Dive Equipment
Dive Equipment How much should I pay for SCUBA equipment? Some buddies and I are looking to take a 6 month dive master training expedition in Mexico. I already have mask, snorkel, gloves, boots, ...
Dive Equipment
How much should I pay for SCUBA equipment?
Some buddies and I are looking to take a 6 month dive master training expedition in Mexico. I already have mask, snorkel, gloves, boots, and fins...
But how much should I pay for
-BC
-wetsuit
-regulator
-dive computer.
Where should I shop?... Used vs. new? Ballpark prices?
Please share your thoughts.
I would avoid used unless you know the seller. Many scuba items need to have regular maintenance whether the diver completes the maintenance or a professional does it. Without being comfortable with the maintenance history, I would assume that they were poorly maintained.
BCD - about $500
Wetsuit - for a 3mm full suit, about $200
Regulator - for a first stage, two second stages, and a pressure gauge I would say about $1,000
Dive computer - depends on how fancy you get, but my wrist mounted one was about $300.
I would suggest buying the items from a dive shop. For the BCD and wetsuit, fit is everything. Plus, if you go to a dive shop looking to purchase all four items, they might be able to offer you a good package deal.
 US Divers Cozumel Proflex II Fins Mask Snorkel Large  US $38.99
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 Scuba diving regulator Apollo first stage US $45.37
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 Scuba diving regulator Apollo SS alternate second stage US $45.37
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 Scuba diving regulators Dacor Eagle 1st 2nd stage US $90.79
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 Scuba diving regulator Oceanic Alpha 2nd stage octopus US $49.92
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 Brownies Third Lung Weight Belt US $75.00
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 Suunto 3 Gauge Analog Console Scuba Divng Gear US $130.50
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 Scuba Titanium Dive Knife Black Sharp US $39.95
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 ScubaPro Style Soft Neoprene Weight Belt Size XSMALL US $30.95
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 ScubaPro Style Tilos Soft HD Zipper Boots 65mm SZ 6 US $54.95
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 ScubaPro Style Tilos Soft HD Zipper Boots 65mm SZ 13 US $54.95
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 ScubaPro Style Soft Neoprene Weight Belt Size SMALL US $30.95
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 ScubaPro Style Tilos Soft HD Zipper Boots 65mm SZ 5 US $54.95
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 ScubaPro Style Soft Neoprene Weight Belt Size LARGE US $30.95
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 O Rings FKM 116 Mil Spec M83248 2 5 pieces US $.45
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 Dacor The RIG 2 BCD US $125.00
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 Snorkeling Mask Dry Snorkel Fins Dive Gear Package Set US $31.51
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 Snorkeling Scuba Dive Mask Fins Dry Snorkel Gear Set L US $59.95
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 New silicone diving dive gear mask dry snorkel set gift US $18.99
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 Scuba Dive Underwater Hose Mount Wrist Compass Watch US $23.50
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 Scuba Diving Equipment Lift Bag 140 lbs with Dump Valve US $49.95
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 TUSA Underwater Dive Vest US $49.99
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 SCUBA Diving Octo Regulator US DIVERS Package Computer US $100.00
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 New Silicone Diving Dive Gear Mask Snorkel Set Yellow US $16.99
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 Womens Scuba Diving Lot Set REDUCED US $999.00
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 Deep See Wenoka Titanium Dive Knife US $10.50
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 5 EXCELLENT MILITARY SCUBA DIVING TRAINING MANUALS CD US $4.99
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 Suunto Gekko Wrist Computer Lightly Used US $150.00
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 SeaTec Manta Vest US $20.00
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 Regulator Hose and Necklace Set SCUBA US $10.00
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 BLUNT TIP DIVE SCUBA DIVING KNIFE MCNETT BLACK SATURNA US $23.99
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 Set 4 Sea Fans Scuba Diving Video Magazine VHS Tapes US $14.99
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 US Divers Conshelf XIV Regulator with Gauge Console US $50.00
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 SHERWOOD SCUBA REGULATORS GAUGE FOR SCUBA DIVING US $70.00
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 Panoramic 4 Window Purge Mask Scuba Diving Snorkeling US $12.50
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 Scuba set Fins Mask Snorkel wieght belt US $150.00
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 3 Titanium Coated BCD Dive KNIFE Scuba Snorkeling NEW US $24.99
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What Scuba Diving Equipment Is Required?
Aside from the required protective suit you will also need some extra diving equipment before going under the water.
The Buoyancy Compensation Device:
BCD is necessary to uphold your buoyancy underwater. There are different types of devices. It is worn like a jacket and consists of the following:
Internal air bladders
A hose for adding and extracting air from bladders
A loop system for holding air cylinder
Pockets and D-rings for equipment
Air is added or extracted out of internal bladders.
Lead weights:
Human body is naturally buoyant and although it might be carrying heavy diving equipment it will not automatically sink. To stabilize this natural buoyancy divers need to wear lead weights placed either inside a harness, in a belt or in the pockets of the BCD.
To regulate the balance of buoyancy, air is added to the BCD to keep the diver off the bottom of the dive location or in the depth chosen. When on the surface, the BCD is teemed with air to counteract the negative effects of the weights.
Cylinders:
Cylinders do not contain oxygen, contrary to what most people believe. They contain air compressed under pressure. It is measured either in pounds per square inch (psi) or measured by bar. This is controlled by a valve found on the top of the cylinder.
Cylinders are usually constructed of steel or aluminum. They come in a range of sizes measured in cubic feet or liters. Different sizes of cylinders have their advantages and disadvantages. Larger ones allow longer periods to remain underwater but the disadvantage is that they are heavier to carry.
Cylinders are required to be inspected on a regular basis. These diving equipment items should be tested periodically by accredited testing facilities to examine if they are safe to operate.
Regulators:
Air in a cylinder is held at very high pressure that is why regulators are required. Regulators control the pressure to a level that a human being can breathe.
Series of high pressure hoses:
1. Feed for the BCD
2. Accommodate the mouthpiece (the demand valve)
3. Alternative air source (known as octopus)
4. Contain the gauge.
Breathable air will be delivered to the diver through the demand valve (DV) by way of the mouthpiece. The diver breathes in and out with the air being forced out through an exhaust on the DV. In case of emergencies. a buddy can use a second demand valve called octopus. It is colored bright yellow for easy identification underwater. The contents gauge will notify the diver for available air in the cylinder.
Computer:
The computer worn on the diver's wrist is to record:
Depth
Length of time underwater
Rate of ascent to the surface
Calculate compression stops
Clothing required:
Mask
Fins
Protective clothing, skin suit, wet suit, semi dry suit and/or a dry suit
Seeing to it that you are using the right equipment makes sure of your safety. Never forget to check thediving equipment with your buddy before attempting any dive.
Looking to find the best deal on scuba gears, then visit www.MyDiveBuddies.com to find the best advice on diving equipment for you.
About the Author
Allyn Cutts is a scuba diving enthusiast, traveling the globe with his wife checking dive destinations off thier bucket, list one at a time. He is also the Dive Master at www.MyDiveBuddies.com, a private social networking community specifically for scuba diving fanatics.