Why Should I Buy My Own Dive Equipment?

SCUBA diving, like many recreational activities, is equipment intensive.  Recreational diving has grown into an activity enjoyed by millions around the world -- sophisticated and reliable equipment, and the training to use it properly, are a big part of why.  Comfortable scuba equipment is a big contributor to the overall enjoyment and safety that creates the attraction of diving.

Acquiring your own dive equipment is a major factor in the enjoyment of the sport.  Sure, you can rent gear at many dive destinations, but do you really want to rely on the availability of much-used rental equipment for your personal safety and enjoyment of diving?  Rental gear is typically very basic, lacking the comfort and many of the features of higher-end equipment.

Owning your own dive gear has many advantages.  As a beginner, you can speed your learning curve and progress quickly by purchasing and becoming familiar with your regulator and Buoyancy Vest.  You’ll learn how to breathe through a regulator underwater, the art of buoyancy control, the subtleties of swimming and streamlining, and a host of other skills.  Acquiring these skills quickly and comfortably has a lot to do with the equipment you use in training.  Equipment that does not fit properly or is uncomfortable can interfere with your learning.  Fit, comfort and suitability are the prime criteria in gear selection.

Even if loaner or rental equipment fits well, it may not be right for you because of particular features, or more importantly, the lack of them. When you buy your own gear, you evaluate and choose the features you need and appreciate.  The process is fun, adds greatly to you knowledge of diving, and ensures that the gear you dive with does what you want it to, the way you want it to.  Your instructor, or a member of the sales team at your Local Dive Center can help you decide which particular pieces of equipment you’ll most enjoy.  This is based on fit, the type of diving you’ll be doing most, and the quality of the equipment that you select.

Other advantages of purchasing your own equipment are that you will be familiar with the way it operates; you’ll know the condition of your gear, where it has been, and who has been using it.  This familiarity contributes to the highest level of safety, which in turn gives you peace of mind.

Having your own equipment also marks you as a serious, committed diver, and it encourages you to dive regularly, to stay involved in the sport.  The bottom line on equipment ownership: It’s the way to achieve maximum enjoyment of diving. It’s an excellent investment in yourself and in your future diving adventures.  

Where should I go to buy my own equipment?

When buying equipment you can go by price, you can go by quality or you may go by service and support of the equipment that you buy.  If you are like me you will want all three.  

By all means do your research.  Ask questions.  Look at different brands and type of equipment.  Regardless of what you select you will find that your instructor and the dive center where you learned to dive are the ones that are most knowledgeable about you and the equipment that will best fit your needs.  They are a great place to start. 

Whatever you do - do not buy on price alone.  Your equipment should fit you precisely.  It should be appropriate for where you dive and the type of diving you do.  Just as important you want to be able to get it serviced both under warranty as well as routine service.  When ever you buy a major piece of dive equipment the place that you buy it from should make sure that you know how to use it.  Good equipment at a good price, properly fitted and properly serviced is better and less expensive in the long run then buying on price alone.

The best place to find all of these advantages is a retail Dive Center - they specialize in all aspects of diving - Education, Travel and in equipment sales and service.