landlocked
Contributor
Well since everyone seems to be avoiding the issue in a effort to be nice to each other (very admirable) let me break the ice. I recently went through the same process. Similarly, I am on a tight budget and buying gear for the wife at the same time. I will try and save you a little leg work. BC's. Backplate and wings seem to win arguments on being the best. around $500. You will need a little help setting one of these up the first time. If you have any inclination toward tech diving or using multiple tanks that is the direction you will want to move in. If you are strictly a recreational diver, there are less expensive options. My choice, Zeagle Scout at $210. I really hate intergrated weights and wanted something that would work well with a weight belt. I really like this BC. Reg's: Unless you intend on servicing your own soon, try and see what kind of a deal your LDS will give you. Don't just buy, research what they sell. Be patient here and spend some time. I went with a Genesis Yukon. It is prelubbed for nitrox and it works. I bought it from the LDS at a reasonable price and they threw in a dive knife which made the deal very close to internet prices. Snorkles. If you really want one, buy a cheap one. Mine hasn't been out of the bag for a long time. Computers are nice but expensive and you can dive without them. If you get one, make sure that it is Nitrox compatible. I haven't bought one yet. (Although I do have one picked out.) Tables work great. You just get to dive less in any given day. (Unless you are Uncle Pug and can do multi-level dives in your head using your ears as a depth gauge. That is sort of a joke. Sort of.) Compass, get a wrist mount. You can use it much easier and you will use it. Lastly, use the search button at the top of your screen liberally.Originally posted by lobaugh
As I am on a budget and can't afford to buy everything at once, what recommendations do you have for the order to buy the equipment? Should I invest in a computer, regulator or BC first? Also any recommendations on the brands and models of each?
Scuba equipment is like children, everyone thinks theirs is the best, so I have probably offended some. I think however, now that the ice is broken, that some other opinions are now more likely?