Just Started PADI Course

[dcombs44]

I just started my open water diver course and I started buying a few low cost items and was wanting some opinions on the quality of my initial gear purchases and some advice on what brands are good/bad, good deals/bad deals, etc. for bcd's, regs, guages, tanks, wesuits, etc. etc. etc.

I bought a Tusa Liberator mask/semi-dry snorkel set for $30 (I used this mask in my class and it fit well)
a pair of Mares Avanti Quattro Fins for $75
Tusa 5 mm boots w/ reinforced heel/toe for $30

Items were purchased from leisurepro.com and diversdirect.com
I also looked at floridascubadepot.com, scubastore.com, and scuba.com.

I haven't opened any of these, so if anyone has any suggestions on better deals or quality please let me know.

I realize i have a long way to go to complete a full set of scuba gear, so any pointers would be great. I plan on heading towards a wetsuit and gloves next. I'll probably be doing mostly summer and tropical diving so if anyone can give advice that would be great.

Thanks.

 

[fppf]

Henderson Hyper Strech, only way to go.
Even in the summer months in the great lakes you will need a 7mm suit, at least.

We dove in lake erie off of dunkirk last weekend, 71 degrees on the surface, 49 degrees at 100 feet. I was loven my dry suit.

I'm not against buying simple stuff online, but when it comes to your life support stuff I would stick to a good local shop.

 

[kmitch]

Leisure Pro

Leisure Pro

Caution with Leisure pro.... as much as they would like to say they are an authorized reseller of all this scuba stuff, they are not. Their products come with no warrenty or customer support. I have had my best support with www.divers-supply.com. Their website is crazy but the price match and sell a bunch of good stuff.

I agree with the henderson hyperstretch suits-- awesome!

 

[Jeepman3sk]

Dp the hyper stretch or the gold core both are great. Make sure when you get your gear (BCD, regs, octos, etc.) that you try them out. Most dive shops will let you try out the gear before buying it. Also buy at your local dive shop b/c you need a place you can go to locally. Better to pay a little extra money but have a good relationship with your local dive shop.