azscubadude
Contributor
Should we rent the rest of the gear there, or is it likely we can save money renting prior to leaving.
Another thing to think about when traveling with rental gear (besides the extra baggage fees) is that you will need to get added travel insurance to cover any loss or damage by the airlines or you will be buying nice new gear twice, once to replace the rental gear and the other to buy your own personal gear afterwards (and then again to rent it at the resort if your bags are delayed or lost). Not a big chance of either happening but better safe than sorry so it doesn't ruin your first trip. Insurance it cheap.
I might be wrong but I thought I read somewhere that the airlines new baggage rules won't or don't have to cover scuba and sports equipment. I know they won't cover other kinds of gear, like expensive bikes or skis in certain situations. And even if they do the amount they will give you won't cover the cost to replace even the least expensive scuba gear
Even your homeowners could have a pretty high deductible.. and you will never see any money until long after your trip is over.. and.. I might be wrong but most homeowner policies won't cover rented equipment of any kind.
Better read the fine print before you rent the gear at home just to be safe. If you do rent it at home ask your LDS how much it will cost to replace everything so you can make sure you are covered.
I would get your own flash light before hand but that is up to you. There are plenty of dive stores that you can buy from on CZM but they charge a pretty hefty price because everything has to be shipped in, especially for batteries and you will probably have a better choice at your LDShop. Lights are handy even during the day to look into nooks and under coral even in the shallows.
IMHO I think you would be better off renting gear at the resort for your first trip since you don't plan on buying your own before you leave.
Good luck.. have fun !!