Yesterday I went to a seminar put on at my LDS by the ScubaPro regional rep. It was very interesting and educational. After the seminar I went on a shopping spree for my basic gear. First let me start by saying this. I brought my gear in for my instructor to inspect to see if any of it was still useful. Weeeeeeeellllllll...as you are probably already thinking the answer to that was a resounding NO!!! LOL!!! Devon pulled my mask and snorkel out of my gear bag and the snorkel promptly fell into two pieces hanging by a thread of rubber...LOL. We moved on to my mask which I had bought like 30 years ago or something. It is a Tekna brand. Strangely enough, my facial features must have changed or something - hmmmm go figure - because there was no way in the deep blue that the mask was going to seal. As for my fins, well let's just say, there must be a Tek diver out there that would be interested in them. So I took a tour thru the store and picked out some new gear. I got a $50 discount plus 10% off for attending the seminar so I got some good prices. I started off with a new mask, the ScubaPro Spectra Mini with snorkel , compared to the Spectra itself I found that I had basically the same field of vision but it was not ORANGE!!! LOL!!! Then I picked out gloves and boots. I picked out Aqua Lungs Aleutian Kevlar gloves and a pair of ScubaPro boots with the thicker soles. Last but not least, for fins I picked out ScubaPro's Seawing Nova. I know a lot of people like splits but I wanted to give the Nova's a try. I figure at some point I will give the splits a try and have two pair of fins to choose from. Nothing wronf with that right...:cool2: Here is a quick shot of the gear I picked up. I will add more pic's as time goes on. Now just if the next month and a half would zip by so I can get my cert class going. Happy diving to all!!!
I bought most of my gear around a couple of weeks after my Open Water certification, most from my local LDS, some used, some from elsewhere. I'm still using most of the gear (with few replacements due to personal preferences) because my LDS helped guide me along. However, if I had to do it again, I'd probably do a lot more research and a lot more dives before buying gear. There are a few pieces that I'm using that I would have changed. With experience comes knowledge of what gear you prefer. Unfortunately, it is expensive if you choose to test out gear through renting (overall more expensive than buying immediately).
Lucky for you, your LDS seems to be pointing you in the right direction.
TSandM
November 13th, 2011, 11:56 PM
Looks like you had fun! Although I'm kind of a paddle fin fan, I would MUCH rather see students in the Novas than in splits. I think you'll be pleased with your purchase, and they come with spring straps!
LowDrag
November 14th, 2011, 12:40 AM
I bought most of my gear around a couple of weeks after my Open Water certification, most from my local LDS, some used, some from elsewhere. I'm still using most of the gear (with few replacements due to personal preferences) because my LDS helped guide me along. However, if I had to do it again, I'd probably do a lot more research and a lot more dives before buying gear. There are a few pieces that I'm using that I would have changed. With experience comes knowledge of what gear you prefer. Unfortunately, it is expensive if you choose to test out gear through renting (overall more expensive than buying immediately).
Lucky for you, your LDS seems to be pointing you in the right direction.
They definitely are helping me out. The dive instructor that helped me out was giving me pointers but not insisting on one piece of equipment over another. He gave me good comparisons to make my choices from. Along with that I have been doing a lot of reading and checking out different items that I want to add to my gear list.
Looks like you had fun! Although I'm kind of a paddle fin fan, I would MUCH rather see students in the Novas than in splits. I think you'll be pleased with your purchase, and they come with spring straps!
I did have fun picking out the things I purchased. It was fun going thru the different pieces of equipment and deciding which item I wanted. The only thing I was already set on were the boots. My feet are pretty soft and walking on rocks in thin boots did not interest me at all. I did not know there were kevlar gloves available so I was glad when Devon showed them to me. I am looking forward to using the fins, I am used to using U.S. Divers Rocket fins. The Nova's are definitely lighter. I was glad to see the straps were the good ones, the spring straps for the splits were another $45.00. That was part of the reason I went with the Nova's. ;)
Scott
November 14th, 2011, 01:07 AM
Looks like you had a good time. Did you pick up some type of bag to carry your new toys in or do you already have one?
I was looking at the orange Spectra at a store last Monday and really liked the look of it.
ferris213
November 14th, 2011, 04:50 AM
There's nothing like spending money on scuba gear... and sugar by the looks of things!! Quality boots are a great choice too, I bought cheap ones and regret it when my toes start going numb...
LowDrag
November 14th, 2011, 10:12 AM
Looks like you had a good time. Did you pick up some type of bag to carry your new toys in or do you already have one?
I was looking at the orange Spectra at a store last Monday and really liked the look of it.
I already have a bag that I bought for a cruise a few years back. I used it to carry my wife's set of snorkeling gear along with mine for dive excursions on the cruises we have been on. I looked at the Spectra to but I did not like the orange. I compared it with the Mini and I have basically the same field of view so I went with the Mini instead. They both fit great and feel real good.
There's nothing like spending money on scuba gear... and sugar by the looks of things!! Quality boots are a great choice too, I bought cheap ones and regret it when my toes start going numb...
Amen to that...the sugar, well, that was just me being lazy and not taking the time to move it off of the table before I took the pic...:shocked2: As for the bots, I am the same way. When it comes to my feet I wear as good of a boot as I can afford. I just $185 for a pair of work boots, my feet are thanking me all day long.
NetDoc
November 14th, 2011, 10:59 AM
Getting new gear is always fun, from the simple to the complex. Be assured, like the Spectra, you will grow to not like some of your choices while you'll defend to the death your decisions on others. That's OK. Our tastes and requirements change as we go forward. What seemed like a great idea sometimes morphs into "What was I thinking?" That being said, I don't see anything in your current configuration that I could not dive with and have fun. That's the real point after all. :D
Bombay High
November 14th, 2011, 02:58 PM
Congratulations ... you have just entered the bottomless pit. :D
Enjoy it ... looks like good gear. Cant go wrong with Scubapro in my opinion.
petrieps
November 14th, 2011, 03:22 PM
Your going to like those gloves. I've bought several pairs of the aleutions, great for lobstering. I wear them until the water gets into the high 40's and then switch over to dry gloves. There's nothing wrong with having a pair of splits in the arsenal. I'm split down the middle on the split fin debate. There's pros and cons for each. I use both.
LowDrag
November 15th, 2011, 12:58 PM
Your going to like those gloves. I've bought several pairs of the aleutions, great for lobstering. I wear them until the water gets into the high 40's and then switch over to dry gloves. There's nothing wrong with having a pair of splits in the arsenal. I'm split down the middle on the split fin debate. There's pros and cons for each. I use both.
Awesome, I plan to use them for spear fishing and crabbing here on the Oregon/Washington coast. I bought them based on that because my dive instructor said he used them and they work great when grabbing crabs or something sharp.
soltari675
November 18th, 2011, 03:51 PM
I use those boots. Had them for a year now and they still work like the first day. Comfortable too. I love them. Nice gear. Fins are all about personal preference, and sometimes the environment you will be diving. I love my Aeris Velocity fins, but I am thinking if I do wrecks I might get me some split fins because they are shorter and do well with small kicks. Just an idea I am playing with. It's good you have people to talk to about gear options. I know the owner of my LDS will give me the pros and cons of all the gear I buy and helps me make choices based on the diving I like to do. Great people to talk to and I love all my equipment. Only thing I regret is my BC. I bought it during my checkout dives. I don't like the lack of pockets. Not a big deal in my dry suit, but a real pain when I dive wet and need to carry things like a backup light.
Boardndave
November 18th, 2011, 05:11 PM
Only thing I regret is my BC. I bought it during my checkout dives. I don't like the lack of pockets. Not a big deal in my dry suit, but a real pain when I dive wet and need to carry things like a backup light.
Try out some bolt snaps?
DiveNav
November 18th, 2011, 05:39 PM
Getting new gear is always fun....
Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
I still remember how excited I was when I bought my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :D
.........What seemed like a great idea sometimes morphs into "What was I thinking?" ....
Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
"What was I thinking?" ... is exactly what I told myself during the helicopter ride to the hospital after I crashed my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :shakehead:
Alberto (aka eDiver)
soltari675
November 18th, 2011, 08:03 PM
Try out some bolt snaps?
Yeah, just like as little gear dangling as possible. I am one of the minimalist divers. I prefer stuff tucked away in pockets and such. But yeah, snaps work in a pinch.
cvrle1
November 18th, 2011, 08:14 PM
Loool, Im sorry, but this just made me laugh. I would love to buy a 797 Duc one day
Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
I still remember how excited I was when I bought my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :D
Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
"What was I thinking?" ... is exactly what I told myself during the helicopter ride to the hospital after I crashed my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :shakehead:
Alberto (aka eDiver)
Insta-Gator
November 18th, 2011, 08:20 PM
Dude, good for you. Sounds like you had fun and I am not qualified to evaluate your purchase decisions, but Damn, those are some ugly looking fins :D
Dive safely my friend.
LowDrag
November 19th, 2011, 10:05 PM
Dude, good for you. Sounds like you had fun and I am not qualified to evaluate your purchase decisions, but Damn, those are some ugly looking fins :D
Dive safely my friend.
Whose fins are ugly??? I looked up the Aeris fins and thought they look pretty good so you must be talking about mine. How a pic of yours...hmmm??? Let's see what you dive with!!! :whack: LOL!!!
Juardis
November 20th, 2011, 09:01 PM
Looks like you had fun! Although I'm kind of a paddle fin fan, I would MUCH rather see students in the Novas than in splits. I think you'll be pleased with your purchase, and they come with spring straps!
Can you tell me why?
Pudsky
November 20th, 2011, 10:37 PM
[QUOTE=DiveNav;6121215 (tel:6121215)]Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
I still remember how excited I was when I bought my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :D
Yes, that is true. And not just for scuba diving.
"What was I thinking?" ... is exactly what I told myself during the helicopter ride to the hospital after I crashed my sparkling new Ducati 1198S :shakehead:
Alberto (aka eDiver)[/QUOTE
I threw up in my mouth a little when I read that...wow that sucks
LowDrag
December 29th, 2011, 01:18 AM
Just got back a little while ago after buying my wife her basic gear. She got the same mask and snorkel I got but with the clear skirt, boots with not quite as heavy of a sole as mine, a bit lighter on the gloves and a set of ScubaPro Twin Jet splits in bright pink. We can't wait to get in the water. I will post a pic of her gear tomorrow evening after work or maybe Friday when I am off on a vacation day.
WooHoo!!! OW class starts in 15 days!!! :bounce2:
RTee
December 30th, 2011, 06:19 PM
...Twin Jets splits in bright pink. You will not have any excuses for losing her in the water with fins like that
Aqua-Andy
December 30th, 2011, 09:03 PM
Hay you have UGLY fins:D. I did try them once, I did not like them for frog kicking but a standard flutter kick watch out. These have to be the best fins for a standard flutter kick I have tried, just kick really slow so your buddy does not get upset at you.
LowDrag
January 1st, 2012, 12:53 AM
Hay you have UGLY fins:D. I did try them once, I did not like them for frog kicking but a standard flutter kick watch out. These have to be the best fins for a standard flutter kick I have tried, just kick really slow so your buddy does not get upset at you.
Yeah but she really likes them and I really like the fact that she will be easy to spot. :D
LowDrag
January 1st, 2012, 01:17 PM
Okay, so it took me a little longer than a couple of days but here's a pic wife's new gear. we are going to the local Community Center today to try out our new gear because we are getting really ansy (?) to get our cert classes going.
Well, I'd say that stuff needs to get wet! (Except for the snorkel, maybe . . . :) )
LowDrag
January 1st, 2012, 01:33 PM
Okay, so I can not edit anything in the beginning of this thread fro some strange reason so I am going to repost my original pic of my gear back here at the end of the thread.
Te reason for the repost is because I exchanged my fins for blue instead of black. If you hadn't noticed I am a big fan blue...:D So here are my new new fins...;)
Well, I'd say that stuff needs to get wet! (Except for the snorkel, maybe . . . :) )
We did just that yesterday in the local pool. We practiced clearing our masks for a about an hour. We got pretty decent at it but it was kind of a PIA to do without weights holding us down. So, I would hold her under water - I know, sounds gruesome right - and then she would hold me down. :D
