Scuba Gear: Which One To Buy First
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Like in any other activities you want to get involve in, you’d prefer to use your own equipments for that particular purpose. To meet that “requirement”, so that you can immerse yourself to the fullest in your hobby or passion, it is NOT necessary to invest in all of the gears all at once. Which one to buy first?
My previous article titled “Own Vs Rental: Diving Equipments” outlined some of the facts that you may want to consider before purchasing you new sets of scuba diving gears. So, if now you’ve decided NOT to buy the whole set in one go – for reasons best kept to yourself – then we are looking at some prioritizing here. Again, which one to buy first?
It is important to understand that what ever is presented here – the rest of the post – is not a standard guideline when buying your own equipment: that is one piece at a time. This article is based on my years of involvement in scuba diving and through the common consensus from other divers.
So, here we go, in order of priority:
Mask & Snorkel: Clear vision for a good dive…
You need a mask that fits you. One that you are used to. And you really need your own especially if you are using a powered/corrective lens. A good mask will give the ease of mind when you can see clearly during the entire dive. A snorkel is standard equipment that should be worn and attached to your mask at all time (for surface swimming). Remember: get a mask designed for underwater use, aka diving mask.
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Own Vs Rental: Diving Equipments
Many of my previous students asked if it is a good idea to invest in diving equipments or just rent them from the dive shops/centres (?). This “Own Vs Rental” question may sound simple but the answer may vary giving the advantages and disadvantages each scenario may present when it comes to this choosing intersection.
Long fins are personal equipment preferences.
In general, there are two groups of divers. One is those diving purely for fun and next is those making living out of diving. The second group includes dive guides/Instructors (recreational diving), researchers, and technical, commercial and military. The first group will be the one more likely to get affected by this dilemma whether to purchase own equipment or to rent. The second group will, normally, get all their diving gears provided for.
To help you make the right decision, here are a few facts that need to be considered before making that expensive decision.
COMFORT – “ranked #3 in primary requirements for any piece of scuba equipment”
OWN: When buying your own gears, you will only select the right size, shape, design and color (diving is all about colors too) that suit your taste. You will be more comfortable wearing those gears because they fit perfectly.
RENT: The range of selection is limited to what the dive shops have invested in or rather afford to invest in. The gears may fit you but chances are; and most of the time they are, either a bit smaller or just a little bit bigger especially due to limited choices. Therefore, comfort is dramatically less in this case.
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