Experienced divers: need equipment advice.

[Sherpa]

I need another hobby like I need a serious extra hole in my head right now.
but,
I can't resist trying this out.............. so, looking for advice on purchasing
everything................
regulators, octo's, BC's, you name it.......... what is recommended for cold-
water diving-? we're too dang close to Monterey to not try this..........
I'm a very experienced swimmer with more than 10 years of swim-team
experience, etc.......
I know buying online is most likely cheaper, but do you think service is an
issue in doing it that way-? who is recommended for good prices/service
in bay area/so cal-?
--thanks.
--Sherpa

[H20 Toie]

Have you got certified yet? you are better off renting until you get certified and have done a few dives, there are a lot of people that buy there stuff and never use it again. also renting different equipment gives you the chance to find what you like. I support the local dive shop they are the ones who will maintain your gear if they go out of business they who is going to check your stuff out if you have a problem, you may spend more but for me it's worth it and it's not like the dive shop owners are making a fortune, it seems to me that most of them do it becuase they enjoy the sport.

[SoCalOffshore]

i am rescue certified with dry suit and nitrox specialties. I too would buy regs, bcd and computer though the local dive shop, LDS. i have all Scubapro equipment and it is awesome. you pay more, but you get what you pay for and have a life time warranty and free parts for life. for diving in no cal you need at a minimum 7 mm full suit. i would get a semi dry with integrated hood. Pinnacle makes a great, warm suit. But, a dry suit is best for up there. another great great reg is atomic. they are ex scubapro guys, but harder to service if your travelling the world diving. scubapro is the oldest and has the largest dealer network. good luck and get certified and keep diving. check out www.scubaboard.com for all the info. we are planning a dive trip to monterey later this summer.

[Hustler]

I would listen to everything SoCal said. I'm a certified rescue diver also and use pretty much the same equiptment as SoCal. But if want to try stuff out go to your local shops and ask if you demo some thing that you might like. all BC's fit differantly so I would try a few out before you buy. Have fun and be safe out there, it's whole differant world down there :D

[ELIMINAT THIS]

MUFF? :eat:

[Ducatista]

I knew a guy who went out and bought everything, only to realize he couldn't equalize at 10ft.....I would take H20 Toie's advice. But if that's not a problem...local dive shop. :p

[SoCalOffshore]

I would listen to everything SoCal said. I'm a certified rescue diver also and use pretty much the same equiptment as SoCal. But if want to try stuff out go to your local shops and ask if you demo some thing that you might like. all BC's fit differantly so I would try a few out before you buy. Have fun and be safe out there, it's whole differant world down there :D
we are doing an overnight on the channel islands later this month on the Explorer out of ventura. you ought to come out. we just booked a trip to dive the keys next month. once you start diving, it is hard to stop.

[KACHINA KEN]

I only was just certified last weekend but I like the Zeagle BCD's. BTW we are doing Catalina diving in a few weeks, oh and grabbing lobsters in October.

[scarabrick2]

I take care of 36 Divers out here in Vegas and all we use is Scubapro gear.
As a x-Navy Diver and Dive master,master scubapro tech, I have safety in mind all the time. We(Bellagio Hotel) use Channel Island Scuba in Ventura for all our needs. He has great prices and excellant service. Mike @ channel Islands Scuba is the owner and a good friend. I've sent many people his way and no-one has had anything bad to say. I'm a true believer in supporting your local DIVE SHOP but here in Veges they try and rip us off because the company has money. Any questions please feel free to call Mike Dahan at 805-230-9995 and he'll take care of you.
Rick Borba
Bellagio Hotel casino

[riverbrat]

I take care of 36 Divers out here in Vegas and all we use is Scubapro gear.
As a x-Navy Diver and Dive master,master scubapro tech, I have safety in mind all the time. We(Bellagio Hotel) use Channel Island Scuba in Ventura for all our needs. He has great prices and excellant service. Mike @ channel Islands Scuba is the owner and a good friend. I've sent many people his way and no-one has had anything bad to say. I'm a true believer in supporting your local DIVE SHOP but here in Veges they try and rip us off because the company has money. Any questions please feel free to call Mike Dahan at 805-230-9995 and he'll take care of you.
Rick Borba
Bellagio Hotel casino
Can you recommend a dive shop in Vegas? My brother in law wants to get certified.

[scarabrick2]

Few few guys here used Blue seas dive shop. 702-367-2822 or maybe sports chalet on W. charleston / Rampart

[Sherpa]

thanks guys for all the info and references.......... will definetely take time on
buying my stuff......
although I really wish I had access to a set-up to use to go get my, uh hum,
"lost" anchor at Shasta in 2 weeks................ so there you have it. one
"justification" for getting into scuba..... of course like 95% of everybody else
on the planet, I need to take the cert course "yesterday" to be able to do
what I want to...... oh well, one must not rush and sacrafice safety just
to salvage a $20 anchor and chain.........
--Sherpa