What scuba gear should I buy online, as opposed to in store.?

Going to take an open water diving course. No previous history, but I’m very excited. Anyways, Im a student, and my parents are going to help pay. What should I absolutely buy in a shop?

I heard some people go try on equipment (fins, mask etc) and buy the exact same one online. Is this a good idea?

Also, where can I buy the most recent Padi course book? The one that they will require you to fill out. I just dont know how to tell which one is most recent, and I dont want to pay 60-90 bucks for it in store.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks everyone!
Well its like 299 +course materials. Ugh. 80 bucks for a book and some dvd :/

As mentioned there are some things that are fine to buy online. It will mostly be the small parts. And yes they are in many cases less expensive. However, a knife is not a knife, and BC is not a BC. And in the early stages of your diving, you are going to be looking for information on what a good “X” is. Also for anything with sizes, you will want to try it on. In order to do this you have to visit your LDS (local dive shop) When you walk in there, you are normally going to ask questions. The extra cost the dive shop charges is to pay that guy the 10 bucks an hour to be there to answer your questions. If you really get into diving you will build a relationship with your LDS (or a few) as you are in there all the time to get air/gas fills to pick up pieces and parts etc. So when you utilize their knowledge and then go save a few dollars by buying it online it hurts their business. And when you have a question about it or it needs service or repair they are less willing to help. So it’s good to have a good relationship with the shop. Also when it comes to annual service you can run into issues. Each year things like BCs and Regulators need to be serviced. (the o rings get hard, things loosen up, get a little corrosion etc) If you buy a brand that a local store doesn’t carry, it may be tough to get it serviced or fixed. lastly there are some on-line places that sell gray market items. You just have to watch out and know where you are ordering from.

That being said, their are some great online stores. They are usually associated with brick and mortar dive shops. There is someone that can help you if you have questions, but you generally need to know what you are after. So what should you get at a shop. Your first full setup. Fins / mask / weigh / booties. BC / reg / gauge or computer Then when it gets to the little stuff, online may make sense.

Scuba Diving Safety – 1st Edition (Book) $24.95 The beautiful locales, exotic plant and sea life, and relaxing environs of dive locations are even more peaceful when you are armed with the expertise and skill to stay safe in any situation. With self-rescues, buddy rescues, open-water resuscitation, and towing techniques, Scuba Diving Safety will become your most valuable diving companion. Covering a full range of underwater environments, as well as dangerous marine life, entanglements, and equipment failures, this vital resource is an essential reference for every underwater enthusiast. Do not rely on someone else-or chance-to keep you safe. Let Scuba Diving Safety help you prepare for the unexpected and provide the confidence to enjoy your underwater adventures to the fullest.4/25/2007 copyright, 216 pages.

Scuba Diving $25 An authoritative and encouraging guide to scuba diving, this book contains expert advice and step-by-step illustrations on how to perfect key skills, how to buy and maintain equipment, what the different diving options are and where to find classic dive sites around the world. Covers different types of diving from reef and ice to wreck, nocturnal, and fresh water Shows equipment in detail, from wetsuits and masks to flippers and buoyancy aids Showcases marine life, from tropical fish and manta rays to whales, dolphins and sharks

An Overview Of Scuba Diving $17.44 Read all about scuba diving including, types of diving, equipment needed and the history of scuba diving. Also, learn about hazards and dangers such as decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity…

Scuba Diving by Greve, Tom Edition , 0 $26.49 Introduces the history of scuba diving and the equipment and skills needed for safe diving.

Scuba Diving by Italia, Bob Edition , 0 $13.99 Describes the equipment, techniques, and safety precautions used in scuba diving

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling For Dummies $19.99 For millions of Americans, diving offers the chance to get away from everyday life and enter a world of stunning natural beauty and fascinating complexity. And getting started is a breeze! Anyone can learn to dive safely and explore the world’s wondrous oceans – all it takes is a little training and basic equipment. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies presents all the fundamentals for anyone interested in getting dive certified or just looking for good snorkeling while on vacation. Written by PADI-Certified diver John Newman, this friendly guide covers everything you need to know to: Get certified Plan a great diving trip Save money on equipment Dive or snorkel safely This user-friendly guide starts by helping you evaluate your underwater skills and walking you step by step through a typical certification program. Once you’re certified, it helps you pick a dive site, purchase and set up your equipment, and take care of any fears you might have. Then you’ll discover what to expect on your first dive – from which creatures are dangerous to how to protect fragile sea life. Scuba  Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies also covers these topics and more: Free diving Special breathing techniques Emergency procedures How to avoid the bends Handling dive anxiety The physics and chemistry of diving Staying healthy on dive trips Ocean ecosystems Rip tides and tidal waves Ten great dive destinations In addition to beautiful full-color photography and all the information you need to plan a dive trip, the book also includes a handy appendix of dive organizations and publications, as well as a CD-ROM sampler from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Whether you’re a novice diver or an old hand, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies is perfect for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the ocean from a fish’s point of view. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. 

Scuba Diving By Graver, Dennis K. $28.24 SUPERANNO Packed with fullcolor photographs and illustrations, Scuba Diving offers stepbystep instruction on preparing for and managing a dive safely with information on the latest equipment, gear selection, recommended dive locations, technologies and techniques. Dennis Graver explains the basics of diving, including managing underwater emergencies, avoiding underwater hazards and equalizing pressure in the ears, sinuses and mask. The comprehensive content and world class photography of Scuba Diving make it the finest scuba title on the market Original. Author: Graver, Dennis K. Publication Date: 2009/11/10 Number of Pages: 233 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 8.50 Height: 11.00

Soviet Manual of Scuba Diving $39.5 Soviet Manual of Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling for Dummies $5.99 This friendly guide shows you how to dive right into snorkeling and scuba. Veteran diver John Newan leads you step-by-step through pre-dive fundamentals, explains what to expect when you’re underwater, and describes options available to you after you get your feet wet. You’ll find lots of in-depth advice. Buy or rent the right equipment without going broke. Get in the swim with masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, regulators, and tanks. Understand what it takes to get certified – the quick and easy way. Snorkel and dive safely – and stay cool in emergency situations. Plan a trip to one of the twenty finest dive spots in the world. Investigate advanced diving options – from photography to cave exploration.

Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener $90.20 Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener Chances are you’ve heard it said ‘a sharp knife is safer than a dull one’. We believe this quote originated from first hand experience and find it to be true. The Sharpmaker was Spyderco’s first product, which we made and sold before getting into the knife business. It’s true — First we made things sharp, then we made sharp things.The Tri-Angle Sharpma…

Stainless Steel Shark Bottle Opener Key Ring $5.00 Stainless Steel Shark Bottle Opener Key Ring Show everyone that you are a SCUBA Diver with style. Also check out our other creative diving gifts for yourself or that Scuba diver or Snorkeling Enthusiast you know….

Shark Bottle Opener and Key Chain Shark Bottle Opener and Key Chain Aluminum Shark Key Chains that can open bottles as well….