DIVE EQUIPMENT: To Buy -- Or Not to Buy

One of the first dilemmas that you face as a new diving student is whether or not you should buy your own equipment. This page is designed to guide you in making an informed and intelligent decision. We do feel that it is important that you are diving in your own equipment. Take these areas of consideration.

Why Should I Buy My Own Equipment?

1. Comfort - Proper individual fit means you will be more comfortable.
2. Safety - You control the maintenance, which means more reliable performance.
3. Safety - You know where to reach for the controls and backups.
4. Convenience - You eliminate reliance on rental availability.
5. Price - You will save money in the long run.
6. Health - You know who used your equipment and when.

We can not overemphasize the advantages of having your own equipment. Because you feel more comfortable you will look forward to diving more, you will fit it into your schedule, and you will use your newfound skills as you intended to. When you feel comfortable and confident, you are ready to go diving. One of the main reasons that divers drop out of the sport is that they do not "feel comfortable". This could mean with their equipment, with their skills, or both. By diving in your own equipment and by taking the Advanced Openwater Course, you will not find yourself in that position.

Why Should I Buy My Equipment During My Training Course?

Some students feel that they should wait to buy their equipment until after they finish their training. This is a mistake for the following reasons.

1. Value - You will get the most out of your training when you train on the equipment that you actually will use when diving.
2. Experience - When you buy your equipment during the course, you will actually get to use it during your pool and openwater training.
3. Assistance - Staff is right there to help you learn to use your equipment as part of your training, rather than having to learn to use it on you own after the course.
4. Value - Combining the skills and familiarity with your equipment will get you the most for your training dollar.
5. Safety - Obtained by the combination of familiarity with your equipment and comfort in using that equipment to perform the required skills.

Some divers feel that they would not know what equipment to buy early in their training. But your LDS professional staff can guide you through those decisions. Remember that you are a customer and it is their job to make you happy. If they sell you a piece of equipment and it is not working for you as you would like, they will be happy to exchange it and have you try something different. It makes their job easier if you are comfortable and happy. If they do that job well, it actually makes it easier for them to turn out a better student -- You!

The proper equipment is essential to your enjoyment of the sport. It is specialized equipment and it is essential that you get the proper advice before making your decisions.

How to Buy Your First Set of Dive Gear

By Jackie D`Antonio

What to know, who to ask and how to buy the right gear for you.

What female doesn't like to shop? Me, especially when I have no idea what I'm looking for.

But this shopping trip wasn't just some random search for a new dress or a pair of shoes; this was about selecting the equipment that would allow me to explore the underwater world comfortably and safely.

A couple of friends had told me to go online and see if I could find bargains, but I wasn't comfortable with that idea. First of all, I didn't really know what I needed, and there was no way to try things on through the Web. Plus, you never know the history of the seller or the gear.

So I decided to go to down to a local dive shop and try my luck. It felt a little intimidating; I'm the first one to admit that I know nothing about dive gear. I just kept thinking about my third-grade teacher telling me "There are no stupid questions," and hoping that was the case here. Because I had plenty of questions.

Buying Tips Masks As a rule of thumb, most new divers prefer translucent mask skirts that allow maximum light transmission. Black skirts remove peripheral glare and distractions, and are typically used by photographers, underwater hunters and tech divers. Large lenses and side windows can increase the diver's field of view, but will often increase internal air volume as well. Low volume masks are easier to clear, but not everyone will be comfortable with the ultra-low volume style favored by free divers and hunters. A good compromise would be one of the new breed of wide-angle, low-volume products introduced in the last few years.

I don't know what I was expecting - maybe some hard-core Navy frogman with little tolerance for a total newbie but what I got was a guy about my own age who walked me through every step of my purchase.

Basic Choices

We started with the basics - mask, fins, and snorkel - since that's what most open-water classes require that you have to complete your training. I had no idea masks came in so many shapes and sizes, but I soon learned that fit is the most important criterion, while things like the skirt color and the number of lenses are a matter of personal preference.

After sticking my face in a couple of dozen masks, I narrowed it down to the three that fit my smallish face. I ended up with the one that let the most light in and gave me the widest underwater view.

Next came the snorkel, which I was told should absolutely have some type of purge drain to keep water from filling up the airway. I also learned that a soft, flexible mouthpiece was important and that a vented top piece could keep water from getting into the snorkel in the first place. Sold, dude. A vented, purge-valve snorkel ... in kids size?

My gear advisor suggested that, due to my 5-foot, 1-inch frame, I would be more comfortable with a junior-size snorkel. I didn't take it personally; I'm used to it. And I even found one that had all the same features as the larger "adult" models.

Buying Tips Fins Fin discussions are all about the blade ? and that's important. Equally important, however, is fit, and that's all about the foot pocket. If you are choosing a full-foot fin for snorkeling and tropical diving, make sure the foot pocket provides a secure, nonconstricting fit, and that it is constructed from a supple material that won't chafe or irritate your tender feet. It you'd rather dive with open-heel fins, make sure the foot pocket will mate with the style and thickness of boot you will be wearing. As far as blade technology goes, ask a lot of questions and try as many pairs as possible, because in the end, the best fin is the one that feels best to you.

Luckily, they made plenty of fins in my size. Too many, it seemed. There were fins with vents, split blades, pivoting midsections and all sorts of other go-go gadget features like quick-release buckles. And to make it even more complicated, they came in two styles, called open heel and closed heel.

To simplify the selection, we started with a discussion of how I planned to dive. Would I ever dive in cold water, or from the beach? Was I a fast swimmer or a leisurely cruiser? Turns out that fins are designed to provide either lots of kicking power, greater swimming efficiency, or some combination of the two. The trick was deciding what type of diver I was, then choosing fins suited to that style of diving and that fit comfortably.

Speaking of comfort, I was told that the other thing I would need to stay comfortable in the water was a wetsuit. But I wasn't planning to dive in the North Sea, I said. I wanted to go to the warm tropics.

That's when I learned that even warm water could rob your body of heat. This not only makes you less comfortable in the water, but it can increase your air consumption and reduce your overall mental and physical performance. There is no right thickness of wetsuit for a given water temperature, I learned. It all depends on your personal comfort level. There are some general guidelines, however, and with some advice and a few try-ons, I found a suit made of a soft neoprene that provided plenty of flexibility, and actually looked cool.

The Next Step

Now I was ready for a great snorkeling trip, but what about the scuba stuff? If you're ready to really be a diver, it's time for the "big four" purchases. Acquiring this package consisting of a BC, a regulator, gauges and an alternate air source marks your passage from a part-timer to a committed diver. It also ensures that you will always dive with great-fitting gear that you know and understand ? provided you make smart buying decisions.

SHOP TALK Piston - A first-stage regulator that uses a spring-compensated sliding valve to control air pressure Diaphragm - A first-stage regulator that uses a flexible membrane to control air pressure Balanced - A design that allows air pressure to equalize on either side of a moving valve Air Integrated A dive computer that incorporates a pressure sensor to read tank pressure Flow rate - How much air a regulator can deliver First stage - The part of the regulator that attaches to the tank Second stage - The part of the regulator that goes in your mouth Split vs. traditional blade - Fin with either a single blade or two parallel blades Octopus/alternate air source - A traditional second stage, or one that is combined with the power inflator hose Open heel vs. full foot - Fins with straps and open backs or fins that fit like slippers

It's a good idea to start with a price range in mind. This will allow the sales staff to help you prioritize your purchases ? and if you can't afford to buy everything at once, to create a buying strategy.

For example, a small person such as myself might want to stay with a midrange regulator and put a bit more budget into buying a top-of-the-line, load-carrying BC to offset the weight of the tank. And because a comfortable BC was the most important thing I could own, I'd buy it first.

I was especially pleased to learn that they made BCs just for women, and that they came in extra-small sizes. No kids BC for me.

Choosing a regulator was a bit more confusing, with all these terms about balancing, pistons, diaphragms and flow rates. The good news, I was told, is that the name-brand companies don't make any bad regulators ? they make good, better and "whoa, look at that" models. And no, that isn't just marketing BS, I was assured. It's the reality of building life-support equipment that has to work and keep on working.

The real question wasn't which regulator is safe, it was how much regulator do you really need? If I were heading toward a career as a secret agent ... or maybe just planning on diving really deep, it would make sense to invest in the best regulator money could buy. Or if I were making the big bucks and felt like splurging, I'd be a candidate for one of those lightweight, high-performance models that use all sorts of exotic materials and patented gizmos.

Buying Tips Wetsuits It's not just a cold water thing. A full-body suit of an appropriate thickness for the environment will provide not only insulation, but also exposure protection from the marine environment and the sun. For the tropics, consider one of the new ultra-thin, form-fitting neoprene suits that wear like a second skin. Wherever you dive, comfort is all about fit, and the better suits are built on complex, contoured patterns that incorporate multiple panels, with seams sealed to prevent water intrusion. Hold a quality suit to the light and you shouldn't be able to see daylight through the seams.

Since I had no hope of becoming Jane Bond, I went for a really nice midrange regulator that was air-balanced a feature my sales pro said really makes a difference and I chose a compact second stage that would be easy on my "kid-size" face.

There was one more regulator-related decision to make: the alternate air source. I really liked the combination inflator/regulators, but after talking it over, we decided that both my budget and my experience level dictated a more traditional "octopus" second stage. Later, when I get more comfortable sharing air and changing mouthpieces, I may upgrade to one of the new integrated models, but for now, I have what I need for safe, easy air sharing with a buddy.

Buying Tips BCDs The BC has three jobs: it supports and stabilizes the tank, provides attachment points for equipment, and makes up for changes in buoyancy caused by wetsuit compression and tank pressure changes. Modern designs manage to do all three things well, but there are differences. Many divers prefer the wrap-around jacket-style BC with shoulder adjustments to fine-tune the fit. Newer jackets are designed to expand outward, and don't squeeze the abdomen when inflated. Back-inflation BCs are gaining popularity, and many experienced divers swear by them.

I was ready to get wet. Almost.

There was still the little matter of those essential underwater instruments that tell you when, how and where. For years, divers used a separate depth and pressure gauge to figure out how much air they had and how deep they dove. A waterproof watch told them when to come up. The one instrument too many divers overlook, I was told, is the one that tells you where you are going: a compass which every diver should have.

Today, you can still buy mechanical gauges, upgrade to electronic combo units that track time and depths, or go all the way to a dive computer that puts everything including the dive tables ? in a single software package.
I looked at a couple of wireless, air-integrated dive computers that could calculate dive tables on air, nitrox and even some kind of covert tech diver's mixed gas. But since my budget was a bit more conservative, my sales consultant and I decided that what I really needed was a traditional console that held a pressure gauge, a recreational dive computer and a compass, all for about half the price.

In the end, I think I came out with some pretty sweet gear. It fits great, it does everything I would ever need it to do, and I still have some spare change to take a dive trip.

Buying Tips Regulators You can pay a lot for a phenomenal regulator, or you can pay a lot less for a pretty good one. But unless you are on a rock-bottom budget, go for an air-balanced first stage, be it piston or diaphragm. This is one feature that will definitely make a difference in performance. If you opt for a second stage with adjustment controls, make sure you understand how to operate those controls to achieve optimum performance. Whatever reg you choose, make sure you follow the recommended service program. It's not just a matter of protecting the warranty, it's about your underwater comfort and safety.

My advice to those of you shopping for dive gear is to go see the pros at your local PADI dive shop. They aren't just about selling you a bunch of stuff. They want to turn you into a happy diver who becomes a repeat customer. They know that to do this, they must provide you with superior service and build a relationship based on trust.

They are one of your best resources, so don't shy away from picking their experienced brains. And when you find that perfect brand-new set of gear ... be sure to use it.

Buying Tips Instruments Analog, digital or fully integrated? With new computers selling for a few hundred dollars, the barriers to digital diving are lower than ever, and they may actually be more cost-effective than a traditional depth gauge and waterproof watch. For most recreational divers, even the most modestly priced dive computer will offer features found on the most sophisticated technical computers of a few years ago. Whatever the price range, make sure you understand the program the computer uses to calculate dive tables, and make sure you fully understand how to interpret the information your computer provides.

10 Rules for Buying Dive Gear
By Rich Sauer

1. Buy the right equipment the first time. Look at this as a one-time investment and buy what you need. Don't say, "I'll start cheap and upgrade later," because it will end up costing you more money in the long run.
2. Don't buy gear that doesn't fit properly, no matter how much you like it.
3. Buy your equipment through an authorized dealer for that manufacturer. If you don't, you may be sacrificing the warranty and service agreements.
4. Buy gear that has the features that you need. Don't over- or under-do it.
5. Buy a compass. You will need it.
6. Invest in a computer. It will enhance the diving experience and, if used properly, make your diving safer.
7. Don't buy things without trying them on or sampling the features.
8. Ask questions. Don't buy something until you know that it's right for you.
9. Don't buy gear strictly on a recommendation from a friend. Not everything that's right for them is right for you.
10. Stay away from used dive equipment. You don't know its history, you won't receive any warranty, and you could be compromising important service agreements.