I've got to agree with spectrum. Get your gear locally. Proper mask fit is essential unless you won't mind fidgeting with it every few seconds. Clearing, adjusting, etc. Boots will fit based on size and manufacturer just like regular shoes. My tennis shoes are size 8 1/2 EE from new balance, my florsheim dress shoes 9 D, my rocky boots 9 1/2 E, my scubamax boots size 8, but if Igo to the oceanic neoclassic it's a 9. You can't find this out on-line. If you need a weight belt go with the pocket but make sure it fits you and can carry enough weight for your size and type of diving. No weaving and you can use hard or soft. I use hard simply because they're easier to get in and out of my BC. I normally only use the weight belt in open water with my dry suit when I want to divide things up a little or need to carry that extra 4 or 6 pounds. Fins you can get off ebay yes but you may have to replace the straps no biggie but an annoyance at first. I bought my second pair of blades off ebay because of the price and that they don't make them anymore. Finally, yes, you need a snorkel and this is entirely a matter of personal preference. I have a dry snorkel that I use for pool and open water with students but am getting a pocket snorkel because it's more convenient for the diving I normally do. Also I don't know how your lds works it but we give a discount on lessons when you buy your personal gear from us and you don't have to pay shipping. Open water is normally 399 which includes all classroom instruction(which at present we will do in your home on your schedule as we are in process of getting a new location open), ow crewpak, all pool sessions (normally 3), and all 4 ow checkout dives over a weekend. hard gear rental including 2 tanks or air is 70 bucks for the weekend. If you buy your mask, boots, fins, and snorkel from us the price for the class is 249. Is the cost of your personal gear more than 150? Maybe depending on what you get but the fit is guaranteed and everything has a warranty. I but some things on line yes but they are usually things that don't require fitting and I'm not really worried about a warranty or getting service. Everything else I get locally.