What Is The Most Important Bits To Buy Vs Rent?

[Andrew N]

Just wondering what the most important things to buy as opposed to rent are prior to a diving holiday?

I presume a mask and fins are pretty important, but what about a dive computer, regulator etc?

What is a good make of dive computer as well?

Cheers, Andrew N

[Tango]

Do you intend to take up diving as a hobby?
Will you be diving at home or just abroad?
If you have a local branch of BSAC I am sure they will give you sound advice.

[Haydn]

Hi Andrew

If you are only diving on holiday I would rent it all except mask/fins, Oh and perhaps a wetsuit (the thought of previous occupants weeing in them sends shivers through me :huh: )

I assume you only need an air (as apposed to enriched air(nitrox)) if so there are some very good bargins on the Aladin Air because they have just brought out a new model.

Haydn

[Andy Hipkiss]

FWIW, because of my work I get to travel to quite a lot to places where I can dive ... all I pack is my mask and my dive computer. Sure it's nice to have other stuff but for me personally, these are the things I rely on.

Saying that, there's been occasions I wish I had my regulator rig with me!

[philworrall]

Trunks - I hate to rent them
:D :D :rolleyes:

[Mick]

Hi Andrew
I take everything except my cylinder with me when i go diving abroad i prefer to use my own kit as i know it and trust it :)

[spottydog]

I takes all my kit (except tank and weights) when travelling abroad but you don't need to . I would agree with others that all you really need to take are mask, fins and snorkel but your own wetsuit is probably nicer than hired ones and some places abroad don't hire computers so your own would be good rather than limiting you to tables.

If you're going to buy a computer I would suggest buying one that does Nitrox as it's becoming more common and it becomes expensive buying a second computer should you wish to do this in future (I learn't the hard way by buying a non-nitrox computer first).

For Computer both Alladin and Suunto are highly rated and the newer Mares models seem to be getting good press at the moment.

HTH

[ahoy]

I prefer to take everything bar cylinders as it's your own kit which you'll have maintained. I put my reg-set in my hand luggage too - you never know how rough those baggage handlers can be... A good fitting mask is crucial - clearing it every few minutes can be a pain. Also, people have been known to use a 'natural' warming method in wetsuits - up to you if wearing a hire suit which has been subject to this treatment bothers you or not ;)

IMO, the suunto vyper is a good computer as it has air and nitrox mode and the algorithm is on the conservative side - if you're prepared to spend a bit of time, you can get a cracking deal on it. I've no experience of other computers but imagine that you're not likely to get a duff one...

Have you got a trip planned? I'm off to Sharm in a few weeks on a good cheap deal...
S.

[Andrew N]

Cheers for the replies.

So, I think I will definitely get a mask, snorkel and fins, and think about a dive computer.

I am going with my girlfriend who hasn't dived that much; this may be a stupid question, but is it possible to share a dive computer if we dive together?

I am hoping to go to Indonesia in July - to Sulawesi, Bunaken. Despite its dodgy reputation at the moment, I am convinced that I will be safer on a remote Indonesian island than in London...

Cheers, Andrew N

[ahoy]

but is it possible to share a dive computer if we dive together?
Your computer only tracks your dive profile, so if your girlfriend went a bit deeper than you accidentally, she may be at risk of a DCI in the worst case scenario. However, a lot of dive guides lead a group using their computer, so in effect they are doing what you are asking about. FWIW I have a computer and my girlfriend doesn't. She has a depth guage / watch and will compare this to my computer afterwards - perhaps not ideal but i'm being realistic.

Despite its dodgy reputation at the moment, I am convinced that I will be safer on a remote Indonesian island than in London...
My sentiments exactly...enjoy.
S.