$3,500 in equipment? You can outfit yourself for MUCH less than that if you do a little research and are willing to live with some used gear (after all, if it is a dying sport there are a lot of newbies with equipment that has only been used for 5-10 dives). Let's see, my latest expenses:
$100 7mm wetsuit
$200 used SP BCD
$250 computer
$200 used SP G250/Mk10 reg
$050 fins
$025 booties
$050 Cressi-Sub Big Eyes mask
$010 snorkel
$050 weight belt
$050 hooded vest
Of course if you are diving warm water only, you can do with less than that!
I don't care about buying the newest equipment, but want good reliable stuff. I don't mind diving with used equipment as long as it has been checked out.
Heck, for $3,500 I could add an U/W video housing and camera AND a digital still camera and housing!
Dr. Bill
$100 7mm wetsuit
$200 used SP BCD
$250 computer
$200 used SP G250/Mk10 reg
$050 fins
$025 booties
$050 Cressi-Sub Big Eyes mask
$010 snorkel
$050 weight belt
$050 hooded vest
Of course if you are diving warm water only, you can do with less than that!
I don't care about buying the newest equipment, but want good reliable stuff. I don't mind diving with used equipment as long as it has been checked out.
Heck, for $3,500 I could add an U/W video housing and camera AND a digital still camera and housing!
Dr. Bill