New to this world

[Superwake220]

I am going thur the class right now and I would like to get so info on what to buy for my first BC and Reg setup. What do people think about Ebay?

[BoomerNJ]

You can get some good deals on eBay, but you won't get a warranty 99.999% of the time. Check out Scubatoys.com first & see if they can set you up with a package. Even if you don't like the pre-made packages on their site, if you call they will make on up for you with stuff you will like, plus forum members get a 10% discount.

Welcome to the forum, btw! Don't forget to introduce yourself in the introductions thread!

Take care & dive safe!

[in_cavediver]

Personal opinion is that you'd do better talking to a good reputable shop. Scuba toys seems to be a popular choice. You might pay a little more, you might not but you know you'll get new gear that will work for you diving. I have heard nothing but good things from them.

Later, when you get some expierence, ebay might be a good place to get some stuff. I've picked up a few reels and a lift bag there. A lot of stuff there is junk in my opinion and its buyer beware. (there are several gems though if you know how to look)

[Duckydiver]

I'll tend to buy anything online. But when life support equipment iss whaat your buying, be ware. My buddy bought a awsome reg on e bay, and what a deal. Others have not been so fortunat. I would stick to reputable dealer Both LDS and online retailers. I've been very happy with Scuba Toys

[trekkindave]

Being a new diver looking to get set up, i took advantage of some online shopping to ease the burden on my wallet.

That being said, I did a lot of research before I committed to sending my cash out the window. I visited my local dive shops and got some advice from the people there as to the most popular local brands, who they serviced, what they would recommend for new divers who wanted "middle of the road" price. And I actually got to put my hands on some stuff and see what I was talking about.

I then hit the internet for some more research. With my new knowledge of regulators and "jargon" I searched for manufactures and saw what they had offered for this seasons current models. I also tried to look up owners manuals, service guidelines, and user reviews.

Next... I talked my dive buddies ears off about what gear they had, what I was looking at online, what the LDS said, ETC... I think I actually made a few of them (and my Girlfriend) not want to talk to me for a couple days. I used what they had learned from their diving experiences and actually using equipment. I found that this was different information from what the LDS was trying to sell me. Seems they were looking to sell me entry level stuff and use that, while my buddies were trying to convince me to get more advanced stuff and learn to use it right off the bat. In the end I went with the advice of my friends over the LDS recommendations because, well... i like that stuff better. And from my research I decided that like that stuff better too.

In the middle of all of this, i lurked on the forum here to see what people were talking about equipment wise. I learned that even though i like the Oceanic Excursion and Outrigger (a locally sold brand)... everyone on the board here from across the nation RAVED about Zeagle Products and in particular the Brigade or the Ranger.

Lastly, I went to mecca of all low cost if you are willing to get used stuff and actually spend time searching...... EBAY!!

The Reg Set up I purchased was a model from last season that was just discontinued. The seller had a service reciept from his LDS that showed the last date with work done, and he had all the original reciepts, original owner cards and manuals and the pictures he had up on the listing were up close.. I was able to see the details and know that the item was in good shape. I read the listing all the way through 4 or 5 times to make sure i knew what i was bidding on (once won an instruction manual to a high end car stereo for real cheap when i didnt read the listing right).

In the end, I ended up winning that Auction. I got a Scuba Pro MK25 1st Stage, x650 Second stage, and R190 Octopus, plus a basic Uwatec depth and SPG console for $450 including shipping and a regulator bag. This set up, as i Read was at least TWICE that price new.


As for a BC.. I got alittle lucky since I'm a smaller guy and could fit into a small size. It seems that that size is not in HIGH demand so I found a listing on ebay for a used (twice, in the caribean on OW check outs by the owner before he shipped out with the navy) Zeagle Ranger with inflator. I got REALLY lucky when i realized it was a local seller who let me look at it before i took delivery and final payment. I walked away with a Zeagle Ranger in my size for $200 bucks!!!! That 1/4 of the cost for a new one!!!

Since Im in New York, Well Long Island, I was informed that There was a STRONG need for a full exposure protection suit since the water is rarly aboe 75 degrees here and to dive more then 6 weeks a year.. you wanted atleast a 7mm full suit with boots, hood, and gloves.. prefereably a dry suit.

The LDS wanted something like 400 bucks for a bare 7mm jumpsuit... I was tossed between the close out ones on Scubatoys or ebay on this one.. ST has some great prices on wetsuits... but I wanted a specific suit after being able to see it at the LDS. I found a Scubapro 7mm Everfex in my size for $145. it was new.. on ebay.

I also purchased two used wetsuits on ebay before that for a whopping total of 30 dollars. A farmer john/jacket 7mm older DACOR and a mares 6.5mm farmer john.

last but not least... using craigslist.. (better then ebay since its local, cash, and you get to see before you buy) I found someone selling ALL his dive stuff including 10 used (with current hydro) Catalina Aluminum 80 tanks for $100 Each.. The LDS wanted $225 for a tank new. ST has some great prices on tanks too.. but with shipping it comes to almost $200 for a tank to my house. So for the price of one tank, I am going to get two tanks.

The only thing i did buy from the LDS was a mask, fins, and booties. I wanted to actually try those things on before I bought them and Im glad I did because I was a different size then i thought in the booties.

Grand total for my online shopping Less then 1,000 for top of the line stuff.
Local Purchase would have been Almost 3000 for the same stuff.

I did feel alittle guilty about not supporting my LDS but in the end, my wallet ended the battle for me. I work damn hard for my money, shlepping through rain, snow, hurricanes, killer bee's, EVERYTHING to help sick and injured people in the middle of the night...or pick up the local drunks 7 times a week at 3am for a stubbed toe. Why should i give the LDS my money that I bust my butt for. Ill gladly pay them for training (if they prove to actually teach me anything once i get into it), Air fills, Servicing, and all the other stuff... maybe even some small accouterments along the way.. But if you can keep money in your pocket.. WHOO WOOOO

Sorry this was soo long, but I felt i needed to put it out there for anyone who was conflicted about purchasing online or at the LDS.. by all means flame me or congratulate me, but when the green is flowing OUT of my wallet.... well you can figure it out.

My advice to anyone looking to purchase a set up online is this.... make sure you know what you are looking for before you buy.. don't just go looking for the cheapest stuff you can get online. Know what quality equipment is, how much it costs new, and then search from their.. Sometimes it takes a while to find a good deal, sometimes you are in the right place at the right time.

~~~And thats all I have to say about that~~~~