buying before cert class.

[bigman241]

What are your guys thoughts on buying the gear right before or during the ow cert class. I have hear the thing about learning with your own gear and not knowing what you will like best and so on.
But what are your thoughts. If your thought differ from gear to gear please give your thought on each. Are there any regs or bcs and such that are just no good for a newbi

[Vercingetorix]

I owned my own reg and computer before cert class. The reg was a Christmas present and I certed in January. Rather than just buy an SPG, I decided just to get the whole computer/SPG/compass. Got a great deal at ST (my LDS) whom I also certed with. My dive buddy bought the same reg and computer I did. He also bought a Zeagle Brigade and 80 csf tank.

Having said the above, I recommend DO NOT DO WHAT I OR MY BUDDY DID. Wait. Test various pieces of equipment. Do research. Ask questions here. Then buy.

FWIW, when I bought my BC for AOW (which was also my sixth dive), I went with a BP/W.

[fire diver]

I also recommend waiting to buy your gear. Most gear is essentially the same so there won't be any new learning curve compared to rental gear you learn with. But all gear has it's own little features that can make it better or worse for you. So after you get certified, dive alot. rent a lot of different gear from different places. Don't be shy! talk to other divers at the dive sites. ask them about thier gear and what they like or don't like about. After a little bit you start to form an educated opinion about what you want to buy and why.

This can save you from a lot of buyers remorse and buying things 2 or 3 times.

[snagel]

I agree....take it from a guy who almost owns two sets of dive gear.

Snagel

[mrmccoy]

I bought a BC before i got my cert. I'm happy with it but I would agree with everyone else about waiting and try as much gear as possible. Every person I meet that dives I tend to get into a gear conversation with them.

[SlvrDragon50]

I bought my gear after my cert class but that was because my LDS doesn't have BP/Ws nor Salvos.

However, you MUST research your gear before purchasing. Make sure you like the features it has and it will suit your needs.

[scubasavvy]

It's all about fit and comfort. I would definitely rent and try everything you possibly can before you spend a lot of money. Wishful thinking can be very expensive in this sport...

[Jack Hammer]

I bought all my gear, excluding tanks, before my cert. I used it all the first year, now it's taking up space. The only things I still use are my reg (It's fine, but I'd get something else given the choice) which I converted to din, and my computer, which I switched to wrist from console. Both those changes cost $50 ea and even though I use both regularly, it's because I have them. Given the option I'd of bought something else for those too.

So now I have a mask, snorkel, fins, westsuit, bc, booties, gloves, retractor, lights, and lots of other gadgets and gizmos that I'm too lazy to sell that're stuffed in the closet in case I ever have a friend who needs gear to dive with.

I say wait a while and buy it once.

Jack

[caburrid]

I agree with waiting. It is best to try out a bunch of gear if possible and see what fits you. I know I would have regretted buying my reg and octo before I had a chance to get accustomed to what I like and the type of diving I do.

[PTAaron]

I bought my computer between the classroom work and the open water portions of my cert - we had to wait a month for the water to warm up enough

During that time I did a lot of research and got a heck of a deal from ScubaToys for buying 2 computers together.

I bought my regulator setup and BC between finishing my OW cert and doing my next dives in Jamaica ... mostly because I had been doing research on stuff the whole time and had an idea of what I wanted, and my LDS gave me a GREAT deal on the stuff. I still want to pick up a different BC (a Ranger) ... I was torn between what I did get and a Ranger, but went with my ProQD because of price.