DaVega366

And I have some questions.

I am taking SCUBA as a class at my university. I will be doing underwater research in the Bahamas this summer and need to buy some equipment. This includes a wetsuit, regulator, and BCD. There are two catches: I'm a woman and a poor college student. I want to buy some of this stuff online with a discount, but don't know certain things like what size wetsuit to get (M, L), short or full; what a decent regulator should run; are there BCD's specifically made for women?

I don't have my certification yet, but the class taked a trip to Key Largo at the end of the semester.

Any suggestions?

Scuba Mama

Per welcome to diving. As far as gear questions, yes there are some BCD's that are made specifically for women. Most will take into consideration, smaller backs (torso) and adjustments for sometime bigger fronts. Buy your mask, fins and snorkel from a dive shop. They will make sure you have the correct fit and to exchange is easier if something does not fit. The shop I help at has sales about every three months to rotate training gear. This is a great way to offset your costs, it is sold at reduced cost because it used. By buying from a shop you also get warranties for repair and service. Be careful when buying from the internet. Make sure of return policy, who will support repairs and maintenance, for BCD, regulator, exchange policy, shipping costs, fit. Not all wet suits are made the same either. Ask lots of questions during training. Ask the divemasters what wet suits they use in the summer and why. Florida and Upper Bahama's water temp's are similar in the summer. This guys or gals are in the water a lot and can best steer you on what you will need in the Bahama's. Consider a dive computer, you will find this invaluable. I also knew friends who were divers and they loaned me gear until I could afford my own. Dive clubs are another way to obtain gear. Members will sometime sell gear they have or want to change.

Scuba Mama

DaVega366

What is an estimate on how much a BCD, regulator, computer, and wetsuit will cost? Not the most expensive, obviously. Just something for a beginner.

Scuba Mama

Watch for bells and whistles. I usually recommend going mid pricing. Too low end is just that low end. Full packages will range from $1000.00 (usd) to $2500.00 (usd) at a high end. Most packages will include a regulator & BCD and mixed pieces after that. When buying a regulator watch out for terms. Most regulators sold will come with a first stage and primary second stage, dive console thats it.

First stage: The unit that steps the pressure down to a breathing pressure or as I tell my students, its the piece directly connected to the cylinder and air comes through it first.
Second Stage: A demand regulator: the part with the mouthpiece that gives you air when you breath. The second place air is delivered.

A complete regulator should have a First stage, a primary second stage, alternate second stage, dive console, and a low pressure inflater hose and should be put together for you.

I know your looking for pricing but you should know what your buying so you don't end up shorted on gear. You'll have to know the terms any way for class this is just a head start.

glynneco

Listen to Yodette the force is strong in her! (Just kidding scuba mama) She's right. Go the used route from a store. They can sometimes hook you up with someone who is trading up. If it's maintained this stuff will last a long time. Besides used equipment will give the patina of experience!
Dive safe! Have fun.

__________________
Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

DaVega366

Thank you guys! I found a good store when I bought my snorkeling gear and I found that there are many around me. Guess I need to start saving up!


(by the way, I love your pictures)