It's important to choose scuba gear that's suitable for your diving conditions. If you live in colder climates, you should consider purchasing a winter suit. If you live in warmer climates, you can get away with only a thin, light-weight rashguard. A BCD is required if the water temperature is higher than 28 degrees Celsius. SMB and a dive computer are essential pieces of equipment.
Scuba diving equipment is generally less expensive
Cheap scuba diving gear can be purchased from many sources, even if your budget is tight. Many sporting goods and discount stores sell scuba equipment. Some even have an entire department dedicated to it. However, most of these are simply retail outlets and won't provide the same services and expertise as a dive shop. Additionally, you won't be able to get name-brand gear at a discount price from these stores. Catalogs are also available at a lower price.
Sites dedicated to second-hand diving equipment will also have cheap scuba equipment. Craigslist, Gumtree and eBay all offer second-hand scuba equipment at a fraction of the normal price. There are also Facebook groups that offer second-hand scuba equipment. You can usually get discounts up to 50% on secondhand equipment. Older gear can offer even more savings.
Comparing renting scuba gear to buying
The biggest decision a diver has to make is whether or not to rent or buy scuba gear. A regulator or BCD is an expensive investment. Renting your equipment will allow you to test it out before making a purchase. To find the right fit, you can rent equipment to learn how to use it properly and test out various brands and models.
Purchasing scuba gear also has several advantages. You can test different styles and sizes before deciding on a style. Renting scuba gear can be uncomfortable or even ineffective, so you want to make sure you get the right fit before diving. You'll also be able familiarize yourself and your gear including the SMB, alternate air source and other accessories.
Making an educated decision when buying scuba gear
Before you purchase scuba gear, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, know exactly what gear you need. This will help to make an educated choice. There are many kinds of gear available, so it's important to know how they compare in terms of cost. It is a smart idea to shop at a well-respected dive shop for used scuba gear. This will allow you to make your purchase more affordable.
Which gear will be most appropriate for the type of diving that you are doing? Make sure the gear you choose is durable and will last for many dives. Also, think about your future needs. There are a number of different types of personal equipment that you'll need, including masks, fins, booties, gloves, and surface marker buoy. Another item to consider is a mesh bag or slate.