im looking into getting everything to scuba dive. I have good mask and fins from free dive spearfishing. I dont really know what to get and dont wanna spend toooo much. I dont wanna buy junk either. Just looking for I guess intermediate equipment that can be used for wreck/spearfish/photography. If you guys could give me a few options just so I get some more info. I have been reading about a lot online also. Thanks guys.. oh Im from asbury park area and usually shop at professional divers in neptune if that helps.

thanks. kris.

Kris,

Welcome to the forum, and welcome to diving. If you are serious about getting into diving, it won't be a cheap endeavor. Any serious hobby is usually worth a considerable investment. However, there is a lot of good equipment out there that won't break your bank.

If you are looking at drysuits, Bare makes a quality suit for a reasonable price. Regulators are a tough nut to crack. There aren't really any "bad" ones on the market, so its what type is right for you. Tanks are tanks, so as long as you get the right size for your frame, you should be fine as long as it is in vip and hydro. Lights will depend on what type of diving you want to do. The LED's are the new trend, and there are some good lights on the market. One of the more important purchases is what type of BCD to wear. There are alot of options, from jacket style, to back inflation, to a simple backplate and harness with a wing (my preference). My suggestion is to find a shop that has a pool that will allow you to spend a few hours trying out all of the options. I know there are a few shops that have pools for this purpose.

There are other diving websites where people list gear they have for sale. See what is out there, and check the stores too. Personally, I'm in favor of using a local dive shop, and not buying life support from the internet (unless you personally know the seller). If you look around, there are some pretty good deals out there, especially if you buy a "package deal".

Good luck!

Mike

If everyone would help could we put together items we all enjoy using. Limit the list per diver to two or three items.
It is like this if NJ Divers come south all of your equipment is usable here in the south. Might want to have a good skin suit for the heat in summer. Like the caves are 72 degree temp and other waters could be in the 60's. Winter temp in the 50's is par.

Talk to Tom at Pro Divers and get his suggestions.......he is knowlegable and reasonable.....

If you have questions from there you can ask for peoples opinions on his suggestions. Much of the same equip will be used for wreck/spearfishing and photog but how you dive and your thoughts about how you want to do this in the future will make a difference too.....doubles/singels, beach/boat, tech/rec....

sometimes its the individual items and sometimes its the combination of items....

your questions is so broad you will not know where to start with the answers given. So get a starting place, your LDS suggestions

good luck and welcome to the club