OK guys, need some opinions...

[hul kogan]

As a little background, I'm currently working through my open water cert with my LDS. Just had my 2nd pool class last night so I'm definitely a beginner. Don't be too harsh on me! :rollface:

I am at a crossroads...whether to buy my own equipment or not. And if so, if I should buy it at the LDS. After my class last night, I talked with the owner and priced out a complete outfit. The whole nine yards (mask, fins, snorkel, boots, wet suit, bc, Titan LX 1st/2nd stage, octopus, Cobra 3 computer, tank (I think?), etc) and it would come out to ~$2,300. I know it's hard to say without knowing all the specific products, but does that seem reasonable?

They are an Aqualung dealer, so where applicable, that is what brand I'd be getting. The snorkel system is Deep See, I believe. I could get a cheaper complete setup by downgrading items to lower models. Most of these are the a good solid, middle ground product. I think that in this case it makes sense to get a setup that will last so I will not have to buy new components in a few years.

I know that I could likely get a setup cheaper online, but there are obviously benefits to buying at the LDS:
- They will let me try out and make sure I'm comfortable with anything in the pool, before I buy.
- My open water checkout dives will be free ($170 savings).
- They'll be able to help me out with warranty issues or the like.
- The whole 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' mentality, which I'm sure would come into play at some point.
- I believe their Fri/Sat 'Fun Dives' in the local quarry or the lake would also be free of charge.

My reasons for wanting my own equipment are as follows:
- I'll feel much more comfortable/safe using equipment that I am familiar with, instead of having to get accustomed to a new rental setup every time.
- I'm a smaller guy, so I have been warned that many dive operators might not have my correct size for wet suits and BCs.
- I think it will get me out diving more, since I won't have the rental excuse getting in my way.

I will be doing my open water checkout dives in April-May in a local quarry and my first dive trip in the ocean will be Grand Cayman, also in May. I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions guys!

 

[Mounda]

I think you'll be better off going with rentals, diving equipment requires regular maintenance and regular use. If you plan on diving a lot then buy your own gear if you're plan is to dive during the holiday season then perhaps you shouldn't invest a lot of money in equipment. The only gear I would suggest you buy would be the personal items such as the mask, fins, boots and wet suit. The items that come in contact with your body are the items you should worry about.

Buying at the LDS has both cons and pros as you listed above. You have to try your mask, fins and suit on first before you purchase them just like you would with regular clothing. You can't buy sunglasses online without trying them on before because they simply might not fit, that applies with the mask too because your nose might not fit well in the mask, etc...

Aqualung is a good brand, I've used them extensively before.

 

[hul kogan]

I think you'll be better off going with rentals, diving equipment requires regular maintenance and regular use. If you plan on diving a lot then buy your own gear if you're plan is to dive during the holiday season then perhaps you shouldn't invest a lot of money in equipment. The only gear I would suggest you buy would be the personal items such as the mask, fins, boots and wet suit. The items that come in contact with your body are the items you should worry about.

Buying at the LDS has both cons and pros as you listed above. You have to try your mask, fins and suit on first before you purchase them just like you would with regular clothing. You can't buy sunglasses online without trying them on before because they simply might not fit, that applies with the mask too because your nose might not fit well in the mask, etc...

Aqualung is a good brand, I've used them extensively before.

Well, I know my wallet will be better off going with rentals!

The thing is, my uncle is a big diver. During the summer months I'd say he dives at least 2-3 times a week. During spring/fall he dives on the weekends. He lives minutes from the local quarry, so he is always out there. He recently got my aunt into diving, also. Point being, I think I'd always have someone to dive with. Which would keep me diving locally. My hope would be to hit the Caribbean at least once a year. My Grand Cayman trip will actually be my second time down there in the last 6 months.

As you mentioned, I can't ever see buying anything that requires personalized fitment online as a good idea. It just sounds like a recipe for ill-fitting equipment. If I had all my own equipment, what could I expect to pay in yearly maintenance? Also, how often would be considered regular use?

I realize they might be a bit skewed, but my LDS says you should buy your own equipment if you plan to dive more than 5-7 times a year. They also mention that to stay up-to-date with your diving skills, you should try to dive 10-15 times a year.

 

[Mounda]

I think they mean on 5-7 different occasions and not 5-7 dives a year.

You could buy everything online if you wanted to maybe except the wet suit because sizes differ from one brand to the other but other things are by model. If you like the equipment at the LDS you could get your exact measurements for items like a BCD, boots, weights/belt, mask model, snorkel, and have them shipped to you at a lower cost but you have to know your size first. I wear a size M BCD so I can order mine online if I want and I wear XL Beuchat boots so those would be the same everywhere.

Your octopus, regulator, tank, and such gear are standard and do not come in different sizes.

As far as staying on top of your diving skills I think they mean diving monthly and not a specific number of dives because you could dive 10x in a single month. I believe PADI regulations specify diving every 6 months or you should go through a refresher dive.

 

[billsreef]

If you plan on diving a lot, owning your own gear makes sense. However, as a beginner I would go with renting stuff for a bit to give you feel for the different equipment out there and see what you like and don't like. This way you'll be more informed when you buy

 

[hul kogan]

I just had a look at the operator I will be diving through on vacation and it looks like it will run me about $50 for equipment, plus the cost of the dive ($60-$100+ based on shore, boat, etc). So it looks like I am easily looking at $100-200 per dive(s).

Either way, I will be buying my mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. It looks like a wetsuit will also be a priority, too. The BC is questionable since I have been told I might have trouble getting my size through most dive ops.

I'm spinning in circles here. What are your thoughts on buying through a LDS vs. online? I can't see buying anything involving personalized fitment online, but regulator/dive comp, etc might be more doable. How much money would I be poised to save going that route?

 

[tahoe61]

If you plan on diving a lot, owning your own gear makes sense. However, as a beginner I would go with renting stuff for a bit to give you feel for the different equipment out there and see what you like and don't like. This way you'll be more informed when you buy

Could not agree more. Sure its good and cool to have your own stuff, but you will have no idea what works best for you until you get some serious dives under your belt. When buying things like regulators and computers you want to make sure it works for you. One person may love a type of regulator and another may think it has too much pressure or too hard to pull through. Wait and check out what others are using, the time will be well spent.

 

[Mounda]

I just had a look at the operator I will be diving through on vacation and it looks like it will run me about $50 for equipment, plus the cost of the dive ($60-$100+ based on shore, boat, etc). So it looks like I am easily looking at $100-200 per dive(s).

Either way, I will be buying my mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. It looks like a wetsuit will also be a priority, too. The BC is questionable since I have been told I might have trouble getting my size through most dive ops.

I'm spinning in circles here. What are your thoughts on buying through a LDS vs. online? I can't see buying anything involving personalized fitment online, but regulator/dive comp, etc might be more doable. How much money would I be poised to save going that route?

Why don't you compare prices, maybe the LDS can cut you a sweet deal ?

 

[billsreef]

I've brought wetsuits from Leisure Pro, they will actually send you a return shipping label if you need to send something back to exchange for fit. It's a bit time consuming if you have any trouble getting a good fit, but they don't give you any hassle and sometimes you can save significant money. However, if the LDS isn't stupid with their pricing I would spend the dollars locally first.

 

[divewithus]

YOu definitely need to buy your mask and fins and if you ahve more than one LDS go to all of them and see what they carry. Try on different masks until you get fits... then you can shop them on the net. Many of the LDS will match net pricing... most of the ones near me do.

I actually bought and learned on my own gear and in the 22 years I have been diving, still use the same reg (just had it rebuilt for the 3rd time). I switched to split fins when they came out and am just now looking into a new pair. I wore out 2 bc's and now use a transpac and have 2 wings.

If money is tight right now, simply rent your reg and bc when you dive. I take groups on dive trips and renting those 2 pieces of gear doesn't cost that much and you get to try out different brands to see which you like the best.

 

[hul kogan]

So you think a LDS will actually give price matching with a net site the time of day? I don't mind paying a bit more to help out the LDS, but when prices are drastically different I need to start thinking about the smarter financial decision.

What do you think the best way to approach them with net pricing would be? For the mask, snorkel, fins and boots I'd be looking at over $300 with the LDS. When you look around online, that seems a bit steep.

 

[divewithus]

So you think a LDS will actually give price matching with a net site the time of day? I don't mind paying a bit more to help out the LDS, but when prices are drastically different I need to start thinking about the smarter financial decision.

What do you think the best way to approach them with net pricing would be? For the mask, snorkel, fins and boots I'd be looking at over $300 with the LDS. When you look around online, that seems a bit steep.

First you need to make sure they have or can get the same thing you are looking at online. Then simply print out what you are looking at with the price, bring it in with you to the store and just ask if they will price match.

Worst case scenario is that they will tell you know... best case is they will match pricing or come close to it.

I don't know what name brands you are looking at but if you go to scubatoys.com and register on their forum, you will automatically get 10% off their published price. I have bought several pieces of gear through them and have even had them match price with other deals I have found on the net. They are very good to deal with.

When possible, I like to throw business to the stores in my area, especially since I know most of the owners.... but I won't hesitate to buy online if it can save me some good hard earned $$$. :lol2:

 

[Mounda]

$300 seems a little too much for the items you just mentioned.

Boots $20-30
Mask $50-60
Fins $70-100
Snorkel $20-30

I like the printed idea mentioned by divewithus, your showing them the item and they will notice the price on it. Without mentioning a price match they will automatically try to come close to the price internet price otherwise they would be pretty dumb because you could take your business elsewhere. LDS will probably be a little more expensive but let's not forget that they have a showroom and more running cost which most internet based businesses do not. They provide the local community with a few of jobs.

 

[divewithus]

$300 seems a little too much for the items you just mentioned.

Boots $20-30
Mask $50-60
Fins $70-100
Snorkel $20-30

I like the printed idea mentioned by divewithus, your showing them the item and they will notice the price on it. Without mentioning a price match they will automatically try to come close to the price internet price otherwise they would be pretty dumb because you could take your business elsewhere. LDS will probably be a little more expensive but let's not forget that they have a showroom and more running cost which most internet based businesses do not. They provide the local community with a few of jobs.

Depending on the type of fins you want they can cost well over $100... atomic splits and apollo bios range from around $140-$200.

I have bought 5 mm boots for as low as $8 and as high as $25... find out when the store near you have their yearly sales... a lot of stores start having sales just before the summer diving season.

I just took a group down to Cozumel and one of the people had bought a new purge mask for $60... I found it at scuba.com for $44 (she wanted another one and I pointed her in the right pricing direction).

The main thing is to go to the stores in your area and try gear on until you find what you like.... then go comparison shopping on the net.

Many times you cannot get all the brands you like at just 1 store... different stores carry different brands.