quick and easy, then consider the pre-packaged as a starter kit, then expand as you dive and learn.

There are some other really good threads from the past about what contents people suggest. Some of those are listed at the bottom of this thread as "Similar Threads".

Hope that helps,


Wristshot

[Dive_Girl PNW]

I'm repeating the sentiments of some already posted here and likely in those similar threads. I also think the start kit with the tool on ScubaToys is a good place to START. From there it is essential to customize your kit. As it has been said, not all fin straps fit all fins. There are also other essentials that may be specific to you or your type of diving.

I dive in cold water with a drysuit - seal saver is an essential for me it can have dual purposes. Other items are: water proof tape, duct tape, seal/neoprene cement (example: Aqua Seal Cement), a dental pick for o-rings (found in the travel section of most grocery stores), imperial AND metric allen wrenches - it never fails you don't have the one you ned when you need it, toothpaste, extra first stage plugs, extra lp hose (works for both BC or drysuit hose in a pinch), EXTRA BATTERIES (you can never have enough batteris in your save-a-dive kit: batteries for your copmuter and lights.), zip ties zip ties zip ties!!, and extra fasteners.

Those are just a few goodies I've added over time that I find uses for often. My save-a-dive kit is in an inexpensive small semi-dry boat box. Works great - small and efficient, and I have always had what I needed when I needed it. My philosophy for now - if the problem requires something bigger than what's in my save-a-dive kit, perhaps I should sit that dive out...:D

[markfm]

I went the roll-your-own route. Spare mask and fin straps that I know fit, proper wrenches to work with my regulator, aquaseal, spare LP hose, cable ties, needle nose pliers and diagonal cutters (why mess with toenail clippers when you can just toss in a cheapie proper cutter), a spare stainless steel folding knife, dramamine and sudafed, a few other widgets. Tossed them into a little plastic box from the dollar store, then the box went into a 2-1/2 gallon ziploc bag.
The scubatool looks neat, absolutely, but in my case I'm not about to be doing anything other than basic add/remove/change a hose, so I was quite content to just go with the right wrenches. My cutters/pliers/wrenches cost $4 total.

[Jim Lapenta]

Remember it's a save A DIVE kit. Not refurbish permanently kit.So if it comes time and an o-ring on your tank gets chewed or a fin strap breaks it's worth it. As long as what's in there fits your gear. My save a dive kit is in a 16x8x7inch deep plastic tool box and has 20 different sizes of o-rings both regular and viton. 2 spare fin straps, mask strap, silicone lube,christo lube,port plugs ,HP bullet tool for putting o-rings on, a set of o-ring picks(5 different styles), aquaseal, hex key set, about 100 zip ties in various sizes, 12 pc stubby wrench set(sae &metric), phillips and slotted screw drivers, 2 mouthpieces, lp hoses (reg and inflator), spare spg, and spare depth guage. I also normally carry a spare mask, set of fins, snorkel, and reg setup. It's taken time to accumulate this but on one particular weekend I had to change my hp hose, replace a buddies hp bullet o-rings, and loan another guy an octo off my spare reg. Like has been said when you need it it's worth it's weight in gold.

[Ian T]

Remember reading somewhere that the only things you need are: WD-40 and duct tape. If it moves and shouldn't = duct tape
If it doesn't move but should = WD-40

oh and a couple of o-rings...

[markfm]

But please skip the WD40 (I only use it on one piece of gear, QuickDraw bracket pins where the bearings in the clips need an occaisional cleaning to keep them working nicely); it belongs nowhere near regulators or most other dive gear.

[mcclete22]

I think you can't go wrong with both. Get a basic kit, then if something happens you are not out of a dive. But you can build into the kit with more individual type items, but still have some basics, and you could be a savior to someone else. I don't think you can ever be over prepared, better to have a little extra, than not enough.

[SStrecker]

The Scuba tool is a standard part of my basic kit. However, I have found that a Leatherman tool is a valuable work horse addition. (Check out the new Surge model.) The right tools and spare parts make all the difference.

[Jeff Toorish]

Just saved a dive the other day when the o-ring on a new tank blew. The valve was different than my other tank, uses a different o-ring. The kit had both kinds...if I just purchased a package of o-rings, I probably would not have had the one I needed.

You know for 15 or 20 bucks...it's well worth it.

Jeff

[roturner]

Is a pre-packaged “Save A Dive” kit worth the expense?

I am not talking cost but the quality and durability of the spares offered in the kit. I am debating as to whether or not the kits are worth while versus assembling a more personalized kit with specific individual pieces tailored to the equipment I own.


Well.... a serious diver needs something. Little tool kits like the ones you can buy from Beaver are a good start but I think that those pre-packaged save-a-dive kits are pretty useless.

Spend a little money on rolling your own. It will be more useful and you'll be happier with it in the end.

R..

[mikswi]

I'd probably say the little small ones are not much of a value... If you want a nice little kit, there is one that comes in a small box with a scuba tool, 40 o-rings, straps, mouthpiece, etc... and since a scubatool by itself would run most the price - those seem like a good deal.

http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=deluxe_saveadive

I'm not a big proponent of buying online (no I wont get into it) but I have to admit that, the kit Larry is referencing is pretty universal.

On another note, if/when you take your divemaster class, one of the task's you have to complete is to construct your own Save-A-Dive kit with emphasis on "universal" replacement parts. The thought being that you are no longer thinking for yourself but that of the others in your dive party.

Regardless, Any backup is going to help when its needed to "save A dive". If you have equiptment specific reqiuirements then obviousely you would keep that stuff on hand.

[ba_hiker]

You might also consider where you are diving. I keep the basic stuff, plus a rebuild kit for mi regs with me if i am going somewhere that that stuff might not be found (palau, bikini, some parts of south or central amarica, africa).

Also spare batteries for battery powered gear, including lights and computer. If your are going to be away for a week or more, these can easily go. I keep vacuum bagged batteries in my dive kit.

[mikswi]

You might also consider where you are diving. I keep the basic stuff, plus a rebuild kit for mi regs with me if i am going somewhere that that stuff might not be found (palau, bikini, some parts of south or central amarica, africa).

Also spare batteries for battery powered gear, including lights and computer. If your are going to be away for a week or more, these can easily go. I keep vacuum bagged batteries in my dive kit.
Very good point. I vacuum seal all(most) food before it goes in the freezer. I have just recently discovered the other uses for that machine. Batteries are a good idea......

[PFF]

I just want to thank everyone who has chimed in over the past week. You have been extremely helpful and inciteful.

Mikswi, thank you for the insight into the Dive Master aspect of a Save a Dive kit. I was not thinking of creating a universal kit to potentially support other inviduals. I was only thinking of supporting my wife and I in our diving adventures. Given Dive Master and beyond is one of our goals, it looks like I need to potentially amend how I look our kit.

To everyone who has answered my inquiry, thank you again....

[Ber Rabbit]

Our OW students are required to make a basic save-a-dive kit as well as a first aid kit. While I do have the stuff to save dives for my students it really gives them a sense of empowerment to save their own dives. They won't be able to run to me for parts after check-out weekend for the most part so I feel it's my responsibility to make sure they have made a basic kit (and have an idea how to expand it) before I send them into the real world.
Ber :lilbunny: