Equipment

[jaxin326]

Hello gents,

It's been a while since i've posted on this forum as I was going to join the seals until I found out some other stuff that kinda detoured me otherwise. I'm also finishing up a degree in mechanical engineering and technology with a serious relationship that has just started in the past few months. (don't think the lady wants me to be heading out to the seals too much).

That aside i just signed up for a dive school in this coming up may. I was just curious to anyone who does diving for fun and buys their own equipment if they had any good discount stores online where I could get some descent equipment? My dive instructor owns his own shop and says without even a wetsuit, his shop can "hook" me up if you want to call it that, with everything i need for a solid $2800. I know to me that seems a bit pricey and i've found some places online that have some descent stuff for almost half that. Just wondering if anyone has some experience in buying online equipment that they enjoy?

much appreciated
landon

[joshdupre]

When I had asked this question to a friend of mine that dives basically he said starting out buy everything used if you want your own gear except for the regulator. You can find some gear in excellent condition on ebay or craigslist. Just make sure you take a good look at it. I've found sets of gear that I've considered to purchase for far less than 2,800 bucks. Hope that helps and maybe someone else can elaborate on that a little more than I can.

MR2

[ddssdv]

When I had asked this question to a friend of mine that dives basically he said starting out buy everything used if you want your own gear except for the regulator. You can find some gear in excellent condition on ebay or craigslist. Just make sure you take a good look at it. I've found sets of gear that I've considered to purchase for far less than 2,800 bucks. Hope that helps and maybe someone else can elaborate on that a little more than I can.

MR2

Josh please refrain from answering unless you know.

Buying used gear is buying someon elses problems. You need to rent your gear and find what you like for you. Everybody is different. The Navy uses whatever they want and have turned the fins, masks, knives, wetsuits etc, choices over to the individual command needs. Thats all on the ANU (authorized for Navy Use List). Its located on the www.supsalv.org site specificlly http://www.supsalv.org/webapp/anu/home.asp?user=public . I would rent thru training and find out what you like then buy. The reg, BC should be new and I recommend Scubapro, Aqualung, Dacor for those items. Again these are the best in reliability and maintenance. Proven by USN standards.

[jaxin326]

Thanks a lot dfc and josh. as for that side of it taken care of do any of you gents go spear fishing? i absolutely love fishing and thought this side of fishing would give me a bit more adrenaline (kinda an adrenaline junky). If you do spearfish do you know some descent equip. for that or would you say the same thing as to rent stuff or borrow then find out from there?

[specgraphon]

Josh please refrain from answering unless you know.

Buying used gear is buying someon elses problems. You need to rent your gear and find what you like for you. Everybody is different. The Navy uses whatever they want and have turned the fins, masks, knives, wetsuits etc, choices over to the individual command needs. Thats all on the ANU (authorized for Navy Use List). Its located on the www.supsalv.org site specificlly http://www.supsalv.org/webapp/anu/home.asp?user=public . I would rent thru training and find out what you like then buy. The reg, BC should be new and I recommend Scubapro, Aqualung, Dacor for those items. Again these are the best in reliability and maintenance. Proven by USN standards.Nice post!Even though,you can find excellent used gear.

[bosox99]

Used gear is a good way to go if you buy it from a certified dealer. For example I bought a complete package myself for $800, it was used rental gear from the shop where I was certified. The package consists of a SeaQuest horse-collar BC with an air source II(SeaQuest is owned by Aqua Lung.), an Aqua Lung Titan LX regulator, and a Suunto Gekko dive computer with a built in compass. Keep in mind though, buying gear on craigslist and ebay may be inviting because it's cheap, it's at your own risk, you get what you pay for when it comes to dive gear. If you do choose this route, take your gear to a certified dealer and have them check it out, and if need be service it. Reliability is a virtue in diving.

Also, for purchasing a wetsuit, look into a suit from last season, versus one from this season. The wet suit I purchased was $150, last season's design, while the design from the current season is $300. (The wetsuit is also Aqua-Lung.) Henderson is also well known for quality wetsuits, but run a bit pricier, as is O'neill and BodyGlove.

Finally, spearfishing! When I spearfish I use what's called a hawaiian sling. In case you're not familiar with this it's basically a long shaft with a spear tip on one end and an elastic band on the other. It works by pulling the elastic band down the shaft yourself and holding, when you see a fish you aim and let go of the shaft, (But hold onto the band!) This will shoot the spear through the water about 3-6 feet. Meaning you have to get close to the fish. This makes it difficult and, in my opinion, more rewarding. The great thing about a hawaiian sling is its price. You can pick one up for about $30. As far as a speargun goes, check out this site: http://www.slinginsteel.com/ They have a consistent product, but alot pricier than a hawaiian sling. Keep in mind however, that many places dont allow you to dive and spear-fish at the same time. (i.e. The Bahamas.) This means you would have to free dive, so double-check the regulations for your area, fishing illegally/in an illegal manner can get you some nasty fines.

Just my .02

[mcbonas]

Finally, spearfishing! When I spearfish I use what's called a hawaiian sling. In case you're not familiar with this it's basically a long shaft with a spear tip on one end and an elastic band on the other. It works by pulling the elastic band down the shaft yourself and holding, when you see a fish you aim and let go of the shaft, (But hold onto the band!) This will shoot the spear through the water about 3-6 feet. Meaning you have to get close to the fish. This makes it difficult and, in my opinion, more rewarding. The great thing about a hawaiian sling is its price. You can pick one up for about $30. As far as a speargun goes, check out this site: http://www.slinginsteel.com/ They have a consistent product, but alot pricier than a hawaiian sling. Keep in mind however, that many places dont allow you to dive and spear-fish at the same time. (i.e. The Bahamas.) This means you would have to free dive, so double-check the regulations for your area, fishing illegally/in an illegal manner can get you some nasty fines.

Just my .02

"Hawaiian slings", or "three-prongs", are an excellent choice for beginning and even advanced spearfishing. First, as mentioned is the price. Here on Oahu, I can walk into Walmart and pick one up for 20-40 bucks. That being said, a good rule of thumb is to buy the one with the longest shaft that you feel comfortable with. There will be some that say otherwise, but they are usually more interested in poking tako (octopus) from small crags under rocks. The longer shaft gives you more room to **** back against the pull of the band, hence a little more thrust over a little farther distance. A small technique point; while pulling back the shaft, slightly turn it so the band kind of rifles around it. This will provide a small turn upon release, making it actually travel more straight forward. I think if you do a little research online, you'll find videos like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wke3NDFXWc
They should be somewhat helpful. Other than just the price, using a hawaiian sling definitely helps boost your lung capacity. You'll be down there for a while most of the time, waiting and waiting for that fish to come just a little closer. Hope this helps. Next time I go, I'll see if I can get a picture of me or my spearfishing buddy in action.

[jaxin326]

wow appreciate all the quick responses here. i'll definitely be checking all of this out tonight sometime after a beer (long day at work). thanks again for all the help

landon