XenoMorph2049 once bubbled...
Maybe my observational skill suck too, but what make and model was that?
If you go to
http://www.extreme-exposure.com , you'll see a complete rig for $505, which is well thought of and will lend itself to growth in scuba nicely.
There are many other options as well... I am not a Halcyon rep.
I do like their stuff, though, and many have commented on the quality of their gear.
I think the reason the cost of the halcyon was so high was because it was a set and included a computer (I think).
Anything's possible, but the people who visit Extreme Exposure generally discourage computers... So I'm inclined to believe that not many would sell a Halcyon bp/wing and a computer package.
But anything's possible.
Read the Fundamentals book... It will shed some light on the computer debate... Or at least, one point of view.
I cant seem to find a setup pre assembled with everything I need without the extras.
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I know I also need weights and tank belts. Anything else? Better yet, just point me to a complete set
Frankly, it's not possible for anyone to tell you "everything that you're going to need." In scuba diving, the term "need" is relative anyway. None of us "need" any gear at all... It's more of a "want."
If you just want to get your head under water, then you'll need a mask and a pair of fins. Most agencies will require a snorkel, too.
If you want to scuba dive, then you'll need the above and $50 to rent gear. That should get you everything you "need" for an entire day (multiple dives.)
In order to scuba dive without renting, you'll need the above, a reg set (~$450 or so) and a tank (which you can rent for $10 or so, or have your own... Which still costs $5 or so to fill.)
If you want to be neutral during your dive, you'll need a buoyancy compensating device. New BCD's can run from the low $200 range to nearly $1000. On this board, you'll see bp/wings favored heavily, with good reason.
If you want to stay warm and protected, you'll need a wetsuit - the size and type will depend on the water temperature.
If you want to be able to dive the same suit all the time, regardless of the water temperature, you'll need a drysuit.
If you want to be able to see, then you'll need a light.
If you want to see all the time, you'll need two.
If you want to catch lobster, you'll need a catch bag and a tickle stick.
If you want to catch fish underater, then you'll need a spear gun.
If you want to dive safely, you'll need a cutting tool.
The list goes on and on. Any answer to the question, "What's a complete setup going to cost me" is simply invalid. It really depends on what you plan to do when diving.
If you just want to get down there and see the fishes, then you're going to need a C-card and $50 to rent gear.
...Which is why we've recommended that you wait to buy gear until you figure out what it is that you want to do under there.
If it's really true that you're going to teach... Then you're in luck. Ask the dive shop that you're working for at the time exactly what you need in order to teach their classes. Many shops are strict about this, and won't let you teach in gear that they don't carry in the store... Which would mean that you just bought a $505 Halcyon bp/wing for a purpose that you can't use it for.
My certification locally is going to run around $400.
My Open Water certification ran me about $150... Although I then spent another $120 or so on the dives which were required, and I purchased about $175 in a mask, fins, and a snorkel, all of which were required by the instructor. $400 could be a good deal, depending on what you've gotten for the money.
If I were to truly tell you what I've spent "for a complete package" - that is, what I've spent to date... And including all of the things that I want now... I could scare you.
All I have to decide is PADI or NAUI. Im probably going to do Naui because from what Ive read/heard its a bit more technical and in depth. Anyone taken both? Opinion? Thanks for all the help and patience.
I've never taken a NAUI course, so I couldn't give you an educated opinion on NAUI... But it seems to be the general concensus here that the quality of the education depends more on the instructor and his experience than the agency that certifies you.
...Which, by the way, is something to note... And in and of itself might be a reason why not to try to excel quickly from "intro" to "instructor."
