Certification Prices

[mcohen1021]

No that's exactly it. We're all just trying to help a fellow diver save some money that can be better spent towards a dive trip rather than on gear. Diving isn't my only past time, either, but at the moment it's certainly my favorite. And the only money I've spent on diving so far this year is my Rescue course(s), lake fees @ Scuba Ranch (Clear Springs), air fills, and PADI seal team for my son. Plus a new mask, snorkel and boots for him. Of course I am about to take the Master Scuba diver class @ Scuba Toys so...

yep... between scuba, waterskiing and hunting, things get tight. Waterskiing is my passion, then scuba, then hunting.

I did all of my certifications via Richland College 1989 to 1991 OW through DM, it was cheeeaaaap, and because the classes were over a long semester, I felt bettwer trained. I just learned that my instructor passed away in May; a truly nice and funny guy. All of our lake weekends were essentially free, minus a small fee at the local lake - squaw creek (pre nuclear), whitney, LCRA in Austin, Belton, PK and Stillhouse Hollow... It was not until much later the Athens Scuba Park came along, but Houston always had blue lagoon and there was another quarry near denton, forget the name.

 

[Dogbowl]

While I agree with almost everything everyone has said above, I also think that if a person has the means and doesn’t care to spend more, then go ahead. Buy what she likes.

I know a person who has for decades bought handbags with a name that starts with an “H”. No, not Halcyon but ridiculously expensive. She told me once that she has tried other less expensive brands (still ridiculously expensive) but she would end up not using them due to a “mental” thing. She is the same with cars. Must start with a “T”. After a while, all her friends stopped pestering her because she could afford it and she was happy.

I’m sure if I listed my gear out piece by piece, I’d also get a lecture too!

 

[mcohen1021]

While I agree with everything everyone has said above, I also think that if a person has the means and doesn’t care to spend more, then go ahead. Buy what she likes.

Being as new as she is, the probability is, she does not have the experience enough to know what she (and he) likes. That's why she asked us to chime in.

People can say what they will about my cheap rig which is by no means cheap in quality, but it works for me and didn't max out any credit cards.

 

[Addicted2H2O]

Being as new as she is, the probability is, she does not have the experience enough to know what she (and he) likes. That's why she asked us to chime in.

People can say what they will about my cheap rig which is by no means cheap in quality, but it works for me and didn't max out any credit cards.

I think as long as what you buy works for you, have at it! If that means titanium everything and it says Aqualung, Atomic, ScubaPro, etc. somewhere on it....if it works and you love it, go for it! I dive what works for me and makes me feel comfortable and confident in the water. I expect every other diver to do the same.

 

[Melanie White]

I dont have to have the best of the best but I want good quality things with great reviews. I mean my life depends on some of this stuff. And I know I want a bcd. I tried the Aqualung souli3 today its comfortable.
But if you want to give me advice on what to buy I will consider it. I like my snorkel to be good for snorkeling because I like to that when I have to wait to dive lol.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Being as new as she is, the probability is, she does not have the experience enough to know what she (and he) likes. That's why she asked us to chime in.

People can say what they will about my cheap rig which is by no means cheap in quality, but it works for me and didn't max out any credit cards.

I think it's human nature to be biased toward expensive stuff. There are people who walk into a BMW dealership, pay with cash, and feel good knowing they have a great car, even if a Honda Accord would have gotten them to and from work just as well, maybe even just as comfortably. Then there are people who feel good when they make a deal that they perceive as getting "value." I know these car analogies to dive gear come up all the time and are not perfect, but it's worth noting. In the end, buy what makes you happy, especially with hobby gear.

 

[yle]

I know a person who has for decades bought handbags with a name that starts with an “H”. No, not Halcyon but ridiculously expensive. She told me once that she has tried other less expensive brands (still ridiculously expensive) but she would end up not using them due to a “mental” thing. She is the same with cars. Must start with a “T”.

Carries a Hermes handbag, drives a Toyota?

 

[runsongas]

in the water or in the shop? minimalist bcds arent as comfortable on land but are fine in the water.

 

[Lorenzoid]

On that point, I'll add that all scuba gear sold today is "good quality." Cheap gear that is likely to fail and hurt someone does not exist. Even the least expensive regulator is safe.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I dont have to have the best of the best but I want good quality things with great reviews. I mean my life depends on some of this stuff. And I know I want a bcd. I tried the Aqualung souli3 today its comfortable.
But if you want to give me advice on what to buy I will consider it. I like my snorkel to be good for snorkeling because I like to that when I have to wait to dive lol.

I strongly recommend trying different things to see what YOUR preferences are. What I prefer may not be what you prefer. Hopefully you can join a dive club where people will loan you gear and you can get in a couple dives.