New to diving. What to buy first?
- Thread starter jon1
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Agree, bcd then comp (as you can get a cheap digital bottom timer which serves as a backup later).
If you looked about a bit you can really get some great gear at great prices.
1. Zeagle express tech $250 or less
2. Hog D1 reg and octo about $350
HOG D1 1st stage with 2nd stage regulator [HOGregset] - $244.98 : Cave Adventurers!, We will NOT be undersold!!!
3. You could get a really good uwatec 2g or tec 2g comp for about $325 give or take.
SangP
DevonDiver
N/A
It's imposible to answer these questions catagorically, without a detailed understanding of the OPs circumstances, location and diving goals.
Loyalty to your LDS is to be applauded and encouraged. However, don't rule out the huge second-hand scuba market on craigslist and ebay. With diligence and patience, it could be possible to get all 3 items (BCD, Regs and Computer) for $500.
Here's my list:
1) Computer. Often unavailable, or overly expensive, to rent. Lightweight and easy to take away on holiday. Aids safety and encourages independance from the 'sheep' mentality of following a divemaster or more experienced buddy. Develops understanding of time/depth and nitrogen absorbtion. Helps in the event of emergency decompression situations. SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER DIVE TIMES! No later requirement to buy a depth gauge for your regulator set.
2) Regulator. Safety and security of having your own (well maintained) regulators. Own purchases are likely (hopefully) to be of better specification than average rental regulators. Can customize mouthpieces for better comfort.
3) BCD. Rentals can sometimes be threadbare, uncomfortable and/or a poor fit. Having your own BCD ensures comfort and quality of the BCD. Own purchases are likely (hopefully) to be of better specification and condition than most rental BCDs. Definitely consider a Backplate & Wing (BP&W) design BCD. There are many threads here dealing with jacket vs BP&W bcds.
4) Wet/Drysuit. Little point investing in a wet/drysuit that will not be practical in different environments, if you are travelling around to dive. Wetsuit rental is cheap in holiday destinations. The heaviest and bulkiest item to travel with.
Just for your interest, there is another simular currently active thread (BCD, Regulator, or Computer?) that may also aid you.
Loyalty to your LDS is to be applauded and encouraged. However, don't rule out the huge second-hand scuba market on craigslist and ebay. With diligence and patience, it could be possible to get all 3 items (BCD, Regs and Computer) for $500.
Here's my list:
1) Computer. Often unavailable, or overly expensive, to rent. Lightweight and easy to take away on holiday. Aids safety and encourages independance from the 'sheep' mentality of following a divemaster or more experienced buddy. Develops understanding of time/depth and nitrogen absorbtion. Helps in the event of emergency decompression situations. SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER DIVE TIMES! No later requirement to buy a depth gauge for your regulator set.
2) Regulator. Safety and security of having your own (well maintained) regulators. Own purchases are likely (hopefully) to be of better specification than average rental regulators. Can customize mouthpieces for better comfort.
3) BCD. Rentals can sometimes be threadbare, uncomfortable and/or a poor fit. Having your own BCD ensures comfort and quality of the BCD. Own purchases are likely (hopefully) to be of better specification and condition than most rental BCDs. Definitely consider a Backplate & Wing (BP&W) design BCD. There are many threads here dealing with jacket vs BP&W bcds.
4) Wet/Drysuit. Little point investing in a wet/drysuit that will not be practical in different environments, if you are travelling around to dive. Wetsuit rental is cheap in holiday destinations. The heaviest and bulkiest item to travel with.
Just for your interest, there is another simular currently active thread (BCD, Regulator, or Computer?) that may also aid you.
Just a reminder to all and especially the op. You need to have a time tracking and a depth tracking device with you when you dive. In my opinion, those need to to be the first items to purchase after basic gear.
A computer is those two plus more in one device. And it is on your wrist, which happens to be the correct place for this essential information. So, a comp first unless you have a timer and a depth gauge.
Regs next, because you might need to try few different bc:s before knowing what suits you best. And when you do know that, you're going to get a backplate/wing setup which is something you probably would not be buying at this time.
And, regs are pretty much the same anyways, so you can't really go wrong with any of them - just stay clear of the bulky consoles. An analog spg is all that is needed, the rest of the info is on your wrist(s) which is the right place for it. One thing to remember, though, is the DIN/YOKE thing.
It sucks buying something that after a year you realise needs to be changed. Regs are regs, no hassle there. A nitrox comp will last you a long time. But bc:s might be a different story.
And go for second hand if you can, you can save a lot of money that way. Your LDS wont mind, i bet they're happy to take you diving with the money you just saved.
A computer is those two plus more in one device. And it is on your wrist, which happens to be the correct place for this essential information. So, a comp first unless you have a timer and a depth gauge.
Regs next, because you might need to try few different bc:s before knowing what suits you best. And when you do know that, you're going to get a backplate/wing setup which is something you probably would not be buying at this time.
And, regs are pretty much the same anyways, so you can't really go wrong with any of them - just stay clear of the bulky consoles. An analog spg is all that is needed, the rest of the info is on your wrist(s) which is the right place for it. One thing to remember, though, is the DIN/YOKE thing.
It sucks buying something that after a year you realise needs to be changed. Regs are regs, no hassle there. A nitrox comp will last you a long time. But bc:s might be a different story.
And go for second hand if you can, you can save a lot of money that way. Your LDS wont mind, i bet they're happy to take you diving with the money you just saved.
DevonDiver
N/A
I've owned 6 BCDs in the last 15 years. The first 5 of them were bought, and soon sold, during a 7 year period. Such a waste of money!
As a newbie, there is little chance you can predict how your diving, and subsequent preferences, will develop over the coming years. I always recommend getting a BP&W configuration, because it is modular and it can be adapted and inter-changed to suit any future requirements.
As a newbie, there is little chance you can predict how your diving, and subsequent preferences, will develop over the coming years. I always recommend getting a BP&W configuration, because it is modular and it can be adapted and inter-changed to suit any future requirements.
MORAY SCUBA
Registered
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