Scuba Gear – Scuba Equipment

SCUBA diving equipment and prices ; and the best kind of boat and approx price for SCUBA diving?

I am studying to be a marine biologist and I am going for my SCUBA certifications, but I need approximate pricing before i go so i can get my equipment. I will be living in Florida soon, so I intend to get a boat so when I am qualified I can go out on dives. I am looking for boats and equipments i can look for fish, coral reefs, marine wildlife in general, also I am interested in ship wrecks. So I need an approximate pricing, websites and the equipment, and types of boats. I want the best equipment.

Look to spend around 10 thousand on dive equipment if you want to be a marine biologist, boats and equipment tend to be specific to the type of diving you will be doing. I recommend that you finish getting certified prior to purchasing very much equipment. Any good dive shop will allow you to test out your equipment prior to purchasing, everyone has their own personal preferences and until you become relaxed and comfortable in the water you probably wont have any idea about what you like or it will change as you learn. As for boats, there are many types to choose from, most of which will depend on the conditions you expect to work in and how physically able you are to climb into them from the water, look at other people in your profession and glean tips from them as far as deck space for equipment, power and style. You can also make or obtain modifications to any boat to better suit the work you will be performing. Either way you should expect to spend a lot of money, and last time I checked marine biologists don’t get paid very much and they usually work with a university which already has that sort of equipment or off of grants.

SCUBA QUESTION: What thickness of a wetsuit do I need for the Bahamas?

I am going to the Bahamas in November and I need a new wetsuit…what thickness (in mm) do I need?
I need a wetsuit because I will be scuba diving to 100 feet.

You won’t need a thick wet suit, just a reef skin or a 3mm shortie. Lol, we ice dive here in 7mm and you’re thinking you’ll be cold there? Nah. By the way, don’t bother going to 100 ft, not only is there less to see, I doubt that you’ll be allowed to. An AOW diver would know what thickness of suit they need, it seems you’re not AOW.
This cracks me up a bit, sorry.

Edit: WreckTek, yeah, there are a few good wrecks, but it sounds to me like this is a resort course this person may be taking or they are a recently graduated OW. An AOW would know their cold tolerance and thermal protection. Additionaly, I don’t know of any dive ops that will schedule more than 2 dives on a charter. If they’re properly hydrated on the SI, getting cold on the last dive shouldn’t be an issue.

Where can I rent scuba gear outfits near Anna Maria Island.?

I love finding sand dollars at Anna Maria Island. The only problem is I can’t hold my breath in 10 ft water very long. So I would like to know of any cheap Scuba Gear near there for a couple people. (do you have to have a certificate to rent the gear?) Thank you all.

Yes, you have to be certified to rent both the gear and to have a tank filled. You could always snorkel it instead.

What are the best websites for finding great scuba diving location? and equipment sale?

Great Locations in Florida for scuba diving.
And good places for purchasing equipment.
I am in Jupiter, Florida !!!
I was looking for some nice and relax dive that is not too deep. It could be anywhere from 40 to 60 feet.

Try EBay. You can always find great deals. You just have to be careful. This is your life. In FL I would also check the pawn shops.

What should you wear under a wetsuit? i.e. for scuba.?

I’m going scuba diving for the first time this weekend. and I’m to embarassed to ask in my dive shop. Thanks

The best thing is a "dive skin" but you don’t have to spend the money at a dvie shop. The skin is a lycra suit or shorts and top that keep you covered when your wetsuit is down, and help the suit slide on easier. (a dry person and dry suit or a wet person and wet suit are easy to get into, a moist suit and a sweaty person makes it tough)

Sooo instead of an expensive dive skin, go to walmart and get a pair of spandex or bike shorts, and an under-armour type top. (snug) This will cost you 20 bucks, and do the job. It also doesn’t bunch like a larger swimsuit, and even offers a little more protection from cold water pockets in the suit.

3mm Men’s NeoSport XSPAN Long John Wetsuit

NeoSport XSPAN Paddle John The 3mm NeoSport XSPAN Long John Wetsuit was designed for paddle sports such as rowing and kayaking, but can be used for anything you can think of. The sleeveless cut offers complete range of shoulder and arm motion. This suit is made of 100% XSPAN superstretch neoprene for the ultimate in flexibility, and the seams are sealed to keep cold water from trickling in. Also features a reinforced seat for durability, kneepads, ankle zippers, and a "relief" zipper at the crotch. We carry a ton of wetsuits, and it’s our opinion that the NeoSport XSPAN line is some of the softest, and most flexible neoprene available. Enjoy! Manufactured by SCUBA wetsuit legends, Henderson USA, you can rest assured that this wetsuit will last for years to come.  1 year warranty. *Boots Sold Separately Feature Matrix:           Water Temp Rating 65 degrees and up (Surface Sports) – 72 degrees and up (SCUBA)     Style John     Thickness 3mm     Neoprene Type 100% Stretch     Seam Construction Sealed     Zipper Style Full front zip     Internal Features N/A     Additional Features Durable Kneepds, ankle zips, relief zip   &amp

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What is the best scuba equipment to buy?

I was thinking of getting into scuba diving and was wondering what the best bang for your buck was in scuba equipment (i.e. good quality for relatively cheap price) with spear guns also.
Thanks.

Your going to get "xxx is the best". Everyone has their personal favorites.

The best gear the what you can have serviced locally. Sending your gear out via mail or UPS is kinda scary.

My personal favorite is the Aqualung brand, though.

What to do with long hair when scuba diving?

I have long hair and am wondering what other scuba divers do with it when diving in a wetsuit. A braid with a tie would hurt, being squeezed in the wetsuit down my spine. A bun or ponytail in my hood is also uncomfortable.. not to be complaining about all the options.. but are there any more long hair options while scuba diving?

If you are wearing a hood, the I would say just brush it back and let the hood hold it down. Since the neck of the hood gets tucked into the wetsuit, tuck in the hair as well. Before you zip up the hood, look down which will pull the hair up some in the back to give you some "slack".

Another option is to braid two pigtails starting behind each ear. Instead of letting them hand down your back, bring them over the shoulders, and use the hood to help hold them there.

My wife and other female divers use these two options, but none of them have hair that is longer than the middle of their back.

Is divers-supply.com a legit site to get scuba equipment? Looking at dive computer.?

Searching the web I came across : http://www.divers-supply.com/
Is this a legit site to buy scuba equipment? has someone purchased from them?.

I am looking to get a dive computer (OCEANIC VERSA WRIST PDC). It is a basic, cheap computer, but their advertised price beats all prices online.

Here is the link: http://www.divers-supply.com/OCEANIC-VERSA-WRIST-PDC-p/oce0109.htm
scubabob: I am shopping around and came across that particular site. I am by no means wealthy (maybe you are). So let’s do this, where is your LDS?. what is their phone #?. Or better yet, entertain me, and ask them if they carry the item in question, and let me know what their price is…
scubabob: thanks for the price info. Where is your LDS?. Does he have a website? Why do you ask about nitrox? I thought this dive computer was both air/nitrox. Anyway, I am a new recreational diver, with only 8dives (max 95ft), and planning another trip to the caribbean for another 7-8dives in june. I don’t own any of the equipment, and wanted to buy the basic (fins, mask and maybe 3mm wetsuit) + dive computer. Based on my needs I am looking at entry level models for the computer as well as basic equipment. Maybe you or your LDS can suggest a sub $200 dive computer for my needs, as well as decent mask, fins, wetsuit.. send me a private if u want. thanks for the info.
forgot to say, I live near NYC, where most LDS are highly overpriced since they cater to certain customers with lots of disposable income.. I don’t fit the bill

Pagro, you get what you pay for. Buy from an on line retailer and you’ll get on line service for the item. Buy from a dive shop and you’ll get in person, instant service.
Personally, I’ll NEVER buy online. I like breathing, I like not having to be dry for a few weeks while my gear is in transit being repaired ( if they will honour that), I like the savings I get buying from my local shop. He understands he has online competition and gives me a 10% break. I get fast service and zero down time. Can you borrow gear from an online shop while yours is getting serviced? No, didn’t think so.
The funny thing is…if you buy from your local shop, your prices go down. An example: Last week I bought an Ike Lite housing for my camera. From my local shop. I paid wholesale. Must be because I support my local shop.
You want cheap though huh?Is that what you figure you’re worth?
Edit: I’m not being rude at all. I’m suggesting that the asker’s life IS worth more than money. How is that being rude? I am also pointing out that cheap doesn’t mean better and that by purchasing from your local shop, you’ll often get discounts or even some things at cost. It’s their way of saying "thanks" for helping them stay in business. I’ll be heading to my usual shop tonight ( Friday) and enquire as to what their cost is in Canadian funds.
Edit2:
He can do 167.00 Canadian dollars. From the difference I see there, well. your choice. Me..I can just take it back. It’s an LDS. I try and buy and if I screw up, I still have recourse because they trust me as I do them. Man..I still can’t see how that guy thinks I’m being rude for laying it on the line. I’d love to take him/her/kid on a "trip".
BTW, I’m not "rich", I just know what I need and spend appropriately.No fancy car, just a pick up that I bought for the simple reason that it hauls my dive gear ( com and rec) and it’s red. The Red part cost me an extra 200 bucks. You get what you pay for, unless you’re Shane. I don’t dive with Shanes. Too many "equipment aborts". Shane’s think that you can skip the common sense in lieu of cost savings. I like diving with people that place their well being and their buddies above all.
If you feel comfortable, by all means…buy from those guys. I’m just pointing out the negatives, after all, it’s your money. I’d just like you to think about the "future". Nitrox?. That’s it.
Sorry that Shane and yourself took it as rude. Far from it. I am just expressing what many cold water divers will. Simple…ask them.

What SCUBA equipment should I buy?

I’m a beginner diver. I’m interested in purchasing a regulator with octopus and guages and a BC. I dont know what brands would be the best. I live in Erie pa so I will be making cold water dives.

Zeagle is a newer BC company, but they make great quality BC`s and most of them are weight integrated so theres no need for a weight belt. They`re also very reasonably priced.

Dacor is also a great name brand that as been around forever. They make both BC`s and regulators. You best bet is to go into as many dive shops you can and check them out try them on. Some BC`s fit differently than others and some regs come set up a little differently, but you can usually change the way your regulator is set up. Such as a vertical or horizontal configuration.

I`d also recommend looking into buying used gear, mainly on craigslist.com or ebay.com A lot of times ppl will become certified but then cant equalize their ears or dont like the sport after a while so they buy new gear and then sell it for a really cheap price. You can also look into buying used rental gear from any dive shop that rents out equipment. However, rentals are usually a little more beat up than that 1 or 2 time diver that doesnt dive anymore.