As a new diver last year, I engaged my bucket list and purchased everything I needed for diving, before I even started my OW. Primarily as I had tried scuba previously, 22 yrs ago, and 45 yrs ago. I knew I was going to like it, and I was going to dive tons. I used the gear list from a Solo / Self Reliant course, to determine what to buy. Some items were used; high end rental regs, shop owners personnel bcd, steel tanks, pony tank, Zoop Novo. Other items were brand new; drysuit, mask, fins, gloves, hood, lights, Shearwater Peregrine. I literally started my diving with everything I could possibly need. I am now at the number of dives that if I had rented, the rental fees would now exceed what I spent on my gear. Buy once, cry once.