I didn't know this was a poll (new system, I guess). Holy crap-my post is #32 since the OP yesterday?!? I skimmed through the posts and see so far it's 50-50 re cost vs. vanity. I used shop gear when assisting with OW courses in the pool. My own stuff is 10 years old (and used when I bought it--though a birthday present from the kids was a new--used-wetsuit, which LOOKS great on all those SOLO dives I do when nobody's around anywhere). On a charter I have usually taken out of Pensacola, the Captain always wants to give me the award for oldest/crappiest gear. Who cares (apparently 50%!). It works. If I had $50M I'd have top of the line stuff.
I can't believe some of the posts. Does anyone even THINK somebody looks cool in ANY scuba gettup (well maybe other than divers where you dive)?
Man, I want to look my best when performing as a clarinetist, and before that for 19 years as a school Band Conductor. But on the other hand, my wife always has to get me in ship-shape to go out for a meal or anywhere (admit I'm a slug with that).
. But scuba diving........