New Divers Shopping List

Take the type of diving that you plan to do into consideration BEFORE making your purchases. If you are going to dive, primarily, in the Florida Keys then exposure gear considerations are quite different than someone who plans to dive here in Michigan. Regulators are another consideration. A cold water rated regulator can be used in warm water but one that's designed for warm water CANNOT be used in cold water. Michigan diving is cold water diving. 

I suggest that you begin your shopping with a dive computer. A good dive computer may help to keep you safe by calculating theoretical nitrogen loading and indicate when stops are required and for how long. Next is a good mask and fins that fits properly and is comfortable. After that comes the wetsuit and boots or, if you are trained, a drysuit. Now, the BCD and regulator which should include an octo and gauge console. Finally, a tank or tanks. 

When considering a BCD you'll want to decide if weight integrated is right for you or if a weight belt is a better fit. When shopping for a wetsuit, thickness should be dictated by your typical dive locations and depth. You are probably going to choose between a 5mm or 7mm suit for Michigan diving. We suggest hard-sole boots and open-heeled fins. 

A cylinder can offset weight carried on your BCD. Aluminum cylinders are lighter, they don't typically hold as high a pressure and will be positively buoyant at the end of a dive but they are much less expensive that steel. Steel cylinders will hold a higher pressure and therefore more gas and a steel cylinder will be heavier. The added weight of a steel cylinder helps to offset the weight the diver needs to carry plus it will remain negatively buoyant even when its empty. 

Much to consider and of course we are here to assist. Feel free to reach out with any gear related questions.