mask fins snorkle

[pig1744]

I'm looking to see what are the beast stuff for the money. still need to take my class for open water certification.

[ratown]

I like the frameless masks. I have the Oceanic Shadow. It feels good on my face.

[DiverMAN]

I also have the Oceanic Shadow and its like a fiesta on my face...

[frogman159]

unless your an avid snorkler, I'd just get the cheapest one I could find. No mater what kind of gadgets they put on there, its still just a tube with a mouthpeice.I got mine from ST $5 Mares spacesaver. works just like any other snorkel I've ever used.

[reactive]

Welcome to the board bpig!

Fins: If you want split fins, the apollo bio fins seem to be really popular around here. I don't have a suggestion for paddle fins, but I'm sure some other people around here can make a few suggestions.

Booties: any bootie will do. I have neo sport 3mm booties and I think i paid around 20 bucks for them.

Mask: Find a mask that fits your face and holds snug when you place it up to your face with out the strap to hold it in place

Snorkel: Get the cheapest one you can find as you will probably only use it for the certification class.

Wetsuit: This is up to you. Evaluate the water tempratures of which you would like to dive and buy a wetsuit accordingly. I dive mostly warm water and a 2/3 mm has been perfect for me. You may get by your certification class without buying one at all. When I did my open water certification, the wetsuit was given to me for the dives we did.

[Black-Gorrilla]

mask: what fits your face and your budget and style.
Fins: I have Mares metal limited (give those a 8-10)
also have Oceanic Vipers... (give them a 8.5-10)
and have done one dive with slow current using Apollo Splits...(11out of 10 there)
Snorkel: cheapest unless you actually plan on doing some snorkeling... if you can make out out of PVC and trow it away after checkout dive...(be hones with your self... are you gonna use it or not, then decide on one... Atomic makes a nice 60 dollars snorkel)

[FBH1]

I would recommend with whatever you buy, buy it on here. My girlfriend is about to start her open water dives and was told that she needed mask, fins, and snorkel for her class. We went to our closest dive shop and bought everything she needed as cheap as we could and it ended up costing her over $300! I went online and found on here the same things and it was about $125 give or take.

I'm all for supporting my local shop, but when I can get the same thing for 1/3 of the cost, I'm going to go the cheap route.

[Sounder]

I echo the comments on the cheap snorkel!! Get the cheapest one you can find.

A good fitting mask is key - try them on ensuring they stay on your face without the strap. Some facial hair grooming is sometimes required.

Boots - get something cheap OR get something high-end with a very hard, stout sole.. Don't waste your money with middle of the road stuff - eventually you'll want high quality boots, but cheapies will get you through your OW just fine.

[Penguino]

Unless you KNOW for certain what you want, I would recommend not going top of the line (except for booties, if you want) because you do not know what you like/dont like... split fins/blade fins, black skirt mask, clear skirt mask, etc. Go economical (but not cheap) so that what you buy can be used for a while until you know what you really want.

[abcitydiver]

really important - when fitting a mask:
put either the snorkel mouthpiece or a regulator mouthpiece in your mouth while you try on the masks.
Having the mouthpiece in - changes the landscape of your face, and can effect the seal that you want.