This page gives you our thoughts and tips on purchasing your own gear and if that’s what you require then just read on.
While you are here you might be interested in visiting our bargain bin with a variety of specials.
Diving is an 'equipment intensive sport.'
It does not matter which dive centre you go to they will all tell you the same thing, the brands they sell are the best. It all becomes confusing, especially for the novice diver or snorkeler. We have always taught our divers to log not only the dives they complete but also the dive gear they use, and what they thought of it. That way once you reach the point of purchasing your gear you can look back through and see which was the better selection for you.
Starting with the basics the first choice, for someone new to the sport, is 'Software' or in layman terms - mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and or a wetsuit. Call them flippers and goggles and it’ll cost you a beer. After all if you are gunna be a diver you need to know the lingo
Masks
Having a well fitting and comfortable mask is imperative. If your mask doesn't fit it can ruin a good dive or snorkel. Get your local dive store to show you how to do the sniff test. Masks come in three main materials Rubber; silitex and silicone. When we are showing clients through mask selection, we usually run them through these pointers - The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive, it is the one that seals and feels most comfortable on your face. In order of importance, as far as we are concerned
 |
Fit/comfort, Silicone, Price and finally Colour.
It does not matter (too much) how much money you spend on a mask if it does not seal or fit properly, it is of little use.
Other factors in selecting a mask is low volume as opposed to high volume. A low volume mask sits close to the face and allows for easier clearing and a wider field of vision.
Black silicone skirt as opposed to clear liquid silicone skirt. A black silicone mask blocks out the light and thus makes it easier to focus on objects. Ideal for underwater photography or spearfishing. A clear skirted mask allows more light in and some find this less confining.
Twin lens as opposed to single lens these day many of the suppliers have prescription/corrective lens available. Let your dive store know what your prescription is and they will be able to advise you as to what is available.
The final concern is colour most masks come in a variety of colours and the choice is up to you. Another factor which may be of use is that corrective lens are also available for some masks.
For more information on selecting a mask for spearfishing visit our spearfishing equipment selection guide pages.
Snorkels
There are three different types of snorkel
The drop away purge valve. The J valve; The rigid purge valve
As far as snorkels go its a personal choice - for scuba most seem to go for the drop away style the main reason for this being when not in use they ‘drop down out of the way and do not interfere with your 2nd stage, Also look for a snorkel which has a replaceable mouth piece, and a purge valve.
Fins
Fins come in two main styles open heel and closed heel. The main differences being closed heel are great for spearfishing and snorkelling but not so good for scuba - Why? you may ask -our explanation is. When you are scuba diving you are carrying between 20 and 25 kg of weight - wandering over the rocks is real uncomfortable when you are barefooted, and besides that its hard to hop and say 'oh darn' when you have kicked your big toe on a rock while wearing full scuba kit. Hence open heeled fins with boots.
Closed Heel Fins. Closed heel fins are ideal for snorkelling and spearfishing because you are not carrying the excess weight of scuba. Our recommendations are, select a closed heel fin which is comfortable, with a soft foot pocket that is not too tight - a pocket which is too tight can cause leg cramps when you are finning, also can lead to blisters. On the other hand a pocket which is too big has a possibility of the fin floating off during use.
Open Heeled Fins. Open heeled fins are the more commonly used fin for scuba diving, when selecting make 
sure that the foot pocket fits the boots you have selected. The boot does not have to disappear all the way into the pocket, the pocket should not be too tight across the top of the boot, and definitely not too loose. We have always recommended that where possible trial a couple of different pairs of open heel fins. The two main styles of open heel fins are split or paddle (bladed) style fins. There is no argument that the split fins are more expensive but they are the better fin by far, and for scuba diving are more efficient. However also consider how often are you going to use them. We have tried a few brands and have no qualms in saying that either the Oceanic V12s or the Apollo Split fins are amongst the best of the split fins, other folk will no doubt have different opinions.
Boots
Like all other types of equipment there is also a variety of styles in dive boots. When selecting dive boots consider the type of diving you will be doing - if it is all boat diving then a basic pair will suffice. However if you don’t have permanent access to a boat and like the rest of us will be doing predominantly shore dives you might want to consider the sturdier boot like the air classic or V2. The benefits here are easy to explain. Considering that when you scuba dive you are carrying upwards of 20 kg a sturdy and comfortable boot is a must. Non slip sole which protects the feet from sharp rocks. When trying boots on they should feel snug and comfortable, being aware that they do ‘give’ a bit when they get wet, hence you do not want one which is too loose and sloppy
Miscellaneous
There is a myriad of equipment which comes into this category. I would say the first in the list is diving knives. Stainless steel, titanium, Teflon coated. All types of mixes.. What exactly is it you require your dive knife for. Rapping on your tank to attract your buddies attention? A blunt metal piece on the end is an idea. Another good feature to look for is a line cutter for slicing through fishing line tangles which occasionally do happen. Just remember that a dive knife is the most commonly lost piece of dive equipment.
Wetsuits
Choices choices... how much time do you have. A wetsuit should fit comfortably length wise as well as in width.
If you cannot inhale without feeling too constricted then its too tight, and in turn can be a problem underwater by making the sensation of breathing restrictive. Suits come in 1 or 2 piece. 3, 5 or 7 mm. Merino plush or jersey lined. The most popularly purchased are 1pce 7/5mm semi dry. The rule of thumb snug is good - they do stretch when they get wet
