Approximate Cost of Full Epuipment

[ferg822]

I am going to start working on an open water certificate in the Spring and already have a couple of dives in thought while my family and I are on vacation in North Carolina and Turks and Cacos. Plus an already planned out with a friend in the summer of 2009. Would it be easier to purchase diving equipment? If so, what equipment would get me off to a good start and what would the approximate cost be? Thanks!

 

[jreefer113]

you need a bc, a regulator, gauges and computers, fins, mask, and other stuff like a wetsuit and what not. its gonna run you a couple grand depending on what brands and everything. but dont go the cheap route because this is life or death equipment.

 

[sawillia]

Like the previous poster says. This is life and death. I've been diving for a while now and I realize this sport is expensive....

Until you get some more time under your belt diving, I'd stick with dive shops as your source for equipment.

Then when you have a little more expierance and you what fits and what different technologies are like you can branch out and maybe buy off internet and ebay (make sure it get's serviced prior to use)

The best thing to do IMHO if you're just starting out is talk to the dive shop and see if they have gear that isn't exactly new or on consigment. There are so many divers that go all out and then don't dive and try to unload thier gear...

Ask them first. Figure out what you like then purchase...

I'm a cheap skate I hate paying markup when I think it's unfair but, working with a good honest dive shop is the best thing to do.. most website don't or can't stand behind the OEM warranty...

Good luck and if have any other questions post up...

GL

 

[snorvich]

It is sort of like dealing with LFS. If you want to ask questions and get support, your local dive shop will be the best bet. Remember that equipment needs to be maintained and your online vendor won't be doing it. Either you or you LDS will be.

 

[maxheadroom]

At the LDS i work for, we sell a oceanic package for $999.99. Includes Oceanic bc ( Chute 3, Isla , Islander, Flex) Oceanic Alpha 8 Primary and secondary, Max depth swivle combo gauges, and an aluminum 80 tank. Most LDS should have something right around that price.

 

[thor32766]

wow pretty sweet price on that. You answer will vay widely for this.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I have been researching the same exact thing as I want to finally buy my own set of gear. You can get a cheap set for around $700 without wetsuit or special trimmings or you can get hooked up with the best of the best of almost everything for around $3600. Personally I'm shooting for the higher end for peace of mind and comfort (both extremely important in my mind)

If your looking for quality gear check out scubapro, I think that's the direction I am going to go in and they have a great rep.

 

[David P]

hehehe
"good" quality used regs 200
custom wetsuit 400
mask 60
atomic split fins 150
DR backplate wings 350
ScubaPro Mk25/S600 600
DiveRite Duo computer 400
PST E8-119 tank 400
ScubaPro frameless mask 125
DUI TLS 350 signature drysuit with pocket, zip seals....all the bells and whistles
1600 (killer pro deal)
Double 120s (ok street price, dont want to know my price) $1100
DSS Backplate and wing $600
sold DSS wing -300
Halcyon doubles wing 300 (dont try to get this price)
Halcyon single wing 300
Halcyon 18 HID light $1400 Yes I have bought cars for less than this flash light!
aluminum 40 deco bottle with din valve 150
Apeks DS4/x50 (X3) 500
misc spgs, hoses, stage kits 1000?
dr spool 50?
Halcyon spool 60
crappy spool with high vis line 10
putting high vis line on halcyon spool just my time
Halcyon 400' reel 150
6' argon bottle 100
scubapro Mk2 40 pro deal
opv 30
argon mounting kit 60
argon sticker 5
being warm with argon priceless!
Halcyon scout backup light 90
uwatec bottom timer 100
sunto SK7 70
DSS mounting boots for gauges $15 (X3)
Turtle Fins 100
Turtle Fins (I lost one fin) another 100
OMS Slipstream 100
spring straps for fins 50 (X3) I DIYd others


hmm I know there was other stuff but this should just about cover the majority of my kit.

 

[sawillia]

This is my current gear list. It's taken a while to get here but, I'm glad I did it.

Zeagle Ranger --- It has the capacity to take me over to entry Tech diving if I need it... It's got great comfort and I like the wing inflation instead of the Jacket. There is a lot of opinions over jacket vs back. Bottom line this is more comfortable for me and I like leaning back like I'm in a recliner waiting on a pick up

Scuba Pro MK25/S600 For the Reg... AWESOME breather upside down inverted every direction. The open piston first stage needs more attention when cleaning but, it's worth it and doesn't take much more effort.

I've got a 36" hose going to my primary... with a swivel on it so I route my hoses under my arms. I tend to "Explore" and it keeps my houses and siloutte as compact as possible.

Scuba Pro Small Pressure gauge... gain slim line and I can tuck it in my cumberbun...

ScubaPro Air II for my safe second and auto inflator

Suunto Stinger (the wife bought it for me... way outta my price range but she loves me... and I LOVE this computer) O and her too

Fit and comfort is priority...

I've tried these and liked them:

Zeagle Envoy D50 ( I really like this reg and I keep it for my backup encase something goes wrong)

Atomic B2 (I liked this reg. great performer and a good price)

I HATED these:

I believe it was a Scuba pro Brute something... you'll find it on most rental equipment. That thing might not have been tuned right but DAMN...

I've tried other regs and if you're interested I can write those up.

I have bought off the internet and I probably will again.. I also support my LDS as much as I can but, I'm a cheap bastardo

 

[David P]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11658535#post11658535 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sawillia

I HATED these:

I believe it was a Scuba pro Brute something... you'll find it on most rental equipment. That thing might not have been tuned right but DAMN...

I think you mean Sherwood Brute. Scubapro doesn't name any of their regs, they are all Mk# for fist stage and letter-number (g250,s600,d400)

 

[Shoreliner11]

I agree with most of what others have said. To add, are you going to be doing you're diving in only warm water on vacations and such or in ohio where you live as well? Factor in the added cost of a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit for that matter. A drysuit would run about a grand for a decent one. 300-400 for a good cold water wetsuit.

 

[coral diver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11653389#post11653389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thirschmann
I have been researching the same exact thing as I want to finally buy my own set of gear. You can get a cheap set for around $700 without wetsuit or special trimmings or you can get hooked up with the best of the best of almost everything for around $3600. Personally I'm shooting for the higher end for peace of mind and comfort (both extremely important in my mind)

If your looking for quality gear check out scubapro, I think that's the direction I am going to go in and they have a great rep.

THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING OUR PRODUCT LIKE I KEEP TELLING NEW DIVERS THERE'S NO AIR UNDER WATER THATS WHY BUY THE BEST

 

[coral diver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11668992#post11668992 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shoreliner11
I agree with most of what others have said. To add, are you going to be doing you're diving in only warm water on vacations and such or in ohio where you live as well? Factor in the added cost of a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit for that matter. A drysuit would run about a grand for a decent one. 300-400 for a good cold water wetsuit.

We have a semi-dry suit and some end user swear that they feel sweat at 50 degrees water temp

 

[coral diver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11658535#post11658535 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sawillia
This is my current gear list. It's taken a while to get here but, I'm glad I did it.

Zeagle Ranger --- It has the capacity to take me over to entry Tech diving if I need it... It's got great comfort and I like the wing inflation instead of the Jacket. There is a lot of opinions over jacket vs back. Bottom line this is more comfortable for me and I like leaning back like I'm in a recliner waiting on a pick up

Scuba Pro MK25/S600 For the Reg... AWESOME breather upside down inverted every direction. The open piston first stage needs more attention when cleaning but, it's worth it and doesn't take much more effort.

I've got a 36" hose going to my primary... with a swivel on it so I route my hoses under my arms. I tend to "Explore" and it keeps my houses and siloutte as compact as possible.

Scuba Pro Small Pressure gauge... gain slim line and I can tuck it in my cumberbun...

ScubaPro Air II for my safe second and auto inflator

Suunto Stinger (the wife bought it for me... way outta my price range but she loves me... and I LOVE this computer) O and her too

Fit and comfort is priority...

I've tried these and liked them:

Zeagle Envoy D50 ( I really like this reg and I keep it for my backup encase something goes wrong)

Atomic B2 (I liked this reg. great performer and a good price)

I HATED these:

I believe it was a Scuba pro Brute something... you'll find it on most rental equipment. That thing might not have been tuned right but DAMN...

I've tried other regs and if you're interested I can write those up.

I have bought off the internet and I probably will again.. I also support my LDS as much as I can but, I'm a cheap bastardo

Try and check out our new comp; Galileo you might change mind about the sunto :rolleye1:

 

[pheromo]

coral diver ... go to carribean but i'm a person who gets cold easy ... went with 5mm but got a hendersen goldcore brand new but a few years old for 50% off ... do u know that suit? recommend it?

 

[aaron starr]

Before you go out and buy a bunch of expensive stuff you should rent your equipment a few times at least. Try different brands and see what works best for you. Unless you plan on diving more than twice a month you should just rent tanks, its a lot easier and not that expensive. I dive 3-4 times a month and I still rent my tanks, but I own everything else. Also you don't need to buy a computer right now either, wait until you go into advanced courses. Check with your dive shop that is offering the course, because most will offer discounts to students in the class.

 

[coral diver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11708376#post11708376 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pheromo
coral diver ... go to carribean but i'm a person who gets cold easy ... went with 5mm but got a hendersen goldcore brand new but a few years old for 50% off ... do u know that suit? recommend it?

Honestly i have not touch any other brand if you visit a dive shop and it carry our brand check the Everflex Steamer 7/5 the main body is 7mm but the legs and arm are 5mm some wet suit when it get old it looses its desity you loose body heat.

 

[David P]

Pheromo, Henderson is a popular wetsuit... It is very comfy on land and easy to put on. Their neoprene is extra stretchy, but it does compress at depth and you do loose thermal protection. 5 mil seems pretty thin for NY area diving, more of a vacation wetsuit than anything, especially if you get cold easily.