Quote Originally Posted by benfuqua View Post
I have just signed up for dive training, and as I am studying my materials I am getting ready to start buying my gear. So does anyone have any recommendations of favorites or anything I should stay away from. I have to admit it all gets a little overwhelming.
How much money do you have? :-)

Rent! Keep renting.
To start though, mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt (get the pouch type with
zipper, much more comfortable to wear) and a few pounds of weight, oh say
12 lbs (like 2x4lb, 2x2lb) for example.

Visit all your local shops and see what they offer and rent when you go
diving. When you find one you like, there ya go.

Here is what I use to give you something:
Atomic B2 DIN First Stage
Atomic B2 second stage
Atomic Z2 Octo
Zeagle 911 BCD
DUI 450 Dry Suit, various sizes of wetsuits (ie. 3mm, 5mm, 7mm)
OMS Slipsteam fins, Mares Volo (Don't really like the volo, not enough umphff)
95 LP Steel DIN

This stuff you can't see on me (except the lift bag/flares).
They're all tucked away:
> Safety Sausage (for ocean diving)
> Marine Whistle
> Stobe (Right SHoulder)
> Small hand held lights (x2)
> two 10watt Dive-Rite hand held lights
> 100lb lift bag
> 3 flares
> dye markers
> 10 foot buddy line
> glo sticks
> Water proof paper
> Computer (on my wrist)
> Compass (in my pocket) (I only pull it out after getting lost! :-))
> Analog pressure guage (you can see)

It sounds like a lot in qty, but it's really compact. These are some of the
things you can look forward to purchasing in the future.

Enjoy your class.. Good luck on your purchases.