New divers often tell me that purchasing scuba diving equipment for the first time can be a confusing experience. There is such a vast price difference between entry-level and top-of-the-line products that beginners usually have no idea what they should buy. I'm going to try to shed a bit of light on the subject right now.
As all seasoned divers can tell you, having the right scuba diving equipment is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing. While the bargain hunter in you might automatically look for the cheapest products available, I would advise spending a bit more money for quality gear. After all, in some instances your life could depend on this scuba diving equipment, so this isn't the time to cut corners.
That's not to say that you have to resign yourself to paying thousands of dollars for your supplies. In fact, you can outfit yourself with all the gear you need for a very reasonable price -- especially if you choose to buy your scuba diving equipment online.
There are several terrific websites out there that sell name-brand scuba diving equipment for discount prices. These places are essentially superstores that likely have more inventory on hand than any local dive shop would. Because they purchase their products in such massive quantities, they get great prices from the manufacturers, and they're able to pass those discounts on to the consumer. As a result, you can buy the quality gear you really want instead of settling for the cut-rate stuff.
Of course, some scuba diving equipment, such as wetsuits, dive boots, gloves, fins, will require a specific size before ordering. Because it can sometimes be a hassle to return or exchange products that you've purchased from online stores, it's important that you know your measurements prior to placing your order. Other items, such as regulators, masks, snorkels, and lights obviously fall into the one-size-fits-all category and can be ordered without worry.
Some people might be apprehensive about buying such expensive scuba diving equipment online, which is completely understandable. For those of you who feel this way, I recommend making your first purchases at a regular store. Then, once you know your exact sizes for everything and once you find brands that you like, you can make all subsequent purchases online to enjoy the big discounts.
Whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you actually get out there and dive a few times a year. There's no sense in letting all your new gear collect dust in your basement!
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