So you're a new diver and you?re not sure if you should buy gear and if you do buy, what to buy, all of it or just pieces of it, what brand, what style, what colour, order on line, buy from a local dive shop (LDS). If you are asking yourself these questions you are already on the right track.

First thing you must remember when researching answers for your questions is that everyone has their own opinion on everything, and the following is my opinion from my own experience

I believe an individual needs to consider how much diving they plan to do. If you don?t plan on diving more then a couple of times a year or only plan on diving in the Caribbean, then most likely you will not need a complete set of gear.

Regulator

Regardless of how much diving you plan on doing I would recommend that you would consider a regulator as your first purchase. This will most likely be one of the most expensive purchases you make, however it will be yours and you will know how it has been looked after if the regular maintenance has been done and it?s only your slobberJ.

When diving down south and using the rental gear provided you really don?t know how it has been looked after, and this is what allows you to breath under water.

As for what regulator to buy?.there are so many options out there, I think the biggest thing is ensure that it is environmentally sealed. From there money is no limit. But again what type of diving do you plan on doing, all regulators are sufficient within open water certified diving, if you plan on going beyond the 60ft limit then at least a middle of the road regulator. Which brand, most manufactures have a wide range of different performing , differently built regulators. Also consider the warranty and where the regulator can be serviced. See you LDS (local dive shop).

Computer

Next I would say a computer. With a computer your bottom time is greatly increased compared to using dive tables. (stay proficient with dive table as they are your back up). All computer are within a couple of inches of accuracy and depending on the model all the information is right there in front of you, time, pressure, depth, ascent rate as well as other luxury information.

Now what computer, air or non air integrated are the main choices. Air integrated is nice cause as I mentioned all the information is in one gauge at one glance. I won?t get into in hose or transponder air integration. Other options for are nitrox, compatibility (recommend this), multi gas, (tech diving) , downloadable (techies), is the battery user changeable.

Now what brand? All manufactures make good computers, consider what your dive buddies use. Or which manufacturer has the options you want. Again see what your LDS has to offer.

Byoyancy Compensator

Now finally (well not really), the buoyancy compensator. Again consider the type of diving you plan on doing. If you are going to fly south often a lighter, more compact BC would be a good choice. However it may not be sufficient for diving colder water. Smaller, lighter BC?s tend not to have as much lift, or allow for much weight, and the fit will be different from wearing a 7mm suit to 3mm suit (sown south) so adjustability should be considered.

Jacket style, rear inflation or back plate and wing. This again is decided by how you?re going to dive. Back plate and wing can easily accept double tanks, if you think you are going to get technical, however there are many who dive a single tank and use the back plate and wing (this is a rear inflation system).

Jacket or rear inflation is mostly a personal choice both can be purchased with the same options, or similar configurations. Jacket style tend to have you float upright at the surface, however tends to be a bit bulkier on the sides (not as streamlined as rear inflation), The rear inflation system puts the air bladder on your back so under water you tend to be a little more stream lined, and is also comfortable as there is no bladder on your sides squeezing you as in the jacket style. It is said that the rear inflation pushes you forward at the surface, (I don?t find this).

All systems have weight integrated or non integrated options. In colder water you wear more weight so weight integration is a good option as you can spread the weight around instead of being just on you belt. Non integrated would be considered if you plan on diving solely in warm water and don?t mind the weight on your hips (more of a women?s concern). Non integrated BC?s are less bulky.

As for what brand, all manufactures offer a number of styles to choose from. Consider where the warranty work will be done.

As for colour of your gear sure it looks nice above water but underwater? well remember what you learned regarding light underwater in your Open water course.

There is still a number of other items that you will need and want. Cold water requires at the very least a 7mm wet suit. It is recommended that you have a cutting tool, knife, sheers, or a line cutter. A dive light is a nice option to have for when you want to look into a dark crevice, a slate, a compass, surface maker, safety sausage, tanks, dry suit and so on. Be realistic when you?re considering your gadget shopping.

Remember to research as much as possible get as many opinions as you can, visit your LDS, try some of the gear, some LDS have open pool nights. Every manufacturer has a web site, read up on their products. There are all kinds of dive chat forums, dive magazines, books on diving etc. Educate yourself enough to have your own opinion and then to choose your gear.

With the BC, computer, and regulator, consider that all gear should be serviced once a gear, and where you have to travel in order to get an authorized dealer to service the gear. Another consideration is where are you going to go to get air fills. There is all kinds of information on the internet, but when was the last time you saw air fills advertised.

There is really only one place that anyone should be buying new gear, and that is your Local Dive Shop. Without our LDS, where would we go if we needed a quick adjustment on a regulator, or our BC inflater malfunctioned and you need a BC to go out on a weekend dive. Dive shops allow access to training, dive buddies and organized diving, this is something that is not easily accessible on the internet.

Diving is not a cheap sport it is as I call it a way of life. Do not jeopardize your safety only to save a few bucks, diving is a very safe sport when done within your own limits and with the proper gear for the particular dive, dive safe