I'm looking for SCUBA gear (average stuff): BCD,tank,gauges,regulator,weights, maybe even a dive computer?

Question

I need to know where to get the BEST POSSIBLE prices cuz I got my certification recently (I'm 16) and want to carry on diving for studies and leisure. I could buy it in pieces, but want to know where to get the BEST deal. After all, I'm only 16 and can only afford so much at certain times. I know I have enought for all of it put 2gether, but just want to find out where to get it at good quality for as low price as possible. But it has to be good quality. :) Thanks

Answer 1

Tevasmurf is bang on the money by advising you to steer clear of internet sales. There are a number of issues when dealing with an online retailer as opposed to a local dive shop.
1/ Quality of the gear: It may be a reputable brand, but how do you know you're not getting gear with an issue, be it blemishes or even some damage, that is the reason why they can't sell in person.
2/ Are you actually getting what you're paying for? Counterfeit gear is on the rise. There's good money to be made selling sub standard gear that's fake.
3/ You've snapped a D ring or chest clip. Now what? Are you prepared to send your BC out for a few weeks, paying for shipping costs and the repair? The service is virtually non existent.
4/ Well golly, they advertised that BC as a large but you can't get it on. Not all manufacturers use the same guidelines as to sizing. One's large is another's medium. Now what? It doesn't fit.

Buying from a reputable local shop does a few things in your favor. You get to try it on, try it out, see it and inspect it first hand. You get to compare different manufacturer's gear right then and there. The gear in question will be exactly what you're paying for. The service is right there. Something like a D ring could be fixed in minutes, not weeks and sometimes it's free if you're a regular customer. You're helping to support a local dive shop, keeping money in your community and divers diving. That local shop probably does volunteer work for keeping beaches clean or dive sites safe. You also get to make friends with people that dive from that shop. Instant dive buddies and they live right near by. No searching on the net needed.
If you buy regularly from a shop or make large purchases there, chances are, you can swing some really great deals. I get a 15% discount on anything I buy at my local one, sometimes more.

Answer 2

Do not buy gear off the Internet! Do not buy gear off the Internet! Depending what type of diving you are into and where you do it, can influence you decision. Go to your local shop and tryout some of their rental gear first. The more you tryout, the better a feel you get for what suits you best. As you are a new diver and probably on a budget, I would recommend looking at Sherwood Scuba because they are reliable, low maintenance compared to other brands, and affordable for the new diver. You may also want to look at US Diver and Scubapro. I personally am a fan of Scubapro BCs, but have some dislike for the rest of their stuff. US Diver has good stuff as well. Sherwood make great regulators that do well in cold water, the USD ones are pretty good too. Try to hold off on buying tanks unless you know you need to get them now. Most places rent them or include them when on a charter if you live in the south, if you are in the northern states or Canada look into buying. Buy either a Luxfer or Catalina style 80 DO NOT buy a Scubapro tank they are just to oddly done, unless you live in Europe where they are the standard. Also consider a used tank if it has a good hydro, it may have scratches but after a few dives all tanks get scratched up. Used tanks are considerably cheaper.

Answer 3

Your best bets are on CraigsList.org and eBay.com

I got an awesome reg from CL for $80, and a brand new BCD from eBay for $140. Also check out ScubaToys.com their stuff is all new, but their prices are so good that sometimes it beats used stuff. They also offer package deals (some including computers) that are good priced.

Remember that any gear you buy used needs to be serviced before you can use it. So my $80 reg actually cost $170 after getting it serviced.

Getting a good set of gear can be expensive, but it's great when you get it together. Also you may want to rethink buying a tank and weights. The tank is almost as expensive to fill as it is to just rent one. Weights can get expensive, and you have to buy them locally because of the insanely high shipping charges.

Good luck and enjoy your new gear!

Answer 4

I have been a diver for 20 years. I have bought almost all of my equipment online or mail order. I picked up copies of Skin Diver mag and other trades, and did the research. You can also search the internet and then do the footwork to find the cheapest. Most stores that sell equipment is going to be good just based on the liability of selling cheap stuff. Use your head, and get what you like.

Answer 5

I wouldn't recomened used gear as using dive gear is holding your life in its hand. But if you feel safe i would try ebay or craiglist

Answer 6

I got a super deal at some Ebay store in NYC (new BC $120). What would you want a tank or weights for? Any dive shop can rent you those, and you don't want to schlep them around....

Answer 7

http://www.divers-supply.com/

I've bought lots of stuff from these guys over the years and I've always been pleased with the quality and service.