OT: Scuba gear

[Anthrax15]

In October, I'll be starting my scuba certification and want to start buying equipment. Doesn't need to be brand new. Just looking for some pointers as to where I could get gear.

I looked around Craigslist and found some good stuff. Any other suggestions?

I know some people here dive and would love some helpful pointers or tips

 

[rtartag]

Leisure pro, best place to shop online. They always have great deals on last years line of equipment

 

[Elliott]

you will love it, I was certified in 1972 by LA Divers before PADI even existed! lol

buy a good regulator, I prefer Scuba Pro gear

 

[BoricuaMojao]

Something to keep in mind, specially with regulators is the yearly service and parts.

Typically you service/rebuild a reg every year (some like atomic, every two).

Most manufacturers will include "free service parts" for this annual service to the original purchaser. If you buy used, budget for the cost of these parts, and budget for doing a "yearly" service right away on a used reg.

The cost for this service is usually around $20-$25/stage plus parts, so budget around $100 additional on a used reg.

Go to scubaboard and peruse the classifieds for another point of information on the used market (typically 1/2 off retail on the newer stuff)

 

[Anthrax15]

I'm still just barely getting my feet wet (no pun intended) on all the information I need to soak up lol

With the exception of fins, boots, and goggles, what other gear do I need to buy that I shouldn't rent?

 

[BoricuaMojao]

I'm still just barely getting my feet wet (no pun intended) on all the information I need to soak up lol

With the exception of fins, boots, and goggles, what other gear do I need to buy that I shouldn't rent?

nothing else, except snorkel. and DONT buy any of those that have complicated mechanisms to be "dry", that is a waste of money. Some shops may require you to buy your own weights, that definitely buy off craigslist if you can.

 

[Anthrax15]

Now that I have my personal gear and am about to start an accelerated class so I can be certified quicker, where would some great places to dive be? Anywhere in Cali? I don't have a massive budget so nicer places out of the country are a no go :/

 

[dantrag]

I think it's worth it to get your own wetsuit for your certification.

 

[kidkaos520]

whoa just was on scubapro and I have no idea what I am looking at. Can anyone suggest a decent regulator without putting a second mortgage on my house

 

[BoricuaMojao]

whoa just was on scubapro and I have no idea what I am looking at. Can anyone suggest a decent regulator without putting a second mortgage on my house

All brands have their entry level, work-horse, and top end models. Although, Scubapro tends to be priced on the higher end of the spectrum.

Since you will need to have it serviced every year. Check what local shops sell and service. Otherwise you will have to ship it away for service every year. Start with the brands that you have locally, and narrow it from there.

 

[Anthrax15]

Any recommendations for spots to dive?

 

[kidkaos520]

What things should I own and what should I rent? I'm sure just like this hobby some local salesman is gonna try and sell me stuff I don't need. So far I read regulator and wet suit. Is this accurate