Shave head or pull out hair?

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by Oxy

When I find a deal my, chosen shop explains “not an authorized dealer” so I keep looking. I found package in my range listed as “authorized dealer” but not even the manufacturer would verify if he was really an authorized dealer.

Let me ask you this: Who cares? If you find a deal you're happy with, what difference does it really make if the dealer is authorized?

If you buy used gear, it isn't from an authorized dealer. What's so terrible about buying new gear that way?

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Buoyant1

You NEED a mask snorkel fins and booties to learn. Buy quality (except for the snorkel, buy a tube) Take your course, and THEN start worrying about gear...how do you even know that this is for you?

This all started with this shark tooth, I found it shin deep in the surf. So how do I go farther/deeper to see and find more? well I found a wetsuit cheap and found the water still way to cold to go past my chest. I found a dive shop and asked about wetsuits and found out i wasted cheap on a old 3/2 when i need a 7mm but then i would need weight and maybe a light (dark in the kelp) and it all sno-balled from there.
As a kid i watched sea hunt and pretended to be Lloyd Bridges when ever in the water. Rentals are for vacations, If I cannot sleep a mask, fins, boots, gloves, suit, weights, light, snorkel, and hood is pretty much the least I need to go adventuring(comfortably). I'm not waiting for the dive shop to open to rent so I need all this (no mater what).

Many people around here take laptops to the local coffee house and sit and surf the net. I would rather sit offshore and sift for shark teeth or collect shells or take pictures. Is this for me? No! being under water for our kind is unnatural and goes against the laws of nature. But I still want to do it. Why do you do it? This tooth I found came from a large flesh eating sea creature that thinks we might taste good. But I still want to do it. Why do you do it?
I found another thread of a guy asking about moisture in his tanks (double 130s) and he got a lot of grief asking what he needs that rig for (he doesn't) he wants it.

I would feel better having my own equipment!
But if I get it, I will get grief, charged more for inspection/service and have to go elsewhere to take the course. Unless I buy lesser equipment in this shop for the same price I could get mid range equipment for online.

I think my biggest complaint in a safety oriented industry is that I must first take a greater risk because of cost and then work my way to a safer level.

Just like I don't want to join the multitude of unlicensed uninsured motorists on the road, likewise I do not want to be an uncertified diver

Renting is for vacations and I cannot afford a vacation
Renting is for the rich and I am not rich
I have x amount of dollars and if I were certified I could get everything I need plus some. But to get certified and get what I need just to get certified is almost half again as much.
WHY?
i say greed piss on safety

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by MSilvia

Let me ask you this: Who cares? If you find a deal you're happy with, what difference does it really make if the dealer is authorized?

If you buy used gear, it isn't from an authorized dealer. What's so terrible about buying new gear that way?

if the dealer is not authorized, i can't afford the added cost for maint/repair warranty etc.

I just can't bring myself to buy used life support. If you can afford it more power to ya.

[LarryHinDC]

Originally Posted by Oxy

...
Renting is for vacations and I cannot afford a vacation
Renting is for the rich and I am not rich
I have x amount of dollars and if I were certified I could get everything I need plus some. But to get certified and get what I need just to get certified is almost half again as much.

The reason some folks are suggesting you rent is to SAVE you money. You can get all the advice in the world about what to buy, but it all comes down to what YOU find most comfortable and natural. The way to find that out is to rent different gear in different styles from different manufacturers. If you buy something on a recommendation and you end up not liking it, you'll have to replace it and you'll have bought that piece of gear twice.

One thing no one has commented on--you said that you want to make money (a living?) diving. Have you actually looked at the feasibility of that? There are numerous threads on ScubaBoard that can give you information on what to expect. From what I've read, it isn't pretty.

I'm not trying to throw cold water on your dreams, making sure they are anchored in reality.