KatHuss said:
For all you scuba folks, I have some questions....
DH was looking into some of the equipment he is going to need. He needs a 2XL buoyancy compensating vest and the store here is listing it at $600!! Is that normal??
What about wetsuits? He is looking at about $1400 for total for the equipment and that doesn't include a tank and he already has mask and fins. Help! That really eats into the budget for what we had to spend for vacations.....
Hello there! gaRry suggested I poke my head in here and talk about scuba equipment. Bummer......
Scuba is an "equipment intensive sport". You don't have to buy everything to participate, but having your own regulator, wetsuit and maybe a dive computer will help out. It will cost about what you have already mentioned to get some decent gear.
I don't know how much experience DH has underwater or what his plans are for the future. However, owning your own equipment can and will add a layer of confidence underwater due to the fact that you know how it works, you know that it has been serviced and you are comfortable in it. Also owning gear will make it easier to dive more often and that is a good thing. Experience is required to make a better diver.
You're in Indiana and that will mean that he will be diving some colder water as well as trips to warmer locations. I would suggest that he get equipment that will work in both situations, if that's what he wants to do. For travel and warmer waters I like the lighter weight gear if possible. 3mm full wetsuit will work for all of the spots cruises go to usually.
As far as the BC (buoyancy compensator) I dive and would recommend a backplate and wings. These are infinitely adjustable and are extremely streamline in the water. Plus, the backplate can take a few pounds off the weight belt, and that's a good thing. They also make the divers horizontal trim easier to achieve. Check out
Covci for a nice combo at $470 or
Deep Sea Supply for $499 These are talked about as Tech gear, but are very nice for recreational divers too. My 14yo daughter dives one and LOVES it!!
As far as regulators go.
Scuba Pro makes terrific equipment as does
Apeks,
Atomic and
Zeagle. I would definitely recommend a balanced regulator system as these breath very nicely at all depths and tank pressures. Stay away from the titanium regs, they cost more and don't breath any different than a standard model (just weight a little less).
Dive computers are very helpful because they will track the divers profile underwater and track the nitrogen loading, depth, dive time and no decompression limit time remaining. If he goes that route, get one that will do Nitrox too.
However, if I were to choose what to leave behind it would be the BC. Take mask, fins, regulator and dive computer. He can always rent a BC that will work.
Hope that helped some, if you need more PM me. Be happy to help.
Now back to the standard fluff!!
aargh...
