Ok I just got certified a few days ago and I am wanting to buy my own gear and I was was wondering where the best place to buy it? I was looking at all of the packages online that have a BC, Reg, Octo, and a Computer for around 1000. Is that a good deal?

We bought some of our dive gear at divers direct. Do your research on gear though. I returned the Mares BCD and I think the computers/gauges are crapola. We went with the Zeagle brand Zena/ Ranger LTD BCD and we are VERY happy with these after about 100 dives in the last year or so. Make sure to get something that will last.

Do a search here about BCD's, there was a thread started a while ago. Many people with good ideas, and some not...but you deceide for yourself!!

Here is a link:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6684&highlight=Mares

We just got back from Belize: http://www.huracandiving.com
What a great vacation, some of our pics are on their site. This is the closest dive operator to the Blue Hole and we dove Lighthouse atoll everyday (and night). The only thing is that they are a half days boat ride from the mainland and the last island on the way to the deep blue (very remote). Next up is Galapagos this Aug, I can't wait!!!


Good luck on your purchases!

There is a place in Richmond Hill, near savannah that has really good prices. They cant most likely get you the whole deal(BCD, octo, reg, computer, wetsuit, etc.) for under a grand, i know cause I used to work there and he did it all the time.

his name is bob and there website is www.scubamarketusa.com (http://www.scubamarketusa.com) they had a lot of atlanta clients and a major chicago lawyer and a NBA basketball player dove with them, cant remember the guys name though, maybe i will think of it soon.

if u find it cheaper, he'll beat it.

scuba divin is awsome sport to be in.

DO NOT buy online.....do yourself a favor....Buy your stuff from a scuba shop. this is your life line...more **** can happen to that stuff than you know.

Online.....you think they will help you? No way....

do not skimp on this stuff. and Online is not that much cheaper anyway. I see your in Duluth......Go to Adventures in Diving.

See Diane Harris or Scott Harris. Adventures in Diving is on Peachtree Industrial about a mile south of Pleasant Hill. In the Publix center.

Tell them Todd Washowich sent ya. They are nice and VERY competitive

Good looking out todd.. What are you doing up so early? Lol

Yea, he does have a point, but I will stake my life on all the gear that SCUBAAMrkertUSA has in there shop. Good luck findin your gear

I can tell you that Dive Dive Dive in LAwrenceville is a pretty good shop and they sell used equipment on consignment (or at least they used to) there was some really good deals on some used BCDs and Octos. If you go used, just make sure it is checked out really well.

Your all grown ups....I hope! It's your life, not mine....personally my life, is worth to me than saving $50 on a reg or BC.

Your going to do what you are going to do....your in Duluth so is Adventures in Diving...stop by and look and talk.

I had a computer go down....they swapped it on the spot no questions...I started get a rip on my Zeagle BC..they sent it back for me and got a new one for me...

Online you ain't getting that, sorry..nor do you know what your getting.

Now after you have a few dive under your belt..say 100 or so...maybe you could buy stuff on line, but then your experienced and know better.

NO WAY would I suggest or tell a new person to do it any other way..

Dive shops fit you to the equipment..how the hell a newbie going to have any idea what his/her needs are otherwise...or what fits and does not fits.

sorry for going on and on but it needs to be said...

Yup- I agree with Todd 100% here- buy local on this one.

Also- be sure to buy gear that you like and are comfortable with. The best deal doesn't equate to what's going to make you most comfortable underwater. It doesn't have to be the latest, greatest electronics- usually the more basic stuff works best anyway. But be sure to try out the regulator, BC, computer, etc, and it's best to do it underwater. The only way this is going to happen is to go to your local dive shop with a pool and try out the gear. Any reputable dive shop should let you do that.

Lastly, remember KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid - the simpler something is, the less likely it is to break and the easier it is to use - esp. underwater.

Wow thanks for all of the advice and I will put it to good use! I will go shop around at different shops.

Once again Thanks!
Cory

mfliin you are looking to be ruined for diving any place else once you hit galapagos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zec8zwfhYOE
my dive bud put this together it's worth the watch.
Todd I couldn't agree with you more but I will put in a pitch for seaventures on holcomb bridge road as they have a pool that they will alow you to test equipment in before you buy or dive shop v on sandy plains rd in marietta which does the same. Don't take me wrong not stepping on your toes about adventures in diving from what I have heard it is a first rate store but must admit never been there. It's my life and I will not trust it to just any type of life support gear. Atomic t-2 reg, dive rite harness and wings, 2 computers, plus citizens hyper aqualand watch.

Nice vid...we can't wait. Good equipment is priceless after spending the time and money to go halfway around the world.