What did you buy that you regret?

[NewbaScuba]

I have discovered that I regret buying all of my gear, except perhaps my mask and Computer for a couple of reasons.
1. The cost of buying a full set up for the occasional diver. I could have saved a ton of money in the long run just renting until I had a better understanding of what I want to do underwater.
2. I like versatility in everything that I do and everything that I buy. The set up I bought is good for recreational diving, but not if I want to get into cave or serious penetrations. I want a system that can be used for most situations, with minimal adjustment.
One other note. I have to say my least favorite purchase was my wetsuit. It is a Henderson H2. Good gear overall, but honestly I could have saved the money and put it toward a dry suit. Having done most of my diving in the Caribbean and Florida, the only reason I've needed my wetsuit was to keep me from being stung by jellies.
Though I did a lot of research on gear choices, I feel I made uninformed decisions based on incomplete information.

 

[bl6394]

All the $h!t, overly complicated, overpriced, rec gear from my first dive shop. The guy that runs that shop ought to be horsewhipped; he sold me that package deal!

The Mares jacket BCD never sees water anymore. The cheap dive rite reel is too prone to tangle - and replaced with a Lightmonkey sidewinder. The pistol grip lights with broken switches replaced with a LM can light. Zeagle Octo / Inflator - replaced with a long hose regulator. The Mares proton regs are fine - but I could have bought Mk17 / A700's for the same price... (He said ScubaPro was garbage...) Lots of regret.

I'm much happier now diving a Hogarthian configuration. My gear is generally less expensive and a lot more functional. Hold off on buying a lot of gear until you get a good mentor who can steer you away from all the garbage.

My son is certified now - and when I buy gear for him - it will either be a DR Transpac - or a small backplate if can find one that fits him. I'll promote a hogarthian configuration for him, too. Even for Rec diving - its a better way to go.

Bjorn

 

[Jon C]

Velcro Wet Suit....never considered the urchin issue.

 

[Bob DBF]

Nothing.

What dosen't kill you just makes you stronger.


Bob
-------------------------------------
I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.

 

[RonFrank]

I have been diving a while and do not regret many purchases as I did my homework. I bought a lot of stuff used which I then sold if I changed out gear. But don't regret not buying tech gear yet. It's a long expensive path. I have a few friends that have gone tech, and honestly I'm not sure why they are in to it. Deep dives where it's too dark to see much, and the danger factor is much greater vs. rec.

 

[Cacia]

Besides, it would cut in to your camera budget

 

[elink1911]

Lots of stuff that I blew money on that I wish I hadn't:

BCD's

Zeagle Ranger
ScubaPro Knighthawk

Drysuits

USIA - really ill fitting
DUI CF200 - always seems to leak no matter how often it is fixed

Misc:

Big Knife for calf
Non HID Lights
Tank light
Retractor
wet gloves


Now I've got my gear the way I want it and other than a new drysuit to replace my DUI I'm pretty content.

What didn't you like about the Ranger? I was looking into getting one.

 

[nimoh]

this thread has been around longer than I've been a diver...and I still made some of the mistakes listed

 

[TSandM]

I need to add the Bullet skin for the Fusion to my list. Bought it because it was a gorgeous, deep red. Used it about four times, and it now hangs in the closet. I didn't like the weight, the slow drying, or the reduced mobility.

Orange Gorilla Nova fins, too. They aren't at all like the Seawing Novas -- much stiffer, like having boards on your feet.

 

[tplyons]

UK Dive Lights... big, heavy, and not that bright. I've since replaced my C8 with a rechargeable SOLA 500.

However, I still carry the SL4 in my BCD as a backup, at least until I get something brighter.