Hey James. Thanks for the shout-out. Great video as usual. I'm sure my first gear was mask snorkel and fins. I recall my first computer was an Aladdin Pro. I think I've still got one somewhere.
I don't have a lot of my own gear yet, but buying my own gear I do have and learning to use it dramatically increased my dive enjoyment. 😊 Not only is it physically more comfortable, but knowing my own gear just made me a more confident diver. 1: Mask, boots, fins, snorkle (I got boots because small fins were too small and medium fins were too big so my medium fins with my boots were absolutely perfect!) 2: bcd (once you go intigrated weights you cant go back to weight belts) 3. Dive Computer All my dives (I'm still a newbie, I have about 70 dives), are in the Caribbean and I never wear a wetsuit anymore. Usually bathing suit, 3/4 rash guard shirt and maybe gym leggings or rash guard pants or board shorts. 😊 P.s. Love your channel! I sadly haven't been diving since 2020 and your channel is making me realize I miss it!
It's also safer! I know my equipment will work, as I get it serviced regularly, and use it multiple times every week. As for your second point, about integrated weights... I started with integrated weights, and then moved on to weight belts. I wanted to start diving with a wing and backplate, as well as getting into more technical diving.
Just got certified a week ago and ready to start really learning and honing my underwater skills. Our instructor at Blue Meridian in Owensboro, KY had us purchase mask, snorkel, fins and boots as beginner gear. We used company rented BCD, tanks, reg and wetsuit. Thanks for this list. What you said makes a lot of sense! Happy diving
I recommend Pennyroyal dive center in Hopkinsville KY. I’m from indiana so there is 0 water sources around me. It is great for beginners and experienced divers. It’s a huge rock quarry so it is beautiful. To put it in perspective, i’m 13 and i just got my certification. great place, highly recommended
I got open water in 2012, advanced in 2014, rescue diver in 2016. I work in law enforcement and we do more recovery dive than rescue dive. I have full gear to do a public safety dive or a recreation dive. The best advice ever given was done at the beginning of your video. Save and buy quality. I pieced together my gear Over the years and have got quality equipment for decent price by being patient on getting gear and looking for deals.
Great list! I’m a retired instructor myself. During my active teaching days, the first piece of gear I recommended new divers buy was a wetsuit. Comfort leads to a good dive.
I don't even dive and I can make these recommendation too. here they are in no particular order. Get 1. good mask 2. good tanks. 3. Good snorkel 4. good wet suit 5. good fins. follow me for more great recommendations.
Congratulations on getting certified! That is awesome! Where did you do your course? We have a lot more content coming for new divers! Thanks for watching!
@@DiversReady I did mine in High Point, North Carolina. Im ready to head down to the clear blue waters of Turks and Caicos next month instead of the murk waters at the quarry here.
@@doubleu1017 just starting my jump into the diving world. funny to see someone from High Point on my like third video. Lived back by the Palladium for 3 years. Hope you are doing good 8 months later!
@@unrealstudios9987 Definitely do it if you can! Learning this skill has been one of the best investments in myself. Ive been itching to go diving again - COVID messed up some dive trips for me.
Awesome channel.. my gears in order or purchase are 1) Mask - because the rental fleet never fit me 2) Snorkel - not necessary for diving, but i do a fair bit of snorkeling, more than diving 3) Rash guard & dive pants - easy to get into, yes i know what divers to in the rental wetsuits.. hahaha 4) Dive computer - i want to know my depth and NDL 5) DSMB - got this purely after watching this channel, make sense... why would i want to get run over by a boat or lost at sea
Hi James I totally agree with you! All your videos are awesome, especially those for newly certified divers. I’d like to add 1 comment, I almost quit diving about dive 50. I had some poor advice and bought several wrong masks (spent entire dives clearing my mask not diving), rental fins were always either too big or too small (that hole chafed in your toe is no fun in current), wet suits never ever fit right, I always had a death bite on my old spaghetti mouth piece and stiff hose! Stop renting the 2nd you can afford your own gear!!!! Keep up the great work!
As a Captain in the Florida Keys-I wanted to offer more on my boat, hence my interest in Diving. Have not completed the course yet, yet I found your inspiring video so you will help me keep on course! Thank you!
Love your channel- tons of fantastic info. First gear was 1. Mask - the rental mask I used in training leaked like a sieve. 2. Fins - rental fins gave me terrible blisters and put a damper on future dives. 3. Snorkel- learned in advance training dives that most people don’t use them
James…thank you for this video, thanks to it my life was changed. I’m now certifies and having a lot of fun diving here in FL. Please don’t stop putting up amazing videos you are appreciated!
My dive shop offered a package deal that saved me quite a bit. I also have a prescription mask that's so nice when it comes to reading my dive computer or compass. You had to have it paid for by the completion of your OW certification. It's not run of the mill equipment either. It's the same as all the staff at the dive center have and have used on well over 3000 dives for some of the instructors. Most all are Rescue and Recovery Divers. Plus there's this little safety factor knowing that as a new diver, in an emergency should I need assistance or anyone else, we know where and how our equipment is configured. The only thing I have not purchased were my weights, and a cylinder. I will add xtras such as a dive light and knife as time goes on. Most likely the light will be next. A huge shout out to Mermet Springs Dive Center in Belknap, Illinois. The owners and staff were outstanding!
Tragic story in the sailboat cruising community and this video here have convinced me that I agree 100% with you. Never dive without it. It really could save your life, or someone you're with!
Hey James, just found yout channel.... you’ve got some great views. My first bits of kit were a scubapro mk25 s600 regs and a scubapro mask. Still using them 10 years later as an instructor.
Great to rewatch this again now that I’ve decided to get back into diving after 31 years. My first gear I bought in 1986 was a Dacor Pacer XL regulator, 2nd stage and October with gauge package. Very rugged and always worked. I eventually had all Dacor diving gear and it works.
I still use my Dacor mask fins and snorkel I bought in 1997. Both of my masks are Dacor. Love them. My old Dacor BCD and octopus are on an obsolete tank sitting in front of my desk at work.
The first gear my wife and I bought were mask, snorkel, booties, and fins as a set from the scuba shop we got our certification from. After that we purchased wetsuits. Recently purchased a DSMB and flashlights. Working on tool kit and save a dive kit next, then dive computers. Looking at the Shearwater Peregrine.
Your videos are amazing and I would enjoy shaking your hand to say thank you. I'm up in the panhandle but get down your way from time to time. I'm blessed that my wife gave me an open water course for Christmas so I've been methodically buying equipment all year. I was certified in 1983 in Bangkok as a high school student so I'm excited that I'm now certified again. In this journey, my first purchase was my Aqualung Legend Elite. And after diving with fellow students I'm very thankful that I spent the money. Keep up the good work! I'm also using an Apeks wing and back plate with the intention of expanding my education...because I listened to you.
I just treated myself to my first dive computer. After months of looking around I had to come back to your quote "best computer ever" :D After having received and set up my Perdix 2 TI I ran to local pool and treated myself to a pool session with it. Its just so much fun, customizable and great to handle. Thank you for your recommendation, BEST COMPUTER EVER!
Glad I found your channel! Very informative for a new diver. My wife and I are heading to Cozumel for our honeymoon in November and are looking at purchasing our regulators and computers before we go. Hope to see a video soon about the differences between different regs and computers and recommendations on some models you think are good 'bang for the buck'. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Hi Alan! Thanks for watching! I will be making Reg and Computer videos, but I don't know if that will happen before November. But feel free to shoot me an email to diversready@gmail.com and let me know 1) budget, 2) how many dives do you plan to do per year and 3) roughly where most of these dives will be (fresh water, salt, cold, tropical...) and I will happily send you some suggestions. Dive safe, James
my first and only mask until today was a cressi. I bought it years ago and I never had to buy a replacement. It never leaks and never fogs up! Lucky pick :)
20 yrs ago I bought my Mares mask & Mares Avante Quatro fins as I certified. Soon after I got a wrist Aladdin Pro EANx with wireless sender as I got Nitrox certified. Next was Zeagle Tech-50D regulators followed closely by my Zeagle Ranger BCD. Well the only thing I am not still actively using is the computer as it's batteries gave out over the years and were not replaceable. The rest is all well used and still giving me great joy diving. I don't regret spending a little more on quality. In this case every thing I dive with is still considered high quality and I can see many more years of diving in it.
I wanted to say thank you for your time and energy that you put into posting these videos. They are so informative and entertaining to watch. Also short enough to hold my attention 😀. I have recently become an open water diver since February and am immediately hooked. I’m learning so much from watching your videos and others like them. I love the straight talk spoken from your experiences and passion for diving. I look forward to Mouth Piece Mondays and all the other various videos that you share with us. I hope to some day run into you on a dive in Florida or anywhere in the world for that matter, keep up the great work James👌.
Just now getting into Scuba Diving, my wife and I and your information about the first five you should buy you are right on the money we thank you we thank you we thank you you did an excellent job and you have directed us on with the purchase first once again thank you from StocktonCalifornia 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾Thank you James
I was one of those new divers that bought everything right out of the starting gate... BC, two prescription masks, Wisdom 3 (still my all time favorite!) and a wristwatch air integrated computer which worked just fine in clear, sunlit waters yet you had to possess a Doctorate in cryptology to program AND not be wearing any thickness gloves which really made it tough to activate the recessed buttons at depth, in the dark. I would have to hit it with a flashlight which often reflected into by dive buddies face and blinded him. It would alarm if the earth’s axis wobbled a bit. Often after hearing warnings that I was about to die, I’d snatch up my Wisdom, look at it and it would say, “Hey Budrowe... yer OK, keep diving.” Bottom line, went and picked up a Scubapro G2 which stays lit all the time with its information, can be seen in the blackest of waters, yet programming the unit is akin to showering in a fragrant waterfall of IPA ale while watching James on a Divers Ready video... (The wristwatch is now in gauge mode for backup depth info.)
where did you get your prescription masks done? I have my mask and getting my prescription tomorrow. My dive shop has offered to send them off for me, but i just find them to be... overpriced. did you go through your shop, your eye doctor or online? what do you think is a good price for this?
@@danni3094 OH WOW!! Third try on this... maybe my previous replies are showing up but I get close to completing the answer and then the tube coughs it’s guts and I loose the page. BUT, I live near Augusta, GA and one of the local dive shops sent my mask off to SC or NC to get the lenses ground and installed. The charges for my bifocals was about $238 bucks. Add to this the cost of my mask of $80 bucks (nasal blow-out port) and then times all of this by two so that I have a spare and one can see that I have expensive eyes. But the process that you are going through sounds like mine and many others when obtaining masks with lens. I love mine - just had to sell a kidney to get them! My best to yo and your dive life.
To take my open water course I had to buy a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. I’ve very appreciative to the employees at my local dive shop because they spent a solid 2 hours explaining the difference between the gear and how to tell what fits right, so now I’m pretty happy with those choices.
First piece after required kit from school (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) was a BCD. Second was a Peregrine dive computer, third was an Edge-Gear HOG Zenith D3 regulator which I love even after trying out a friend’s Aqualung Leg3nd.
I bought the comfort gear. Mask, Fins with snorkel, plus the SMB. The shop required them. They didn’t force you to buy them from the shop. They hoped that you would. The most important thing was the fit and comfort to make diving fun.
Thank you James! This is a very high-quality video it is helping my girlfriend and myself become more knowledgeable, for we are buying our scuba gear this week or next wee!!!
First thing I bought was mask, fins and snorkel. I still have all 3 (2006), but only use the fins. I have used my Atomic split fins on nearly all 200 of my dives to date.
A lot of what is the first 5 items is based on personal choice. For the same hygienic reasons that you mentioned about a mask, I would get my own snorkel. I don't want to think about putting a rental snorkel in my mouth. I have been snorkeling since I was about 10 years old and am very particular about what I use and how easy it is to clear. I realize that a lot of people don't use a snorkel much when diving. However if you are waiting around on the surface for whatever reason it can save a lot of tank air.
Great video. I'm a new diver. My wife and I were recently married and she has been a diver for 30 years...now I can join her. My first piece of equipment is the AquaLung pro HD compact travel BCD. Will be trying it in Bimini Ina couple weeks.
I went on my first dive trip recently with a dive shop from my area. I realized once I was there that I had no idea how to tell if the dives were safe. They led some dives themselves and we had some local divemasters. I don’t know what I don’t know so I’d love to see a video on what to look for. These videos are so helpful!
Thanks James. Working through your material. First purchase here was mask and snorkel. Very pleased with the mask. On the snorkel, wish I'd known that some have a shut off valve so it doesn't fill if you dive down for a closer look at something whilst snorkelling. I will replace it with one that does.
I was open water certified last July and did not buy anything. Just came back from 12 dives in Mexico and got my advanced open water cert. Bought a mask with prescription in it there and have aleady ordered a dive computer and dSMB. May wait on the others. Great video! Thanks.
Great video. First thing I picked up was a good mask. Was more for snorkeling before I got certified, but it's still the best piece of gear I have. Fits my face like a glove and still has plenty of life in it. Then a picked up a good set of fins and booties. Bad knees and back surgery left me needing fins that are comfortable and not too aggressive to cause me extra pain. And now, after 12 years of diving, I've picked up my first BCD and reg set. Wife is retiring so we have travel plans to places like Curacao and Bonaire, Vietnam and Thailand, Philippines, Bali. I figured all the potential diving would be better with my own set of gear. So I gave it all a try in Roatan and now I'm ready for more.
Love the channel and your videos. Love to see the smb on the list. I dove for an embarrassingly long amount of time before anyone clued me into carrying one of these. Just my opinion but I would definitely throw in an honorable mention of picking up the BC early if you are either very large or small. I am a big heavy guy who dives with a very small female buddy and finding a comfortable BC at either end of that spectrum can be terrible when renting gear.
I took the PADI course when I was 14, in Alberta Canada, in the Winter, my open water in a very murky lake that Spring. First piece of gear I ever bought was a Tri-Panel mask by Dacor I think and my nephew has it now for pool use, or snorkeling in the Summer. I'm 53 now so it got used pretty well and held up nicely. At the same time I bought a Citizen Promaster Dive watch because in 1981 there weren't any dive computers and we had tables and cards to use. I liked that Citizen so much I'm on my second one now, and the first still works!! I heard a rumour that the Italian Navy used the Citizen Promasters for a few years after testing them down to 500 meters without failure, and that's plenty good enough for me,...I even think it looks good!! That's the Citizen Promaster Automatic Dive watch not the Eco-Drive, although I'm sure they'd be fine too.
I recently got into diving and love it! I didn’t think I would be able to dive because I am a bigger guy but my friends got me to the right ppl and the right place. I play rugby and coach a south Florida high school! Definitely have another subscriber here. Thank you for the video.
First gear: 1st Mask "Cressi": I only using that mask for snorkling. Hint for divers with big nose - X Deep Frameless --> Thats what i use today... 1st Fins "Atomic Split Fin": I changed two or three times, as i was not really happy.... In the meanwhile i dive only Jet fins (also when flying) 1st Wet suit "Rofos": Still have it - but mainly in use for students (I only used the dry suit(s) for the last couple of years) 1st Computer "Mares Nemo Wide": The computer "died" after 12 years in duty. I changed to Perdix but had the chance to buy a used computer (again a Nemo wide) and using it as bottom timer / backup / for students 1st Regulator "Mares Proton Ice Extreme": Changed after 10y in duty to Apeks Tec3
Just restarted my dive career in my 50’s, for me it was mask, snorkel, boots and fins. Next will be a dive computer (prob Suunto Eon Core), and then a regulator. Useful video for me, will be checking out your kit reviews 👍🏻
I'm on a "divers ready" video watching spree! Lol, it's all so helpful!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Just absorbing all the knowledge... My first gear I purchased before the open water course: mask, snorkel, boots, fins and a large mesh bag. The next investment before my first dive after the ow cert was a watch style dive computer. My next planned purchases very soon will be my own hood, gloves and a kit that includes a smb, a lamp and a knife and some other little clips, o-rings and such. I would just absolutely love to get all the gear right now. But I'm going to have to split it up for financial reasons. At least this allows time for proper research online and in the diving community. :-)
Just finished my pool skills test today. I have fins, mask, mesh bag for carrying equipment and snorkel after my open water dives I’ll check into a regulator, computer and suit. 👍
I had the benefit of working for a compressed gas company as I was putting myself through college; one of the benefits of the job was gas, free gas, free tank borrowing. I had my own mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and weights for free diving. I had the benefit of free training with a former navy master diver for the cost of a BCD. Dove without much of any gear. My first gear was the BCD; my next major was a nice regulator set. I don’t think I dove with a dive computer until renting gear in FL, I can see the benefit and am pro technology with everything else but with giving strange enough I’m still a simple table diver; though we’re usually diving a target at shelved depths so time/depth is easy as we don’t change depths too much. Everything else aside the best investment I ever made diving in NY was buying a dry suit; if you dive in cold water with any regularity get a dry suit. I like the gear recommendation and agree with the buy quality up front as you’ll be enjoying it for years.
Big shout out from Bahrain and really do like your content and honesty. Mask, fins, exposure, dive computer regs - almost got it right and now have a complete dive system.
thank you for this video !!! I didn't even know a dsmb existed because I'm just now getting into diving but like you're saying, it also blows my mind that this isn't part of standard gear, like the hell?! my main concern was that what if you get taken away by a current which can easily take you very far away from the boat and your buddies and there is no way to let them know where you are and this little pouch is simply brilliant ! I'm instantly more relaxed knowing about this and I will absolutely put it on my shopping list to make sure I always have it with me
Just watched this, as i am about to embark on my journey to becoming an instructor (currently AOWD) thankfully my first two purchases were comp and mask before i watched this!
Great channel. You gained my subscription on the strength of the dive computer at the office gag. Dry serious topics don't have to be delivered in a dry serious way, so well done. I'll keep watching and hopefully, learning.
The second thing I bought after ABC was my Suunto Stinger, about 17 years ago. Made me look cool at work and it still works perfectly. Now I'm passing it on to my son, who just got his OW. I'm over 50 now so I needed something not too expensive with BIG numbers... Ended up with a Mares Quad. Supposed to be "entry level"... Ridiculous, it can handle 3 gas mixes, and as a rec diver I'm not going to outgrow it anytime soon. Recently subscribed to your channel. I love it. Keep up the good work!
James, I am preparing to take my OW course in 2021 and am looking at starting with my own equipment. I have been watching your videos and decided to start back at the beginning to get advice. I have a preliminary quote on basic equipment that I am making payments on over time before my course. I am one of those "remain teachable" people that enjoys learning and challenging myself in new ways. Thanks for your content, I look forward to the notifications of new content. Keep it coming, I'm learning a lot.
Completed Open Water certification last weekend. Dive shop I received training from required mask, snorkel, fins, and SMB to begin training. We deployed the SMB several times as part of the certification.
I was gifted a BCD and reg years before every I took a dive course. I had them checked out at a dive shop once I did, and while they recommended against using the BCD for various reasons the reg has been fine. So after that first I bought was the usual mask/snorkel & fins. Then a dive computer and new BCD to replace the old one. Then a dive torch. DSMB is next up. While I tested the mask in a pool prior to buying, it has been less comfortable at depth then I had hoped, pressing up under my nose. Eventually I'll look at others, but it serves for now.
The first item I bought was a new regulator. I bought a bunch of equipment from a friend who had stopped diving. I had the regulator serviced and it worked fine for a couple of trips. Diving on the Thistlegorm wreck in the Red Sea I was number 4 of 4 going down the mooring line when at 20 metres I felt resistance on breathing in. I stopped and signaled my dive buddy, I started to tell him I had a problem and suddenly I had NOTHING. My auxiliary was working so I was OK but my heart rate was through the roof. We aborted the dive of course . On later inspection, they could find nothing wrong with the regulator. It seemed to be working fine. My wife didn't bat an eyelid when I spent €350 on a ScubaPro C370 (the best I could afford).
I have mask, snorkel, boots, fins and a slate. Mask / snorkel were a must as i wear glasses; boots and fins maybe an extravagance at an early stage but they're good. Now I'm saving up for a dive computer!
I'm glad I found this video, as my first piece of diving equipment I purchased was a mask, snorkel, boots and fins. I haven't been able to fully try them out yet to see if they're a good fit yet and I hope to do that today but not sure if I can.
James, I have been teaching since 1984. Diving since 1977 (certified in 1982). The first equipment was Mask, fins and Snorkel. Had to before I even got wet. (As you know many dive shops require you to provide Mask, Fins and snorkel before you join the class.) After my class and started teaching I bought BC, Reg system, Wetsuit, . - No computer until the 1989 (The edge), - Computers were not in wide spread use. SBM/DSBM really not until 2005 ish.. not common place to use. Drysuit in 1989. -- Nitrox computer 2000ish. Certified to teach Nitrox 1992/3 TDI.
My first purchases right out the gate for class where TUSA mask, snorkel, and fins. Bare 3mm wetsuit, Aqualung Axiom BCD, Aqualung Legend LX regulator, and Aqualung i300 console computer and gauge cluster. A few months after that I bought a couple more pairs of boots (different styles) and an additional 5mm Bare wetsuit along with gloves and hood.
Divers Ready Thanks James, enjoying your videos especially your cinematography. Maybe one day I can take your Tech course... I’ve been checking out your website.
Hey James! Recently came across your channel as my hubby and I get ready for a week-long dive trip in Cozumel. As one who needs glasses to see/read any distance farther than arms-length, my first piece of equipment was prescription lens mask for diving. I tried diving with contacts once and that was a fiasco! My hubby and I made a few fun purchases for Christmas last year in anticipation of our next dives and also got ourselves some decent dive computers. I thank you for all the great tips you share and we have subscribed to your channel. Fantastic!
Great advice as usual. My first mask is the only one I ever bought: a Tusa (who cares what model?) with, apparently after 30+ years of use, an excellent silicone face seal (that's only yellowed a tiny bit) and tempered glass. It fit great and still does. Masks are like shoes-fit is absolute, as is overall quality. I might add booties and fins to your list, since rental fins generally suck, especially the (ugh) step-in type.
From my 18 years of experience, having your own gear really pays off, even better when you have your own tank. Diving is so much cheaper, if you have a tank, all you're paying for are refills and the yearly VIP Rinsing out your gear is also a huge responsibility . I remember going on a cruise to mexico and diving in cabo san lucas. This lady looked at me and my brother, made a comment that we were typical california divers who bring their own gear in the big roller bags. She asked why, i replied with you'll find out the hard way when you're struggling with your rental gear, and I've got perfect buoyancy. And i was right. She's struggling to stay neutrally buoyant and keeping up with the group with her UNDERPOWERED SNORKEL FINS , and here I am cruising right by her gracefully, did a barrel roll and keeping up with the group. After the dive, she had nothing to say
I agree with your selection of gear. I might put the wetsuit higher up for hygiene and fit. Regs require substantial and costly maintenance, so one should be a fairly frequent diver to make the maintenance worth it. I started with the things that I wear (suit, gloves, boots, hood, mask, fins) because the uni club didn't have any communal suits. Then safety gear (computer, torch, DSMB, knife). And finally reg, BC and camera. And lots of extra bits and bobs over time for self-sufficiency when diving with buddies. Each time we go on holiday I try to decide what I could leave at home and rent instead to travel lighter, but my stuff is much nicer than rental stuff, so I always end up taking my full gear.
My dive club loaned me all the gear, then a friend in the club donated a BCD and fins. So, the first gear I bought was regulator, 5mm wetsuit, gloves, boots and mask & snorkel.
Mask, snorkel (bought outside of the dive shop), fins, boots. First dive shop where we purchased was awful and just pushed crap. I'm keeping the boots for now, bought new fins recently, and looking for a new mask; don't need the snorkel for diving. That first dive shop also had really terrible regs, wife and I hated them more than anything so that became our first major purchase with emphasis from my wife. I talked her into a BC and dive computer just a bit later-I had a lot of problems with my rental BC and that dive shop in general. Now we have a dive shop that actually listens and cares about us so we bought most of our kit there once we figured out what we were doing.
Thanks for watching Yuriy! Sounds like you've found a good shop now, though. I do the same. I physically drive passed the nearest dive shop to my house on the way to a further dive shop where I prefer to spend my money. James
I just signed up for a diving course in Las Vegas where I live, and they offered a discount on initial gear....I purchased a mask that fits great, fins, and booties, and snorkel ...came out to 221$. That was in addition to the 499$ for the course....I didn't think that was too bad ....They never mentioned the gear you have suggested....BUT since I have been following you for 2yrs I knew to ask about the regulator. They mentioned, as you just described in the video the scuba pro... The woman told me they were a Scuba-pro dealer. They have different models available at discounts, but they told me to hold off until after I have completed the course... I will find out about the wet suite, dive computer etc.....Any thought you may have would be appreciated... All the Best, and thanks for the channel
My rash guards (including a thermal and non thermal) and dive leggings (picked up for £2 on the last hour of a dive show) were the first for me! I got super cold diving in the Philippines in 25c temperatures so I knew I needed them under my wetsuit! Those you truly can't rent!
I agree about rash guards. It makes for a much more comfortable dive. I recently dove in Panama without a wet suit and a long sleeve rash guard was perfect.
Off to buy computer before my final OW dives as can’t see the numbers on school ones. 100% agree that knowing how to use will make my experience a better one. Regs as soon as we pass. Great vid
Great video, but one thing I would like to add with a diet computer, as you should also buy quality dive watch as a back up. It’s better to be over prepared than underprepared in my opinion.
You got me hooked in with that DSMB... you are correct! :) It is fundamental piece of equipment, so cheap and there are so many new divers that go out without one. I dive with 2 of these, one red and another yellow, purely for tech reasons.
I just bought a PLB...Personal Locator Beacon...that device may be great investment for beginner and professional divers. Be sure the device you buy has GPS access so it can be used globally not a local beacon.
I bought all my kit outright straight out the gate but I'm certain of my diving pathway and my LDS/instructor/mentor is a bulletproof diver and teacher so I know I made very wise, well guided gear decisions which will serve me well as I progress and won't leave me with redundant kit. One thing to add, the list is spot on but I can't stress how important having a good computer is. It's much more than depth, NDL, and time under. Dives need to be logged regardless and computers start at nearly $500 anyway (in Australia.) Just get a decently good one as as you can afford it, they can auto log dives for you straight out the gate, they'll tell you when you can fly after a dive, they can track nitrox and gas mixes and some are even legitimate fitness watches too. If you come out of your open water and plan to dive quite a bit, honestly, this point is almost more important than a mask. Having a wrist computer that tracks and maps your entire diving career and fitness is a blessing.
I got certified as a diver as an elective in college, and the first thing they told us to buy was a mask. I still use the mask I bought, but I didn’t have the money to purchase a good mask at the time. It’s serviceable, especially for the depths we go to and how infrequently we dive, but I do wish I had bought a better one. I’m saving up for a regulator right now :)
Been struggling with this very concept of what to buy first. Thanks for this video. I was going to buy dive computer, mask, snorkel, in that order. Will stick to mask and dive computer and mask for now then.
Thank you for this video. Recently been certified, have just bought a watch and regs brand new and a second hand mask to tide me over until I save up for a good one as my budget wouldn’t quite stretch to brand new everything but not a bad decision going off your video 🙂👍🏻 subscribed to the channel, keep it up!
Surprisingly in Tennessee, I just picked up a set of MK12 regulator, tank connect and gauges for $30, there is an 80CF tank in California for cheap, but its pickup only. I don't plan on any wild dives, but I figured it would at least be a good decoration piece, it looks vintage and military, I could be wrong on the second part, but it's pretty cool all the same. I'd rather have guage type equipment, I don't like digital equipment for anything, torque wrenches, auto pressure gauges, etc. DSMB, I need to figure out where to find that. Thermal protection makes a lot of sense, I wonder how many people don't know that it gets cold when you go deep.
I bought a whole setup for 750 usd really really nice gear too! The kid spent 3k on the gear got scared on. A dive after certification and gave up the sport I offered him 750 year ago and last August he finally accepted my offer but now I’m looking into a backplate and wing setup To go with my drysuit
LOL to have and to hold forever and ever. Don’t ever buy a Sherwood Axis BCD. My PLASTIC tank plate shattered apart…and have since learned it has been an issue that Sherwood had no desire to fix or recall. I hope they aren’t in business anymore. Great video. I’m just getting back into diving after years and years, thinking about the ScubaPro Hydros Pro but haven’t finished my research yet. Come dive in Okinawa!
The first kit i bought was an aqua lung wave bcd, titan regulator with the i300 computer and i love it, it was worth what i paid and the shops i live near have layaway options to help the divers that cant afford the $1,000 or more purchases
I'm currently in the exact situation and can relate to what you described...but as you also somehow indicated with the rental car example sometimes it can be better to get the rental gear rather than buying your own stuff. You didn't buy the Kia, and your everyday business is probably better of with the car you already have. But you wouldn't take it with you would you 😂 And I guess some people use the "purchase gear" idea and later on ignore revisions because the equipment has been "rarely" used. What I got first were a mask, snorkel and fins... The dive computers I just borrow from a friend who doesn't need it that often. Personally I would also say fins before thermal isolation.... Same story as with regulators. Buy a 5mm only to find out you need a 7mm or 3mm at the next diving site😅 Anyway I still believe the items and order you mentioned are reasonable, as usual it just depends on what you are going to do.
My wife and I are new to diving an found your channel through Facebook. After taking our first discovery dive, our first purchases were Cressi focus masks as the lens cans be changed. (We both wear glasses). Along with fins cause the rentals were uncomfortable and wetsuits!!! Especially after hearing about everyone peeing in them! 🤣 Thanks for the great videos for a newb!
Hello James. I got tired of water entering into the mask as well as having a foggy view on rented equipment every time, so my first choice when I decided to start buying my own gear was the mask. I bought an Aqualung Teknika mask and I am the happiest man on earth. The boys (master divers) at the diving center "flamed" it for me on the glasses, in order to, somehow, improve it. Thanks for all of the advice you provide on each video, my next move is the computer, I am considering the Teric (Shearwater). Best regards.
Nice video! I'm a recently certified OWD. The dive school (like most around here) made me buy ABC equipment including boots for the OWD. Then I went on a diving trip to gain experience before making buying decisions. And I'm glad I did because it made me realize I want a computer first. I hated diving with rental computers that looked different from each other and that I didn't understand. And for some, that I wasn't able to properly and effortlessly read. So first purchase will be an easy to read, well lit diving computer. In the process of buying one right now (will probably go for Aqualung i330r). Second piece of equipment I wanna get is the wetsuit as all rental wetsuits were an absolute nightmare to get into (except for the shorty on vacation). I've tried on a few and my local shop now ordered a Bare suite to try as the rest didn't really fit. Apparently being a tall woman is not standard... I was torn between regulator and BCD for the third piece but I think those are gonna be for next year anyways. What's holding me back from regulator is that maintenance costs quite a bit. So it's actually the most expensive. And if I choose good diving centers I trust their equipment is well maintained. Your point about entry level gear in dive centers is interesting though and I hadn't considered that. So I might change my mind. And I will squeeze in the DSMB before the next vacation (only lakes around here so not really that important) ;)
My dive school had Sherwood gear and that is what invested in. I got the Avid BCD and for the regulator I got the Oasis and the Brut for the Octo. Will try itbiut soon. Cheers from El Portal!
A waterproof (brand) 5mm wetsuit!!! If I'm being honest a fitting! wetsuit was the first thing I knew I needed if I would want to carry on diving, the first things crossing over my doorstep however were: a mask and a dive computer. Only a few months later I couldn’t stand the ever so wobbly tank on my back no longer rocking me from left to right and back and bought a fitting! bcd
Thanks for all the interesting info. I just started diving again after 20+ years and I still have my old diving gear. Instead of renting everything, what I'm doing now, I'm going to service my old Poseidon Cyklon 5000 and start using it again.
Great video and useful tips. I was lucky to do my courses with a diving school that used Apeks XTX 200 regulators. I am still considering buying BC before regulator.
Hey James. Thanks for the shout-out. Great video as usual. I'm sure my first gear was mask snorkel and fins. I recall my first computer was an Aladdin Pro. I think I've still got one somewhere.
Thanks brother! Keep on rockin'!
Aladin pro uvatec was the best in old times I had a dozen of them for rental in my diving center
Just got my certificate and the first equipment I got was the 30 years old Aladdin from my dad 😂
Ya, my first gear is a full snorkeling set from walmart
lol... im a skydiver , and laughed when you said do you want the cheapest parachute .... my first one was pretty cheap ...lol....
I thought of corona virus when he talked about masks that thousands of people wear
Bolie Olie HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA I laughed so hard at this😂😂😂
That’s ironically amazing lol
This is scuba diving what are you talking about
My first was a T-10......... I promise it was cheaper than your first...lol
I don't have a lot of my own gear yet, but buying my own gear I do have and learning to use it dramatically increased my dive enjoyment. 😊 Not only is it physically more comfortable, but knowing my own gear just made me a more confident diver.
1: Mask, boots, fins, snorkle (I got boots because small fins were too small and medium fins were too big so my medium fins with my boots were absolutely perfect!)
2: bcd (once you go intigrated weights you cant go back to weight belts)
3. Dive Computer
All my dives (I'm still a newbie, I have about 70 dives), are in the Caribbean and I never wear a wetsuit anymore. Usually bathing suit, 3/4 rash guard shirt and maybe gym leggings or rash guard pants or board shorts. 😊
P.s. Love your channel! I sadly haven't been diving since 2020 and your channel is making me realize I miss it!
It's also safer! I know my equipment will work, as I get it serviced regularly, and use it multiple times every week.
As for your second point, about integrated weights... I started with integrated weights, and then moved on to weight belts. I wanted to start diving with a wing and backplate, as well as getting into more technical diving.
Just got certified a week ago and ready to start really learning and honing my underwater skills. Our instructor at Blue Meridian in Owensboro, KY had us purchase mask, snorkel, fins and boots as beginner gear. We used company rented BCD, tanks, reg and wetsuit. Thanks for this list. What you said makes a lot of sense! Happy diving
I recommend Pennyroyal dive center in Hopkinsville KY. I’m from indiana so there is 0 water sources around me. It is great for beginners and experienced divers. It’s a huge rock quarry so it is beautiful. To put it in perspective, i’m 13 and i just got my certification. great place, highly recommended
I got open water in 2012, advanced in 2014, rescue diver in 2016. I work in law enforcement and we do more recovery dive than rescue dive. I have full gear to do a public safety dive or a recreation dive. The best advice ever given was done at the beginning of your video. Save and buy quality. I pieced together my gear Over the years and have got quality equipment for decent price by being patient on getting gear and looking for deals.
Great list! I’m a retired instructor myself. During my active teaching days, the first piece of gear I recommended new divers buy was a wetsuit. Comfort leads to a good dive.
I don't even dive and I can make these recommendation too. here they are in no particular order. Get 1. good mask 2. good tanks. 3. Good snorkel 4. good wet suit 5. good fins. follow me for more great recommendations.
Thanks for the tips! I'm a brand new diver (just certified yesterday).
Congratulations on getting certified! That is awesome! Where did you do your course?
We have a lot more content coming for new divers! Thanks for watching!
@@DiversReady I did mine in High Point, North Carolina. Im ready to head down to the clear blue waters of Turks and Caicos next month instead of the murk waters at the quarry here.
@@doubleu1017 just starting my jump into the diving world. funny to see someone from High Point on my like third video. Lived back by the Palladium for 3 years. Hope you are doing good 8 months later!
I'm so close to being a diver
@@unrealstudios9987 Definitely do it if you can! Learning this skill has been one of the best investments in myself. Ive been itching to go diving again - COVID messed up some dive trips for me.
Awesome channel.. my gears in order or purchase are
1) Mask - because the rental fleet never fit me
2) Snorkel - not necessary for diving, but i do a fair bit of snorkeling, more than diving
3) Rash guard & dive pants - easy to get into, yes i know what divers to in the rental wetsuits.. hahaha
4) Dive computer - i want to know my depth and NDL
5) DSMB - got this purely after watching this channel, make sense... why would i want to get run over by a boat or lost at sea
Thankyouuu for sharing I'll use this for my project!!
Hi James I totally agree with you! All your videos are awesome, especially those for newly certified divers. I’d like to add 1 comment, I almost quit diving about dive 50. I had some poor advice and bought several wrong masks (spent entire dives clearing my mask not diving), rental fins were always either too big or too small (that hole chafed in your toe is no fun in current), wet suits never ever fit right, I always had a death bite on my old spaghetti mouth piece and stiff hose! Stop renting the 2nd you can afford your own gear!!!! Keep up the great work!
As a Captain in the Florida Keys-I wanted to offer more on my boat, hence my interest in Diving. Have not completed the course yet, yet I found your inspiring video so you will help me keep on course! Thank you!
Thanks for the wetsuit shout out! Been looking for a cut appropriate for rugby player size me.
Love your channel- tons of fantastic info. First gear was 1. Mask - the rental mask I used in training leaked like a sieve. 2. Fins - rental fins gave me terrible blisters and put a damper on future dives. 3. Snorkel- learned in advance training dives that most people don’t use them
James…thank you for this video, thanks to it my life was changed. I’m now certifies and having a lot of fun diving here in FL. Please don’t stop putting up amazing videos you are appreciated!
You are my first scuba instructor that I genuinely think is awesome ❤️😂
You’re funny 😁
You hooked me at “what do the buttons do?” And I subscribed at 7:47 😂
My dive shop offered a package deal that saved me quite a bit. I also have a prescription mask that's so nice when it comes to reading my dive computer or compass. You had to have it paid for by the completion of your OW certification. It's not run of the mill equipment either. It's the same as all the staff at the dive center have and have used on well over 3000 dives for some of the instructors. Most all are Rescue and Recovery Divers. Plus there's this little safety factor knowing that as a new diver, in an emergency should I need assistance or anyone else, we know where and how our equipment is configured. The only thing I have not purchased were my weights, and a cylinder. I will add xtras such as a dive light and knife as time goes on. Most likely the light will be next. A huge shout out to Mermet Springs Dive Center in Belknap, Illinois. The owners and staff were outstanding!
Tragic story in the sailboat cruising community and this video here have convinced me that I agree 100% with you. Never dive without it. It really could save your life, or someone you're with!
Hey James, just found yout channel.... you’ve got some great views. My first bits of kit were a scubapro mk25 s600 regs and a scubapro mask. Still using them 10 years later as an instructor.
mk25 is awesome
Great to rewatch this again now that I’ve decided to get back into diving after 31 years. My first gear I bought in 1986 was a Dacor Pacer XL regulator, 2nd stage and October with gauge package. Very rugged and always worked. I eventually had all Dacor diving gear and it works.
I still use my Dacor mask fins and snorkel I bought in 1997. Both of my masks are Dacor. Love them. My old Dacor BCD and octopus are on an obsolete tank sitting in front of my desk at work.
The first gear my wife and I bought were mask, snorkel, booties, and fins as a set from the scuba shop we got our certification from. After that we purchased wetsuits. Recently purchased a DSMB and flashlights. Working on tool kit and save a dive kit next, then dive computers. Looking at the Shearwater Peregrine.
Your videos are amazing and I would enjoy shaking your hand to say thank you. I'm up in the panhandle but get down your way from time to time. I'm blessed that my wife gave me an open water course for Christmas so I've been methodically buying equipment all year. I was certified in 1983 in Bangkok as a high school student so I'm excited that I'm now certified again. In this journey, my first purchase was my Aqualung Legend Elite. And after diving with fellow students I'm very thankful that I spent the money. Keep up the good work! I'm also using an Apeks wing and back plate with the intention of expanding my education...because I listened to you.
I just treated myself to my first dive computer. After months of looking around I had to come back to your quote "best computer ever" :D
After having received and set up my Perdix 2 TI I ran to local pool and treated myself to a pool session with it.
Its just so much fun, customizable and great to handle. Thank you for your recommendation, BEST COMPUTER EVER!
Glad I could help! Dive safe.
Glad I found your channel! Very informative for a new diver.
My wife and I are heading to Cozumel for our honeymoon in November and are looking at purchasing our regulators and computers before we go. Hope to see a video soon about the differences between different regs and computers and recommendations on some models you think are good 'bang for the buck'.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Hi Alan! Thanks for watching! I will be making Reg and Computer videos, but I don't know if that will happen before November. But feel free to shoot me an email to diversready@gmail.com and let me know 1) budget, 2) how many dives do you plan to do per year and 3) roughly where most of these dives will be (fresh water, salt, cold, tropical...) and I will happily send you some suggestions. Dive safe, James
Got your email and replied! Thanks Alan. James
my first and only mask until today was a cressi. I bought it years ago and I never had to buy a replacement. It never leaks and never fogs up! Lucky pick :)
20 yrs ago I bought my Mares mask & Mares Avante Quatro fins as I certified. Soon after I got a wrist Aladdin Pro EANx with wireless sender as I got Nitrox certified. Next was Zeagle Tech-50D regulators followed closely by my Zeagle Ranger BCD. Well the only thing I am not still actively using is the computer as it's batteries gave out over the years and were not replaceable. The rest is all well used and still giving me great joy diving. I don't regret spending a little more on quality. In this case every thing I dive with is still considered high quality and I can see many more years of diving in it.
The batteries were not replaceable!? Whaaat? I didn't even know that was a thing! Thanks for sharing, Rod. Dive safe. James
I wanted to say thank you for your time and energy that you put into posting these videos. They are so informative and entertaining to watch. Also short enough to hold my attention 😀. I have recently become an open water diver since February and am immediately hooked. I’m learning so much from watching your videos and others like them. I love the straight talk spoken from your experiences and passion for diving. I look forward to Mouth Piece Mondays and all the other various videos that you share with us. I hope to some day run into you on a dive in Florida or anywhere in the world for that matter, keep up the great work James👌.
Just now getting into Scuba Diving, my wife and I and your information about the first five you should buy you are right on the money we thank you we thank you we thank you you did an excellent job and you have directed us on with the purchase first once again thank you from StocktonCalifornia 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾Thank you James
I was one of those new divers that bought everything right out of the starting gate... BC, two prescription masks, Wisdom 3 (still my all time favorite!) and a wristwatch air integrated computer which worked just fine in clear, sunlit waters yet you had to possess a Doctorate in cryptology to program AND not be wearing any thickness gloves which really made it tough to activate the recessed buttons at depth, in the dark. I would have to hit it with a flashlight which often reflected into by dive buddies face and blinded him. It would alarm if the earth’s axis wobbled a bit. Often after hearing warnings that I was about to die, I’d snatch up my Wisdom, look at it and it would say, “Hey Budrowe... yer OK, keep diving.” Bottom line, went and picked up a Scubapro G2 which stays lit all the time with its information, can be seen in the blackest of waters, yet programming the unit is akin to showering in a fragrant waterfall of IPA ale while watching James on a Divers Ready video... (The wristwatch is now in gauge mode for backup depth info.)
where did you get your prescription masks done? I have my mask and getting my prescription tomorrow. My dive shop has offered to send them off for me, but i just find them to be... overpriced. did you go through your shop, your eye doctor or online? what do you think is a good price for this?
@@danni3094 OH WOW!! Third try on this... maybe my previous replies are showing up but I get close to completing the answer and then the tube coughs it’s guts and I loose the page. BUT, I live near Augusta, GA and one of the local dive shops sent my mask off to SC or NC to get the lenses ground and installed. The charges for my bifocals was about $238 bucks. Add to this the cost of my mask of $80 bucks (nasal blow-out port) and then times all of this by two so that I have a spare and one can see that I have expensive eyes. But the process that you are going through sounds like mine and many others when obtaining masks with lens. I love mine - just had to sell a kidney to get them! My best to yo and your dive life.
To take my open water course I had to buy a mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. I’ve very appreciative to the employees at my local dive shop because they spent a solid 2 hours explaining the difference between the gear and how to tell what fits right, so now I’m pretty happy with those choices.
My first piece of gear I bought was a oceanic mask. It was a great mask and now I use it as a backup mask in my drysuit pocket.
First piece after required kit from school (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) was a BCD. Second was a Peregrine dive computer, third was an Edge-Gear HOG Zenith D3 regulator which I love even after trying out a friend’s Aqualung Leg3nd.
I’ve never thought that a DSMB would be so important. Thanks 🙏🏽
I bought the comfort gear. Mask, Fins with snorkel, plus the SMB. The shop required them. They didn’t force you to buy them from the shop. They hoped that you would. The most important thing was the fit and comfort to make diving fun.
Thank you James! This is a very high-quality video it is helping my girlfriend and myself become more knowledgeable, for we are buying our scuba gear this week or next wee!!!
First thing I bought was mask, fins and snorkel. I still have all 3 (2006), but only use the fins. I have used my Atomic split fins on nearly all 200 of my dives to date.
A lot of what is the first 5 items is based on personal choice. For the same hygienic reasons that you mentioned about a mask, I would get my own snorkel. I don't want to think about putting a rental snorkel in my mouth. I have been snorkeling since I was about 10 years old and am very particular about what I use and how easy it is to clear. I realize that a lot of people don't use a snorkel much when diving. However if you are waiting around on the surface for whatever reason it can save a lot of tank air.
Great video. I'm a new diver. My wife and I were recently married and she has been a diver for 30 years...now I can join her. My first piece of equipment is the AquaLung pro HD compact travel BCD. Will be trying it in Bimini Ina couple weeks.
I went on my first dive trip recently with a dive shop from my area. I realized once I was there that I had no idea how to tell if the dives were safe. They led some dives themselves and we had some local divemasters. I don’t know what I don’t know so I’d love to see a video on what to look for. These videos are so helpful!
Thanks James. Working through your material. First purchase here was mask and snorkel. Very pleased with the mask. On the snorkel, wish I'd known that some have a shut off valve so it doesn't fill if you dive down for a closer look at something whilst snorkelling. I will replace it with one that does.
I was open water certified last July and did not buy anything. Just came back from 12 dives in Mexico and got my advanced open water cert. Bought a mask with prescription in it there and have aleady ordered a dive computer and dSMB. May wait on the others. Great video! Thanks.
Great video. First thing I picked up was a good mask. Was more for snorkeling before I got certified, but it's still the best piece of gear I have. Fits my face like a glove and still has plenty of life in it. Then a picked up a good set of fins and booties. Bad knees and back surgery left me needing fins that are comfortable and not too aggressive to cause me extra pain. And now, after 12 years of diving, I've picked up my first BCD and reg set. Wife is retiring so we have travel plans to places like Curacao and Bonaire, Vietnam and Thailand, Philippines, Bali. I figured all the potential diving would be better with my own set of gear. So I gave it all a try in Roatan and now I'm ready for more.
Love the channel and your videos. Love to see the smb on the list. I dove for an embarrassingly long amount of time before anyone clued me into carrying one of these.
Just my opinion but I would definitely throw in an honorable mention of picking up the BC early if you are either very large or small. I am a big heavy guy who dives with a very small female buddy and finding a comfortable BC at either end of that spectrum can be terrible when renting gear.
Just got certified for open water, and found your video. Well done! Very informative.
I took the PADI course when I was 14, in Alberta Canada, in the Winter, my open water in a very murky lake that Spring. First piece of gear I ever bought was a Tri-Panel mask by Dacor I think and my nephew has it now for pool use, or snorkeling in the Summer. I'm 53 now so it got used pretty well and held up nicely. At the same time I bought a Citizen Promaster Dive watch because in 1981 there weren't any dive computers and we had tables and cards to use. I liked that Citizen so much I'm on my second one now, and the first still works!! I heard a rumour that the Italian Navy used the Citizen Promasters for a few years after testing them down to 500 meters without failure, and that's plenty good enough for me,...I even think it looks good!! That's the Citizen Promaster Automatic Dive watch not the Eco-Drive, although I'm sure they'd be fine too.
I recently got into diving and love it! I didn’t think I would be able to dive because I am a bigger guy but my friends got me to the right ppl and the right place. I play rugby and coach a south Florida high school! Definitely have another subscriber here. Thank you for the video.
First gear:
1st Mask "Cressi": I only using that mask for snorkling. Hint for divers with big nose - X Deep Frameless --> Thats what i use today...
1st Fins "Atomic Split Fin": I changed two or three times, as i was not really happy.... In the meanwhile i dive only Jet fins (also when flying)
1st Wet suit "Rofos": Still have it - but mainly in use for students (I only used the dry suit(s) for the last couple of years)
1st Computer "Mares Nemo Wide": The computer "died" after 12 years in duty. I changed to Perdix but had the chance to buy a used computer (again a Nemo wide) and using it as bottom timer / backup / for students
1st Regulator "Mares Proton Ice Extreme": Changed after 10y in duty to Apeks Tec3
Just restarted my dive career in my 50’s, for me it was mask, snorkel, boots and fins. Next will be a dive computer (prob Suunto Eon Core), and then a regulator. Useful video for me, will be checking out your kit reviews 👍🏻
I'm on a "divers ready" video watching spree! Lol, it's all so helpful!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Just absorbing all the knowledge...
My first gear I purchased before the open water course: mask, snorkel, boots, fins and a large mesh bag.
The next investment before my first dive after the ow cert was a watch style dive computer.
My next planned purchases very soon will be my own hood, gloves and a kit that includes a smb, a lamp and a knife and some other little clips, o-rings and such.
I would just absolutely love to get all the gear right now. But I'm going to have to split it up for financial reasons.
At least this allows time for proper research online and in the diving community. :-)
If you dive in cold areas, like I have around here, gloves are you best friend. I got the G1 5MM from Waterproof. Worth every penny.
Just finished my pool skills test today. I have fins, mask, mesh bag for carrying equipment and snorkel after my open water dives I’ll check into a regulator, computer and suit. 👍
Great videos! Ranger Stilleto BCD, Amphos computer, Aqualung Titan LX, 3 mm Henderson shortie
I had the benefit of working for a compressed gas company as I was putting myself through college; one of the benefits of the job was gas, free gas, free tank borrowing. I had my own mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and weights for free diving. I had the benefit of free training with a former navy master diver for the cost of a BCD. Dove without much of any gear. My first gear was the BCD; my next major was a nice regulator set. I don’t think I dove with a dive computer until renting gear in FL, I can see the benefit and am pro technology with everything else but with giving strange enough I’m still a simple table diver; though we’re usually diving a target at shelved depths so time/depth is easy as we don’t change depths too much. Everything else aside the best investment I ever made diving in NY was buying a dry suit; if you dive in cold water with any regularity get a dry suit.
I like the gear recommendation and agree with the buy quality up front as you’ll be enjoying it for years.
Big shout out from Bahrain and really do like your content and honesty. Mask, fins, exposure, dive computer regs - almost got it right and now have a complete dive system.
thank you for this video !!! I didn't even know a dsmb existed because I'm just now getting into diving but like you're saying, it also blows my mind that this isn't part of standard gear, like the hell?! my main concern was that what if you get taken away by a current which can easily take you very far away from the boat and your buddies and there is no way to let them know where you are and this little pouch is simply brilliant ! I'm instantly more relaxed knowing about this and I will absolutely put it on my shopping list to make sure I always have it with me
Just watched this, as i am about to embark on my journey to becoming an instructor (currently AOWD) thankfully my first two purchases were comp and mask before i watched this!
Great channel. You gained my subscription on the strength of the dive computer at the office gag. Dry serious topics don't have to be delivered in a dry serious way, so well done. I'll keep watching and hopefully, learning.
The second thing I bought after ABC was my Suunto Stinger, about 17 years ago. Made me look cool at work and it still works perfectly. Now I'm passing it on to my son, who just got his OW. I'm over 50 now so I needed something not too expensive with BIG numbers... Ended up with a Mares Quad. Supposed to be "entry level"... Ridiculous, it can handle 3 gas mixes, and as a rec diver I'm not going to outgrow it anytime soon. Recently subscribed to your channel. I love it. Keep up the good work!
Hey, as long as it shows me the air remaining and dive time left the rest is worthless garbage information.
James, I am preparing to take my OW course in 2021 and am looking at starting with my own equipment. I have been watching your videos and decided to start back at the beginning to get advice. I have a preliminary quote on basic equipment that I am making payments on over time before my course. I am one of those "remain teachable" people that enjoys learning and challenging myself in new ways. Thanks for your content, I look forward to the notifications of new content. Keep it coming, I'm learning a lot.
Completed Open Water certification last weekend. Dive shop I received training from required mask, snorkel, fins, and SMB to begin training. We deployed the SMB several times as part of the certification.
I was gifted a BCD and reg years before every I took a dive course. I had them checked out at a dive shop once I did, and while they recommended against using the BCD for various reasons the reg has been fine. So after that first I bought was the usual mask/snorkel & fins. Then a dive computer and new BCD to replace the old one. Then a dive torch. DSMB is next up. While I tested the mask in a pool prior to buying, it has been less comfortable at depth then I had hoped, pressing up under my nose. Eventually I'll look at others, but it serves for now.
The first item I bought was a new regulator. I bought a bunch of equipment from a friend who had stopped diving. I had the regulator serviced and it worked fine for a couple of trips. Diving on the Thistlegorm wreck in the Red Sea I was number 4 of 4 going down the mooring line when at 20 metres I felt resistance on breathing in. I stopped and signaled my dive buddy, I started to tell him I had a problem and suddenly I had NOTHING.
My auxiliary was working so I was OK but my heart rate was through the roof. We aborted the dive of course . On later inspection, they could find nothing wrong with the regulator. It seemed to be working fine. My wife didn't bat an eyelid when I spent €350 on a ScubaPro C370 (the best I could afford).
I have mask, snorkel, boots, fins and a slate. Mask / snorkel were a must as i wear glasses; boots and fins maybe an extravagance at an early stage but they're good.
Now I'm saving up for a dive computer!
I'm glad I found this video, as my first piece of diving equipment I purchased was a mask, snorkel, boots and fins. I haven't been able to fully try them out yet to see if they're a good fit yet and I hope to do that today but not sure if I can.
The first piece of gear I bought was an atomic ulraclear mask and I absolutely love it
James, I have been teaching since 1984. Diving since 1977 (certified in 1982). The first equipment was Mask, fins and Snorkel. Had to before I even got wet. (As you know many dive shops require you to provide Mask, Fins and snorkel before you join the class.) After my class and started teaching I bought BC, Reg system, Wetsuit, . - No computer until the 1989 (The edge), - Computers were not in wide spread use. SBM/DSBM really not until 2005 ish.. not common place to use. Drysuit in 1989. -- Nitrox computer 2000ish. Certified to teach Nitrox 1992/3 TDI.
My first purchases right out the gate for class where TUSA mask, snorkel, and fins. Bare 3mm wetsuit, Aqualung Axiom BCD, Aqualung Legend LX regulator, and Aqualung i300 console computer and gauge cluster. A few months after that I bought a couple more pairs of boots (different styles) and an additional 5mm Bare wetsuit along with gloves and hood.
Hi Ryan, that's a lot of good gear in your selections there! Nice choices! Thanks for watching. James
Divers Ready Thanks James, enjoying your videos especially your cinematography. Maybe one day I can take your Tech course... I’ve been checking out your website.
Hey James - great video, and some great advice for new divers!
The rolled up sleeves are a great touch and scream "I'm here for business!"
You know it, brother! Hope you're well!
Hey James! Recently came across your channel as my hubby and I get ready for a week-long dive trip in Cozumel.
As one who needs glasses to see/read any distance farther than arms-length, my first piece of equipment was prescription lens mask for diving. I tried diving with contacts once and that was a fiasco! My hubby and I made a few fun purchases for Christmas last year in anticipation of our next dives and also got ourselves some decent dive computers. I thank you for all the great tips you share and we have subscribed to your channel. Fantastic!
Great advice as usual. My first mask is the only one I ever bought: a Tusa (who cares what model?) with, apparently after 30+ years of use, an excellent silicone face seal (that's only yellowed a tiny bit) and tempered glass. It fit great and still does. Masks are like shoes-fit is absolute, as is overall quality.
I might add booties and fins to your list, since rental fins generally suck, especially the (ugh) step-in type.
thanks for sharing
7:45, your “read the manual“ close up was wonderful! I have a new dive computer and am reading the manual while playing with the buttons.
From my 18 years of experience, having your own gear really pays off, even better when you have your own tank. Diving is so much cheaper, if you have a tank, all you're paying for are refills and the yearly VIP Rinsing out your gear is also a huge responsibility . I remember going on a cruise to mexico and diving in cabo san lucas. This lady looked at me and my brother, made a comment that we were typical california divers who bring their own gear in the big roller bags. She asked why, i replied with you'll find out the hard way when you're struggling with your rental gear, and I've got perfect buoyancy. And i was right. She's struggling to stay neutrally buoyant and keeping up with the group with her UNDERPOWERED SNORKEL FINS , and here I am cruising right by her gracefully, did a barrel roll and keeping up with the group. After the dive, she had nothing to say
I agree with your selection of gear. I might put the wetsuit higher up for hygiene and fit. Regs require substantial and costly maintenance, so one should be a fairly frequent diver to make the maintenance worth it.
I started with the things that I wear (suit, gloves, boots, hood, mask, fins) because the uni club didn't have any communal suits. Then safety gear (computer, torch, DSMB, knife). And finally reg, BC and camera. And lots of extra bits and bobs over time for self-sufficiency when diving with buddies. Each time we go on holiday I try to decide what I could leave at home and rent instead to travel lighter, but my stuff is much nicer than rental stuff, so I always end up taking my full gear.
My dive club loaned me all the gear, then a friend in the club donated a BCD and fins. So, the first gear I bought was regulator, 5mm wetsuit, gloves, boots and mask & snorkel.
Mask, snorkel (bought outside of the dive shop), fins, boots. First dive shop where we purchased was awful and just pushed crap. I'm keeping the boots for now, bought new fins recently, and looking for a new mask; don't need the snorkel for diving. That first dive shop also had really terrible regs, wife and I hated them more than anything so that became our first major purchase with emphasis from my wife. I talked her into a BC and dive computer just a bit later-I had a lot of problems with my rental BC and that dive shop in general. Now we have a dive shop that actually listens and cares about us so we bought most of our kit there once we figured out what we were doing.
Thanks for watching Yuriy! Sounds like you've found a good shop now, though. I do the same. I physically drive passed the nearest dive shop to my house on the way to a further dive shop where I prefer to spend my money. James
I just signed up for a diving course in Las Vegas where I live, and they offered a discount on initial gear....I purchased a mask that fits great, fins, and booties, and snorkel ...came out to 221$. That was in addition to the 499$ for the course....I didn't think that was too bad ....They never mentioned the gear you have suggested....BUT since I have been following you for 2yrs I knew to ask about the regulator. They mentioned, as you just described in the video the scuba pro... The woman told me they were a Scuba-pro dealer. They have different models available at discounts, but they told me to hold off until after I have completed the course... I will find out about the wet suite, dive computer etc.....Any thought you may have would be appreciated... All the Best, and thanks for the channel
My rash guards (including a thermal and non thermal) and dive leggings (picked up for £2 on the last hour of a dive show) were the first for me! I got super cold diving in the Philippines in 25c temperatures so I knew I needed them under my wetsuit! Those you truly can't rent!
I agree about rash guards. It makes for a much more comfortable dive. I recently dove in Panama without a wet suit and a long sleeve rash guard was perfect.
Off to buy computer before my final OW dives as can’t see the numbers on school ones. 100% agree that knowing how to use will make my experience a better one. Regs as soon as we pass. Great vid
Great video, but one thing I would like to add with a diet computer, as you should also buy quality dive watch as a back up. It’s better to be over prepared than underprepared in my opinion.
You got me hooked in with that DSMB... you are correct! :) It is fundamental piece of equipment, so cheap and there are so many new divers that go out without one. I dive with 2 of these, one red and another yellow, purely for tech reasons.
Mine is yellow on one side and orange on the other, it also has a light that can be activated, I think I bought it from DAN?
I just bought a PLB...Personal Locator Beacon...that device may be great investment for beginner and professional divers. Be sure the device you buy has GPS access so it can be used globally not a local beacon.
Got my mask twice as a backup and my reglators for about 15 years now. Still do a great job!
I bought all my kit outright straight out the gate but I'm certain of my diving pathway and my LDS/instructor/mentor is a bulletproof diver and teacher so I know I made very wise, well guided gear decisions which will serve me well as I progress and won't leave me with redundant kit.
One thing to add, the list is spot on but I can't stress how important having a good computer is. It's much more than depth, NDL, and time under. Dives need to be logged regardless and computers start at nearly $500 anyway (in Australia.) Just get a decently good one as as you can afford it, they can auto log dives for you straight out the gate, they'll tell you when you can fly after a dive, they can track nitrox and gas mixes and some are even legitimate fitness watches too. If you come out of your open water and plan to dive quite a bit, honestly, this point is almost more important than a mask. Having a wrist computer that tracks and maps your entire diving career and fitness is a blessing.
My first piece of gear was a prescription mask. I bought in order to take my open water as you can't get rental prescription mask anywhere.
I got certified as a diver as an elective in college, and the first thing they told us to buy was a mask. I still use the mask I bought, but I didn’t have the money to purchase a good mask at the time. It’s serviceable, especially for the depths we go to and how infrequently we dive, but I do wish I had bought a better one. I’m saving up for a regulator right now :)
Been struggling with this very concept of what to buy first. Thanks for this video. I was going to buy dive computer, mask, snorkel, in that order. Will stick to mask and dive computer and mask for now then.
I am going through the open diver program now. I got my mask, snorkel, boots, fins before class started. I just picked up a used bcd.
Thank you for this video. Recently been certified, have just bought a watch and regs brand new and a second hand mask to tide me over until I save up for a good one as my budget wouldn’t quite stretch to brand new everything but not a bad decision going off your video 🙂👍🏻 subscribed to the channel, keep it up!
Surprisingly in Tennessee, I just picked up a set of MK12 regulator, tank connect and gauges for $30, there is an 80CF tank in California for cheap, but its pickup only. I don't plan on any wild dives, but I figured it would at least be a good decoration piece, it looks vintage and military, I could be wrong on the second part, but it's pretty cool all the same. I'd rather have guage type equipment, I don't like digital equipment for anything, torque wrenches, auto pressure gauges, etc. DSMB, I need to figure out where to find that. Thermal protection makes a lot of sense, I wonder how many people don't know that it gets cold when you go deep.
Am a boat captain in the bahamas nassau an jus started diving love ya video.hopefully i can see u when i heard over
I bought a whole setup for 750 usd really really nice gear too! The kid spent 3k on the gear got scared on. A dive after certification and gave up the sport I offered him 750 year ago and last August he finally accepted my offer but now I’m looking into a backplate and wing setup To go with my drysuit
LOL to have and to hold forever and ever. Don’t ever buy a Sherwood Axis BCD. My PLASTIC tank plate shattered apart…and have since learned it has been an issue that Sherwood had no desire to fix or recall. I hope they aren’t in business anymore. Great video. I’m just getting back into diving after years and years, thinking about the ScubaPro Hydros Pro but haven’t finished my research yet. Come dive in Okinawa!
The first kit i bought was an aqua lung wave bcd, titan regulator with the i300 computer and i love it, it was worth what i paid and the shops i live near have layaway options to help the divers that cant afford the $1,000 or more purchases
very good video after my OPW i order mask snorkel suunto zoop,dsmb shoes, now update the computer for shearwater peregrine very happy
I'm currently in the exact situation and can relate to what you described...but as you also somehow indicated with the rental car example sometimes it can be better to get the rental gear rather than buying your own stuff. You didn't buy the Kia, and your everyday business is probably better of with the car you already have. But you wouldn't take it with you would you 😂 And I guess some people use the "purchase gear" idea and later on ignore revisions because the equipment has been "rarely" used. What I got first were a mask, snorkel and fins... The dive computers I just borrow from a friend who doesn't need it that often. Personally I would also say fins before thermal isolation.... Same story as with regulators. Buy a 5mm only to find out you need a 7mm or 3mm at the next diving site😅 Anyway I still believe the items and order you mentioned are reasonable, as usual it just depends on what you are going to do.
My wife and I are new to diving an found your channel through Facebook. After taking our first discovery dive, our first purchases were Cressi focus masks as the lens cans be changed. (We both wear glasses). Along with fins cause the rentals were uncomfortable and wetsuits!!! Especially after hearing about everyone peeing in them! 🤣
Thanks for the great videos for a newb!
Hello James. I got tired of water entering into the mask as well as having a foggy view on rented equipment every time, so my first choice when I decided to start buying my own gear was the mask. I bought an Aqualung Teknika mask and I am the happiest man on earth. The boys (master divers) at the diving center "flamed" it for me on the glasses, in order to, somehow, improve it. Thanks for all of the advice you provide on each video, my next move is the computer, I am considering the Teric (Shearwater). Best regards.
Nice video! I'm a recently certified OWD. The dive school (like most around here) made me buy ABC equipment including boots for the OWD. Then I went on a diving trip to gain experience before making buying decisions. And I'm glad I did because it made me realize I want a computer first. I hated diving with rental computers that looked different from each other and that I didn't understand. And for some, that I wasn't able to properly and effortlessly read. So first purchase will be an easy to read, well lit diving computer. In the process of buying one right now (will probably go for Aqualung i330r). Second piece of equipment I wanna get is the wetsuit as all rental wetsuits were an absolute nightmare to get into (except for the shorty on vacation). I've tried on a few and my local shop now ordered a Bare suite to try as the rest didn't really fit. Apparently being a tall woman is not standard... I was torn between regulator and BCD for the third piece but I think those are gonna be for next year anyways. What's holding me back from regulator is that maintenance costs quite a bit. So it's actually the most expensive. And if I choose good diving centers I trust their equipment is well maintained. Your point about entry level gear in dive centers is interesting though and I hadn't considered that. So I might change my mind. And I will squeeze in the DSMB before the next vacation (only lakes around here so not really that important) ;)
My dive school had Sherwood gear and that is what invested in. I got the Avid BCD and for the regulator I got the Oasis and the Brut for the Octo. Will try itbiut soon. Cheers from El Portal!
Thanks for sharing!
A waterproof (brand) 5mm wetsuit!!! If I'm being honest a fitting! wetsuit was the first thing I knew I needed if I would want to carry on diving, the first things crossing over my doorstep however were: a mask and a dive computer. Only a few months later I couldn’t stand the ever so wobbly tank on my back no longer rocking me from left to right and back and bought a fitting! bcd
Thanks for all the interesting info. I just started diving again after 20+ years and I still have my old diving gear. Instead of renting everything, what I'm doing now, I'm going to service my old Poseidon Cyklon 5000 and start using it again.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Great video and useful tips. I was lucky to do my courses with a diving school that used Apeks XTX 200 regulators. I am still considering buying BC before regulator.