Jeez Louise! Do I have to buy all that stuff?
No two ways about it: dive gear is expensive. For the recreational diver, who may go only a few times a year, renting is the best deal. For $50 to $75 for a weekend, you get a tank, suit, BC, regulator, and compass that are usually recent model and are properly checked and serviced. They can even be reserved conveniently in conjunction with tours. (Part of the payoff is being able to leave that wet, bulky equipment behind when you get back in your car!) See the next article for brief descriptions of those rentables. Here we'll look at the things you'll want to buy.
Many dive classes expect you to come to your first pool session with snorkel gear. This means a mask and snorkel and a set of fins. Buying your own snorkel gear gives you a comfortable and proper fit for these items, which will greatly improve your snorkeling or diving experience. Also, snorkel gear is reasonably compact, so you can enjoy that good fit even when traveling -- and just rent the heavy, awkward stuff at your destination.
Masks: Masks should fit snugly and seal completely around your face. To test, place the mask (with the strap hanging) on your face, and breathe in through your nose. If the seal is proper, the mask will stay stuck to your face. One lens or two? You can decide this based on comfort level as you look through a few different models. If you want prescription lenses, of course, you may need two lenses. Expect to pay: $50 to $100
Snorkel: Make sure a snorkel feels comfortable in your mouth, and try it in water, if possible. Also, make sure it attaches securely to the mask you choose. Snorkels have many features, and some manufacturers claim their snorkels are "completely dry." Don't feel bad when you find out that's wrong -- it's not you! Many divers are anxious at first, so be sure you choose a snorkel that you feel comfortable purging of water. Expect to pay: $20 to $50
Fins: There are many styles of fins, and this is definitely one area where you can get more performance if you pay more. Inexpensive hard plastic fins will do the job, but the more supple "split" fins are more efficient. That efficiency could make the difference between feeling great when you get out of the water and feeling so tired you barely made it back. Expect to pay: $50 to $200
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