What's next in equipment?

[R A Diver]

Ok, have the basics, fins, wetsuit, gloves, booties, two goggles (one prescription), etc. New diver less than 10 dives, but hope to double that in April.
What's next in equipment?
Listening to others I've heard everything from regulator to BC to dive computers,to Dry suit(i'm not interested), etc. It can get confusing.

I'll be making some purchases this spring (when my tax refund comes back), when some sales take place, and buying at least one good item, not top of the line or bottom. Just good reliable, but new, equipment.

What do others think?
Robert A Diver

 

[Cavs42]

i'd go with either a reg setup or a BC. My first buy was a reg because I was sick of having to chew on rental mouthpieces... eww.

 

[Daveo957]

If I were buying everything to start again, my first purchase would be a computer.
immediate advantage to your diving.

 

[DivingPrincessE]

I'd say a computer (get a nitrox one even if you don't think at the point you'll be diving nitrox) because it will extend your dives, keep track of your dives, help you with ascent rates and stuff, and plus...who wants to deal with the tables every time they dive.

Or

A regulator. Just because it's your most important piece of dive gear/life support...and the whole germ factor (as pointed out by Cavs)

 

[shawrg]

Ok, have the basics, fins, wetsuit, gloves, booties, two goggles (one prescription), etc. New diver less than 10 dives, but hope to double that in April.
What's next in equipment?
Listening to others I've heard everything from regulator to BC to dive computers,to Dry suit(i'm not interested), etc. It can get confusing.

I'll be making some purchases this spring (when my tax refund comes back), when some sales take place, and buying at least one good item, not top of the line or bottom. Just good reliable, but new, equipment.

What do others think?
Robert A Diver

goggles = mask, correct? Do you have an adequate dive watch? If not, buy a moderately priced computer instead of a watch. Otherwise, I suggest a regulator set (1st & 2nd stage, octo & gauges).

 

[mikeyjoe]

I'd say a computer (get a nitrox one even if you don't think at the point you'll be diving nitrox) because it will extend your dives, keep track of your dives, help you with ascent rates and stuff, and plus...who wants to deal with the tables every time they dive.

)

Ditto this. If you can't afford everything at once, I'd get a computer for the same reasons.

Really avoid buying a non-nitrox one. You may not be diving on nitrox now, but you likely will be eventually......At the very least it leaves that door open for you if you choose to walk through it in the future.

 

[Blackwood]

My feeling is that you should get a reasonable reg. It is the single most important and fundamentally necessary (in addition to a tank) piece of dive equipment.

 

[themagni]

Regs regs, reggity regs.

No more germs + equipment familiarity = win. You should be able to get a package deal at a FLDS or you can pick up something used. (New mouthpieces are >$20.) In that case, you'll often be able to get a computer at the same time.

 

[SkipperJohn]

Your question is a question that has been asked many times (at least once by me). I just went though this and although I did buy my computer first, I did so only because I got a great deal and was buying my regulators the following week. When I did I had my LDS hook up the computer.
Then it hit me... No hose for the BC. I asked to buy one and he said "it comes with the bc", So it would appear this dictates buying the BC first. However he told me that should I want to use the regulator on a rented BC any dive shop can hook up a hose and should do so.
I still think the regulator first. As it was explained to me "Life Support comes first"
by the way, when you are ready to get your computer, check out the used and demo gear on the online shops that advertise here. My computer had 4 demo dives on it in a fresh water lake. It had all the bells and whistles and my LDS actually thought it was brand new.

If you buy a computer first how will you use it on rental gear?

 

[linger]

I'd suggest BCD (or back-plate / wing) - you can chew on any regulator available, but you need a boyancy compensator that fits you. BCD / bp-w will also have a large influence on your diving, ideally you'll begin grow more aware of good in-water position (horizontal). Regulator won't influence your diving style, bcd/bp-w is also less technical then a regulator.

Not a regulator - when renting it, two people have checked it out (LDS and yourself). If you don't trust the dive shop to give you a functional reg, DON'T DIVE WITH THEM. You'll have the rest of your life to be independant, let someone look over your shoulder for a few more months. When you buy a reg there is no supervision.

Best,
L