Shop question, for Divers and Snorkelers

[Ding2daDong]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9799475#post9799475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andrewwl
Curious about this - I had some hard plastic fins that hurt my feet and somebody finally clued me in to needing booties. But my fitted fins feel great - why one over the other?

Not trying to jack this thread but I just bought these;

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_956/Context_954/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/AERFVD.html?Hit=1

and they fit perfectly but when I am in the water it hurts my feet alot. It strains them when I flap and just can't take it. I where them bare foot. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

-Matthew

 

[Rogger Castells]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9799475#post9799475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andrewwl
Curious about this - I had some hard plastic fins that hurt my feet and somebody finally clued me in to needing booties. But my fitted fins feel great - why one over the other?

You don't really need them if you are doing boat dives and your fins fit perfect and don't hurt your heels. You can also replace booties for socks, they do the trick for a snuggle more confortable fit.

I will give you an example were booties are nescesary.

1. if you are doing beach dives and have to walk through rocky terrains in and out of the dive carrying your heavy equipment. Trust me barefooted hurts!

2. if you are going to be doing cave diving and you are going to have to take your fins off to explore.

 

[Rogger Castells]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9799614#post9799614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AJtheReefer
I think Scubapro is the best equipment on regulators and BCs.

I think when we talk about masks, fins and snorkels. . . . is mostly a matter of preference as long as you buy one of the reputable brands (Mares, Cressi, TUSA, etc.)

I agree with you 100%, at the end is all about how confortable it feels.

 

[SouthFloridian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9799926#post9799926 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Von_Rahvin
if you want the best price Hands down http://www.leisurepro.com/catalog.aspx

i picked up a pair of cressi Grassa 3000's for 90 bucks there.
also LED dive lights
dive knifes etc. great prices and great service.
DD is great in a pinch, but they don't really have good prices. Sides they just got rid of their 2 dollar air fill.

Leisurepro does have some of the best prices around. Just be aware that they are not an "authorized dealer" for most of what they sell. They do have their own warranty (which they do a decent job of honoring), but just so that you're aware.

Also, there is no "best brand" when it comes to all the equipment. Every brand has their strong points and weak points.

Some brands make very good regulators, but their BC's or fins suck.

You need to know what you're buying, and what your needs are.
Most people that dive here (in warm water) don't need to spend the extra money on a reg. that won't ice up under harsh conditions.

Some of the high end computers cost over $1,000.00 and have features that the "normal" diver won't need, like the ability to monitor the air supply of 3 other computers (divers).

Most of my equipment is quite old (my regulator is 12 years old), and is still going strong. If you get good stuff, and treat it well, it will last long.

My computer is the newest thing that I have. It needed to be replaced because the battery went dead in the old one, and the manufacturer didn't support it anymore. They gave me a $700.00 discount on their newest computer though.

You can buy most of your stuff online. But a few things simply need to tried on in person to make sure that it is comfortable.
Namely the mask, and possibly the wet suit.

 

[mar-y-sol]

I just have to comment now, I have experience from both sides since I have been diving for the past 8 years and just recently began working at a dive shop. I think there are definetly brands that are better than others and like rogger said in my opinion and in most peoples opinions you cant beat scubapro, pretty much anything and everything they make is good, exept for fins.

Eric, you are not really required to wear booties on any boat, most people wear them because most divers use open heel fins.

whoever is using the garas and said that they hurt, I have the same problem with mine, at the beginning they hurt like crazy but like 10 dives in they were broken in and now they are fine plus you get used to kicking with them. I would also recommend a reopreme sock, if it makes your foot too big to put insinde the pocket just wear a regular cotton sock, thats how I wear mine, it helps with the pain.

Southfloridian: high end regulators are not only used for cold water, they are also for diving deep and you can even tell the difference in a 30 foot dive, or at least I can if Im not using my MK25/S600. and while I will agree with you that some computers do tend to bring more stuff that most divers wont use it doesnt mean you shouldnt consider them. Usually with computers the higher end models tend to bring more options than just keeping track of 3 gasses. One thing that should be considered is the type of logorithms that they use and wether or not they are adjustable.

 

[Von_Rahvin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9800958#post9800958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andrewwl
Von_Rahvin: how do you buy something like the Cressi Garra online (without trying it on) ?

i read enough reviews on the 3000. it's pretty much the end all be all of free diving fins. I swam down a mutton snapper to shoot him with them on. I'm in love with those bad boys.

Also it is true the warrenty for certain things isn't covered, but i only buy things online that I know what I want to begin with.

next purchase zeagle stilletto. :bum:

 

[mar-y-sol]

I use the 2000, its about an inch shorter than the 3000 but stiffer so you have to kick less

 

[SouthFloridian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9804764#post9804764 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mar-y-sol
Southfloridian: high end regulators are not only used for cold water, they are also for diving deep and you can even tell the difference in a 30 foot dive, or at least I can if Im not using my MK25/S600. and while I will agree with you that some computers do tend to bring more stuff that most divers wont use it doesnt mean you shouldnt consider them. Usually with computers the higher end models tend to bring more options than just keeping track of 3 gasses. One thing that should be considered is the type of logorithms that they use and wether or not they are adjustable.

I didn't say all high end regs were for cold water.
I said that you didn't need to spend the extra money on a reg that was made for cold water use.

Also, most decent computers have a very conservative algorithm. Not many (only the highest priced ones) have an adjustable algorithm.