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Ruby Red Lip
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/4/2008 7:04:11 AM
Posts: 11,
Visits: 75
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| Hey yall, I went diving this weekend and had some problems with my gear. It was borrowed equipment and it was suggested I look into buying my own. I know I will need to try on a mask and fins and I can handle that, but I need some help with the regulator, bc and tanks (if any).
Any suggestions? I need to stay on a college students budget, however I am getting a few dollars back from this economic stimulus rebate.
Any help would be appreciated!
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Sailfish
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 12:30:51 PM
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| If you can't stomach the price of new gear, keep an eye on craigslist/ebay. You just first need to make sure that the cost of having the gear serviced plus the purchase price is still a good deal. And check with the local shops to make sure what you are looking at is still servicable with parts that are still available etc... My regs were hand me downs and my BC was bought used on Craigslist locally. I got my snorkle gear at the local shops. You are right, if you want to dive more than 3-5 times a year you need your own gear. I have about $2500 worth of gear that I only paid maybe $700 or so through deals I found locally etc... Here is a search I did on Craigslist for dive/scuba gear. http://pensacola.craigslist.org/search/spo?query=dive&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max http://pensacola.craigslist.org/search/spo?query=scuba&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max As far as what brands of gear to stick to, I am not sure on that one. I am not a person that sticks to one brand of gear or the other. My regs are Sheerwood, My BC is Zeagle, Fins are scuba pro, mask is atomic, gloves/booties are Pinnacle. So I am a patchwork of brands, but it does the job. I love my Zeagle Escape BC. It's minimal and that's what I like. I can't stand the BC's that have a bazillion pockets and stuff crowded on there. Stick with the back inflate BC's. Or at least try one out to make sure you like it. But most say they like the back inflate/wing style BC's more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "H2O: 2 parts hydrogen 1 part obsession." Jon
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Snapper
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Last Login: Today @ 10:28:08 AM
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| As Jon said, used gear is an option if you're on a tight budget. That's what I did initially. I bought new mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, boots, and gloves from a local shop. Then, after certification, I bought a used BC, set of regs, and weightbelt. The used gear has served me very well, but I have started to replace some of it. With all the dives I've made over the past few years, I definitely came out better than if I'd had to rent gear all that time. I just replaced the BC (it was showing some wear and tear) with a Hollis backplate system. Before diving any used gear find a local shop that you trust, and let them inspect the gear. If buying used gear locally, try to bring it to a shop before buying it. They can tell you if it's in good condition and safe to use.
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Mingo
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 10:03:08 PM
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If your on a budget, try some things on in a shop, then look for deals on ebay. Lots of slightly used equipment on there. If you pick and choose you can save a lot of $$$ on the regs and BC! Mask, fins, wetsuit, etc.. should be bought local. The cash you save on the bc and regs will pay for the other things.
John Moon- BuckWild "The Original"Pathfinder 23DV-F225 yammy "Liquid Chaos" http://www.myspace.com/jlmoon79  
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Trigger
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/20/2008 1:55:07 AM
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Another option is to check w/ local shops and see if anyone is upgrading or selling their used gear. Divers, especially Dive Instructors and Dive Masters are always upgrading or selling stuff they "acquire" and sometimes they know of former students that never really got the bug and will sell you gear at a fraction of the cost w/out the Internet gamble. Hope you get hooked up soon 'cause this time of the year is perfect for gearing up!
GO BIG OR GO HOME!!! 
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Snapper
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Last Login: Today @ 9:47:14 AM
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| I agree with what Knot A Yacht said, keep an eye out on craigslist, but don't limit your search to the panhandle area. Think of other coastal locations in FL and check them out too, you might need to get something shipped to you or drive to pick it up, but you can get some really good deals. I was talking to bmoore about this recently, he has the system down. If you find something you are interested it, check out some online dive stores that post reviews about gear and see if you can find out what other people think, then have it checked out by your dive shop. I got my gear when I was on Guam at the shops inventory sale, at a GREATLY reduced price, those are always a good place to start too. Getting your own gear is definately the way to go if you are going to be diving regularly, it's only a matter of time before you start using duct tape and plumbers epoxy on it anyways if you're wrestling fish outta wrecks, just get whats good for you...AND your budget.
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Sailfish
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