Where are you taking your classes? They should be able to set you up with the basics.
Do not buy a mask online - especially if you have to dive in the cold Cincinnati area for checkout dives - you really want that to fit without leaking. Most shops should be able to hook you up with the basics or provide free/rental gear for use during your clasess also. I'd also buy boots/gloves appropriate to the water conditions where you plan to dive in the future. For most people, a snorkel is something that rides along in their gear bag after certification and they make a lot of good ones for under $20. Fins are pretty subjective also.
I wouldn't buy more than the basic gear till your certified though since occasionally people fail, decide it's not for them, or have unknown medical complications. Once you've wet your gear, your dealer can't take it back as new. Also there's generally a pretty good mark-up on gear so even if they'll take it back used, that will cost you.
Another option once certified is to talk to other divers where you plan to be diving and find out why/what they use. Gear appropriate for your area is very different than gear appropriate for the Caribbean which is often referred to as travel gear, typically it's lighter weight with less lift. Some gear is suitable for both environments also.
In your area, I like the looks of this place.
Central Coast Dive Center - Scuba diving in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky - they certainly seem to have the gear, indoor heated pool and other things necessary. And sell some of the better known brands at all price points. Later when you want to look at other options, I've bought from
Scuba Equipment, Scuba Gear Scuba Diving Equipment Discount dive gear Snorkeling Equipment Wetsuits - Scubatoys
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Also ask about anything specific here - someone has used it, possibly even reviewed it in our gear forums. Specific questions can also be directed to the appropriate manufacturer's forum - for the larger brands they have people best suited to answer them posting here, for the smaller brands you're often dealing with the owner.
