Buying guides: getting equipped to dive

In short

You buy diving equipment in stages. First, what touches your body and must fit perfectly (mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit). Next, what is adjusted to your build and your diving (BCD, dive computer). Finally, the breathing equipment (regulator, cylinder), which a club or dive centre often lends in good condition. Each buying guide in this section presents the types of equipment, their pros and cons, the selection criteria and a few manufacturers, always in alphabetical order.

Why it matters

A leaking mask, fins that are too stiff or a BCD that is too big spoil a dive and can become a safety problem: fogging that stops you seeing your buddy, cramps, poor buoyancy control. On the other hand, suitable equipment that you know by heart leaves your mind free for the dive itself. Buying well also means not paying twice.

In what order to get equipped

Step	Equipment	Why
1	Mask, snorkel, fins, boots	Personal, inexpensive, fit is everything
2	Wetsuit, gloves, hood	Fit determines protection against the cold
3	Dive computer	Follows you from one dive to the next and keeps your logbook
4	BCD	Choose it after trying several rental models
5	Regulator	Big budget, regular servicing in a workshop
6	Cylinder	Often provided by the club or dive centre; useful if you do a lot of autonomous diving

Safety accessories (delayed surface marker buoy, torch, line cutter) and a good bag complete your equipment over time.

Buying or renting

• Renting lets you try several models, travel light and use equipment maintained by the dive centre. It is the best option while you dive rarely or your diving is not settled yet.
• Buying gives you equipment that fits, that you know and that is set up the way you like. It pays off as soon as you dive regularly, and it is essential for hygiene with parts that touch your mouth and face.

Ask your club: many lend heavy equipment to their members and organise group purchases.

Try before you buy

• Try the equipment with what you will wear when diving: boots with fins, wetsuit with the BCD, hood with the mask.
• Choose a specialist shop that lets you try in a pool or a diving pit, or the try-out days organised by clubs and dive shows.
• Note what suits you during rental dives: size, stiffness, type of strap or fastening. It is the best basis for choosing.

New or used

Used equipment works well for fins, little-used wetsuits and BCDs in good condition. Be more careful with breathing equipment:

• a used regulator must be serviced by a manufacturer-approved workshop before use, with a recent service invoice;
• a used cylinder must have its inspections and periodic requalifications up to date, and a known history;
• a dive computer must be reset, its battery checked and its manual available.

Breathing equipment with an unknown history may hide corrosion or a worn part. Have it checked by a professional before your first dive.

Setting a realistic budget

• Include maintenance in your budget: regulator service, cylinder inspection, O-rings and wear parts.
• Equipment that is compatible with the rest of your gear avoids adapters: DIN or yoke connection, Nitrox compatibility, hoses.
• Entry-level ranges from recognised manufacturers are enough for recreational diving; high-end models mainly add comfort, durability or technical features.

Manufacturers listed in these guides

Each guide presents a few manufacturers with a link to their official website. The lists are non-exhaustive, in alphabetical order and presented the same way from one guide to another; they are neither a ranking nor a recommendation. No link is sponsored or affiliate. Ranges change: check the manufacturer's website for the models available in your country and the standards they meet.

Guides in this section

• Mask and snorkel
• Fins
• Wetsuit, gloves and boots
• Diving clothing
• BCD
• Regulator
• Diving cylinder
• Dive computer
• Accessories (knife, surface marker buoy, weights, torch)
• Underwater camera
• Boat bag

Key takeaways

• Start with personal equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit.
• Rent and try before buying heavy equipment.
• Used equipment must be checked, especially the regulator and the cylinder.
• Include maintenance in your budget.
• Manufacturers are listed in alphabetical order, with no ranking.

Further reading

The equipment maintenance guide explains how to keep your gear in good condition after each dive. Your club, your instructor and specialist shops remain the best advisers for your diving.