riceowls
Contributor
As a newly certified AOW, I am now considering starting to get my own equipment kit. I am a recreational diver and perhaps will remain one in the near future. Expect to do a few trips a year, perhaps a couple of weekend getaways to Caribean and one long trip a year. Expect mostly tropical...
I got my mask and snorkel, booties, and fins for a while already. The latter can perhaps be upgraded at some point but work for now. Bought a second-hand Cressi Leonardo computer. I am shopping for a 3mm jumpsuit. All these seem worth it by cost/rent ratio and perhaps will pay for themselves in a year. I am considering a used BCD as I would love the integrated weight system and added comfort of a higher-end vest...
Now when it comes to regulators, I am puzzled - seems like between the large initial investment cost, annual maintenance costs, risks of buying used - it seems very little reason for a beginner diver to own. Looking at the rental costs between $5-10 in most locations it is unlikely to ever pay for itself for me. But are there advanced features that are not available on a rental that a beginner like me would benefit from? Any other reasons to own one vs renting in place?
What about other things - weights, tanks - seems a hassle to travel with so I assume for those not diving locally, it's not something to ever consider buying. Dive torch/light? If only used for night diving perhaps renting is cheat enough... Anything else?
I got my mask and snorkel, booties, and fins for a while already. The latter can perhaps be upgraded at some point but work for now. Bought a second-hand Cressi Leonardo computer. I am shopping for a 3mm jumpsuit. All these seem worth it by cost/rent ratio and perhaps will pay for themselves in a year. I am considering a used BCD as I would love the integrated weight system and added comfort of a higher-end vest...
Now when it comes to regulators, I am puzzled - seems like between the large initial investment cost, annual maintenance costs, risks of buying used - it seems very little reason for a beginner diver to own. Looking at the rental costs between $5-10 in most locations it is unlikely to ever pay for itself for me. But are there advanced features that are not available on a rental that a beginner like me would benefit from? Any other reasons to own one vs renting in place?
What about other things - weights, tanks - seems a hassle to travel with so I assume for those not diving locally, it's not something to ever consider buying. Dive torch/light? If only used for night diving perhaps renting is cheat enough... Anything else?