Any divers here?

[Ranga]

Just spent the last couple of days around Merimbula, snorkling with my mate and collecting abalone and mussels. MAde me remember how much /i used to love snorkelling as a younger fella, and reinspired me to consider doing my PADI. Would love to give spear fishing a crack too, but that can wait.

Anyway, I'm interested in getting a good entry level set of flippers, snorkel and goggles. Don't want top of the range, but want it to last.

So, for those in the know, what's the cheapest brand/model you'd consider buying, and roughly how much should I spend?

[lebanon]

Just spent the last couple of days around Merimbula, snorkling with my mate and collecting abalone and mussels. MAde me remember how much /i used to love snorkelling as a younger fella, and reinspired me to consider doing my PADI. Would love to give spear fishing a crack too, but that can wait.

Anyway, I'm interested in getting a good entry level set of flippers, snorkel and goggles. Don't want top of the range, but want it to last.

So, for those in the know, what's the cheapest brand/model you'd consider buying, and roughly how much should I spend?

I am still using the same fins I bought 20 years ago, the ScubaPro Jet Fins. They are a bit expensive but they will last forever. Money well spent.a small silicone spray is all needed when storing them for long periods.

[cdbanks]

Dive gear is one of the few things left where you get for what you pay for. Most of my gear is mares (Bcd, flippers & rig) but if you stick to the better known brands and get the best you can afford you cant go wrong.

Cressi is is nice as well, my spear gun has been going for 7 year now and hasn't missed a beat.

[VladTepes]

Ranga ralk to Deco on AHN he owns a dive shop.

[p38arover]

Ryan, why didn't you mention this a week or so back when we were playing with your 130? :D

You could have had my BCD, fins, wetsuit, boots, snorkel, and mask. I should sell my dive computer and Mares regulator, etc. - if they are worth anything. I haven't used any of my gear since I left Norfolk Island in 1993 so they'd have to be serviced before use.

It's unlikely I'll ever dive again.

[clubagreenie]

The best Mask is the one that fits. Silicone is the only criteria for selection. Apart from that, put it on sans strap, breathe in through your nose and it should stay on. Apart from that it should just be comfortable. A snorkel is just something to annoy you while you dive but they require one for your course. Fins, jet fins as mentioned are great if you're practiced and strong enough to push them. Some of the newer fin design are easy to push but provide a lot of propulsion.

[justdrinkbeer]

As mentioned make sure the mask is a silicone jobbie, get one with a black skirt (bit that touches your face) as the silicone will discolour over time and you'll be thinking the mask is stuffed.
Cressi is good, had a Scubapro wetsuit that was nice also.

I just dug my gear up from the back of the garage, hoping to get a few dives in over summer, and get the spear gun out a few times too.

[ramblingboy42]

I'm a divemaster......most of what is written above is good. Your snorkel IS a vital piece of your equipment......learn to use it well and you will enjoy your diving more. I snorkel more than I scuba......breath-hold diving becomes more enjoyable the more you do it and you will amaze yourself as well as others as to the length of time you can spend underwater with continuous practise. Let your snorkel be your friend and have it in your mouth at all times on the surface or when ascending.

[sheerluck]

I had a set of Imprex fins (can't remember what model they were), that lasted me for a number of years..........right up until I wrecked a knee in a big way and found I no longer had the ability to kick with that leg any more.:wheelchair:

Found them in the back of a cupboard last year when we moved house, looking worse for wear, cracked and mishapen.:dbcry:

[isuzurover]

I have a Land and Sea mask, TUSA snorkel (lost the land and sea one!) and Atomic Splitfins.

I am happy with my setup.

[John W]

I have been snorkelling & diving since 1970. I have had a number sets of gear but really happy with current set. I tried on every pair of flippers in the shop (poor attendant) until I was sure that they would still be comfy after a day in the water. It is not important but they are technisub aqua lung caravelle, long but flexible. The snorkel is twin exhaust valve and a tusa silicon mask. I remember putting up with uncomfortable flippers for most of my diving life so I am rapped. Pay whatever you have too, to get comfort and then you will use them. If you are strong then bigger and stiffer will give the most propulsion. If your like the rest of us then look for smaller or flexible or both to get where you want without fatigue.

I remember some years ago doing a boat dive in Eden. Was one of the best east coast dives I have done. Great places for diving, no need to go the the barrier reef if you live near there.

[clubagreenie]

And when you get FINS get adjustable ones to use with boots. Nothing worse than watching a class of students try to walk over rocks barefooted and try to put on full foot fins in waves all because a shop is too cheap to hire good gear or sells cheap beginner packs.

[aloa9061]

Find what you want then go to
www.leisurepro.com (http://www.leisurepro.com)

I know the diveshops will have heart failure for me suggesting that but the price difference is rediculous.
When i bout my Cressi computer 750 Aud, bought my wife one 3 months later on leisurepro 225US.

[John W]

And when you get FINS get adjustable ones to use with boots. Nothing worse than watching a class of students try to walk over rocks barefooted and try to put on full foot fins in waves all because a shop is too cheap to hire good gear or sells cheap beginner packs.

Each to their own, I have both but I use the full foot FINS mostly as they are COMFY! Yes booties have their place.

[VladTepes]

I'm a divemaster......most of what is written above is good.

I snorkel more than I scuba......breath-hold diving becomes more enjoyable the more you do it and you will amaze yourself as well as others as to the length of time you can spend underwater with continuous practise..
Given your apt username I didn't think you'd be able to hold your breath for long :lol2:




jokes ok.

[newhue]

**** Ranga, you have opens a can of worms now. This should keep you posting and pondering for the next few months. Just go buy something.:tease: