Buying Guide Summary
« Back to Buying Guide IndexBuying Discount Scuba Gear Online
Ever since the advent of the internet, the online marketplace has become saturated with product sellers from all over the world. One of the many advantages to buying online as opposed to a brick and mortar store is that the online store has no overhead costs. This will allow them to sell at a much better price.
Also, there are no restrictions with time. Some times shops are not open at hours that are convenient to their customers, which will also cut into their profits. Online stores are open 24/7 for business so people can search when the time works best for them.
Finding Discount Dive Gear
You want to become knowledgeable about different brands of scuba equipment before you purchase. In order to get the best deal possible you should read reviews. There are a host of places that will provide reviews for discount dive gear all over the internet, in dive shops, and in magazines.
You want to shop around and get the best deal possible. Make notes to yourself and keep a running list of the bare necessities as well as other things you think you may need. This will help you to become more informed therefore making much more educated choices.
Garage and Estate Sales
These are some of the best places to find discount scuba gear at a very cheap price! Though you may do well to call around when ads are placed for these events that way you can cut down on the time spent driving. It does not hurt to find out what they have and do not have in regards to dive gear.
Most of these people have quit diving for one reason or another and will likely offer you a major discount on what they paid. With the exception of regulators ( those you should have new ) any other type of gear could be just as useful used as it was brand new.
Going To A Dive Shop
Even if you intend to purchase off of the internet, it may not hurt to go into a dive shop just to ask advice. You can ask questions and find out everything you want to know about equipment you plan to buy. The shop should be a reputable one as you do not want to take advice from someone who may not know what they are talking about. While you are there, definitely check the prices of their items compared to those off of the internet. More than likely, you will find there is a difference.
Maintenance of Your Equipment
Once you decide to purchase everything you need for you scuba diving venture, you will want to take heed of what must be done to properly care for it. Most gear is not high maintenance but certain things must be done on a regular basis to ensure that it will last for a long time. If you care and service your scuba dive gear the way you should, you will end up saving a lot of money in the long run. Repairs and replacements are not cheap so it is much more beneficial to you if you are pre-emptive in your efforts!
Price Range For Different Types of Equipment
The cost of basic scuba gear can vary widely depending on what you are looking for. The following are price ranges for the equipment you will need:
- Masks $20-120
- Snorkels $20-60
- Fins $50-200
- Scuba Booties $40-75
- Regulator Sets $200-1200
- BC's $350-650
- Gauges $250-400
- Scuba Tanks $100-400
- Wetsuits $125-400
- Drysuits $900-2000
Renting vs. Buying Discount Gear
If you are able to buy your gear at a discount price, you will be much better off in the long run than one who only rents. If you plan to dive on a regular basis and cannot afford to buy retail equipment, then a scuba equipment discount purchase is in order. You will want to know the history of whatever you decide to buy so you know how to take care of it. It is necessary to know what needs to be serviced and when so that discount equipment will be of use for many years to come.
Renting vs. Buying New
If it is not within your budget to buy everything you need to scuba dive, then renting is the next best option. Buying equipment brand new has its definite advantages. You know the history (it has none!) therefore are aware of when it should be serviced and maintained. With rental equipment, you can certainly dive cheaper but it is unclear whether you are much safer. It is impossible to know who has used or possibly abused the equipment before, or how many times it has been used. It is simply a risk that must be taken for those who either cannot afford to buy new equipment or plan to dive only once in a while.