Beginner needs gear... suggestions?

[Lee Taylor]

Buy a new mask.

Get very used, very cheap, fins and snorkle.

Replace the mouthpiece on the snorkle and the straps on the fins (if they will not pass a very strong pull test)

[irishsquid]

I agree wholeheartedly with H2O 70. When you find that "Right Mask", if you can afford it, get 2 or 3. A great mask is worth it's weight in gold.

[fdio]

go to your local dive shop and check everything out great sales going and good packages. I know I have alot of great deals. deepdreamdiving.com

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

Scuba Equipment, Scuba Gear Scuba Diving Equipment Discount dive gear Snorkeling Equipment and Wetsuits Cheap online You can get a new bp/w set up for about 300

Phone your order in and ask for the additional 10% off for being a scuba board member

You need
Plate 69.95 salvo
Wing 199.99
Harness 26
Knife on waist belt 22.50
___________________________
318.44 it looks like no other discounts apply on the salvo plate, so you might look at one of the other plates that the discount does apply to and see if you come out better. The discount on the other stuff should almost take care of shipping and taxes.

Salvo Stainless Steel Plate 69.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...SteelBackPlate

Or
Dive Rite Al plate $59
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...inumbBackplate

ask in the forums which plate is better for what and compare that to the type of diving you will do

Harness $26
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

Ask if this model comes with a crotch strap--you want that

Wing

Hog $199.99 ring wing
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...teBasicHarness

or
Oxycheq 199.95
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai..._ID=OXYStdWing

knife 22.50
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...S_Line_Cutterr

Do not dive without a small cutting device. You don't need a Rambo knife. Something small to cut through rope and fishing line. Something placed so that you can reach it with either hand. I carry 2 knives like the one above and some cheap dollar store emt shears in a mini mag holster that I keep in my thigh pocket.

You can add a thigh pocket later

if you need stainless steel clips go to
http://www.nixdogcollars.com/nixdogc...ing_Snaps.html

I also have an extra cam band with an xs scuba weight pocket to use as a trim weight on my tank.

You can get Scuba Pro black jet fins all day long on ebay for about 20-30

Scuba toys has a Veo computer on sale right now.

For a compass when you get one, look on
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/SQTSK...3don%26Hit%3d1

The wrist mount on that sucks so replace the mount with a DSS boot
https://www.deepseasupply.com/index....ry=instruments


Decide what you think you want and put it out on the forum and let people give you the pros and cons. In the end do what you think would suit you best after a bit of research.

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

and if you don't want a black harness, I can post a link to the hardware you need and you can order the harness in a color from pink to camo and a few other colors. It would be about the same amount of money either way.

[SurferD500]

When its time to purchase your more expensive equipment ask your local dive shops what specials they offer. At my dive shop, all i need to do is pay an annual charge for servicing and if something needs to be replaced there is no change to me. but if you skip anytime for not getting it serviced your warranty is no longer valid.