Scuba Equipment: From Beginner to Advanced (Rent vs. Buying Gear)

Almost every diver, from beginner to advanced, asks whether I should rent or buy my own scuba equipment. The bottom line is that purchasing a complete set of gear is a significant investment, and more often than not, divers can be unsure whether they want to commit. This is especially true for beginners who may not be sure they will carry on diving for years and years. So, what are the pros and cons of buying and renting your gear?

Mask & Snorkel

There is no question about it: your mask and snorkel should be your first purchase. More often than not, it would be best if you considered buying them before you even start your scuba journey. A well-fitting mask makes all the difference between an enjoyable dive experience and a horrible leaky one, especially for novice divers. After all, you are learning to dive to explore the underwater realm, not spend the dive clearing a partially flooded mask.

Considering that we all have slightly different and unique face shapes, it pays to find a  mask that fits you well and stick with it. While renting a mask can be tempting, when you compare the cost of a new mask to how much you pay to rent one, it is a no-brainer that buying is your better option. That way, not only do you get a mask that fits like a glove – not always possible with rental masks. But also, the mask will pay for itself in about 10 to 20 dives snorkeling sessions. Not to mention, it is yours forever!

Fins

While it seems counterintuitive, fins are one of those things that you should probably buy, but they should not be one of your main priorities. The reason is that while fins work the same way in principle, in practice, due to the different designs and models, they do require some getting used to.

When you use any new pair of fins for the first few times, your muscles – especially the calf muscles – will feel sore. This is primarily because each fin will put pressure on different muscle areas. So, it is best always to have the same set of fins so you can build up your calf muscles when using this type of fin.

The downside of buying fins is they tend to be bulky and heavy, making them less than ideal for traveling. That said, almost every serious diver has their own fins alongside their mask since they can also indulge in snorkeling that way.

Wetsuit and Drysuits

First, buying is virtually your only option if you are looking at a drysuit. Very few operators have dry suits to rent outside of those located in very cold locations. And even then, most of the suits will be on the cheaper, no-frills end of things. Considering how much tender loving care drysuits need to function well over time, you should buy your own if you need to use a drysuit.

Wetsuits, on the other hand, are a completely different deal. Depending on all the different conditions you dive into, you will need different suits of different thicknesses. This is further complicated by how affected you get by the cold. Some people are like polar bears diving cold waters in a 5mm wetsuit, while their buddy is freezing in a 7mm steamer with a shorty on top.

There is also a personal choice/hygiene factor. Since wetsuits tend to be worn on the skin, some people hate sharing a suit or using a rental one. Remember, almost everywhere you go will have suites appropriate for that environment, so renting is not a problem. A good compromise with suits is once you have a bunch of other gear, pick up a suit suited for warm tropical conditions. These are light, easy to transport, and not too expensive as a rule.

Wetsuits are one of those items where there is not much difference in functionality. Whether you rent or buy, it is down to your personal choice.

Scuba Equipment: BCD

If there is one item you can always rent, then the BCD is the perfect choice. At its core, the BCD is a straightforward device that works and requires little maintenance. However, it can be heavy, making it cumbersome when traveling. Add to that that most BCDs are very similar, with the inflator always on the left-hand side and so forth. This, in turn, means it is straightforward to quickly get accustomed to a new BCD when you use it.

Another thing to consider, especially for beginners, is that while the fundamental functions of a BCD are the same across the board. There are many designs and some different styles available on the market. The longer you wait and rent, the more of these variants you will get to try so you can find out which is the best style and type for you. More often than not, renting a BCD for the day or week of your vacation is relatively easy.

Dive Computers

When it comes to dive computers, you should buy your own as soon as possible for a wide range of reasons. Including:

·         More often than not, depending on where you are in the world, many dive operators do not have computers available for rent. There is an expectation in the industry that you should have your own.

·         Even when you can rent a dive computer, they are often a bad deal and relatively expensive compared to what you would pay to buy a new one.

·         Diver computers monitor your tissue loading dive after dive daily. Therefore, a computer being used every day potentially by another customer will give you readings that do not match what is going on in your body.

·         Computers are critical safety devices, and you have no idea how well they are maintained or their history. So it is better to have your own device.

One important point when buying dive computers is that it is always wise to choose one that will grow with you and your diving as your needs evolve.

Scuba Equipment: Regulator

A regulator is very similar to a BCD; they are bulky and heavy. And while each manufacturer sings the virtues of their brand and model, giving you multiple reasons why their particular brand is better, the truth is they are all very similar.

Suppose you were to conduct a blind regulator test, where a blindfolded diver would have a regulator and its mouthpiece inserted in their mouth. They would find it almost impossible to identify various regulators just by the way they breathe, even if they had used all of them before. Couple that with the fact that a regulator is a life-preserving critical device, and in many cases, you are best at renting regulators in the short term. At least this way, you don’t have the cost of the annual service and such.

Cameras and Housings

The simple answer here is Buy, Buy, Buy! On the one hand, you can rent an underwater camera from many dive operators; however, there are two issues with this. The first is they are expensive per rental; after a few rentals, you could have bought your own. Secondly, the camera takes getting used to and practice, regardless of your underwater photography skills.

If, like many divers, you are looking for underwater housing for your iPhone, buying is by far your best option. First, it is almost impossible to find housing to rent. Secondly and more importantly, do you trust your phone to a rental housing? You are far better off purchasing your own iPhone underwater housing. At least that way, you know it is properly looked after and your iPhone is safe inside.

The Long-Term View on Buying Vs Renting

If you are going to be serious about your scuba diving, you will acquire every item on this list in the long term. While it is great to be able to hire gear at will, nothing quite beats the comfort and familiar feel of sliding into your own gear time and time again.

Having all your gear that you dive regularly takes your diving and comfort in the water to a new level. This is because it lets you build up a muscle memory that is simply impossible with rented gear since it varies every time.

Your mask will always feel the same; you can absent-mindedly reach up and hit your deflator repeatedly without consciously thinking. You reach, and it is there in the palm of your hand where it always is. You never wonder where this inflator settles, directly on your chest, a little to the left or right. This is why almost everyone who takes their diving seriously will end up purchasing all the gear they need.

The next time you are at an airport in a major diving holiday destination, check out the baggage belt and bags on it. You will see many divers unloading bags and bags despite only being there for a week or ten days. Because, in the end, everyone wants and likes to have their own gear.

Final Thoughts

Investing a considerable sum of money in a bunch of dive gear when you are just starting can be daunting. In fact, even working instructors don’t like buying a whole set across the board in one go. The sensible approach is to have a gradual plan that evolves as your diving experience and needs evolve.

You start renting to keep costs down try the different items, and get a feel for what is available. As your diving progresses, so does your collection of dive gear. Finally, after some time, you will have all your own gear that you can toss in the back of your car before heading off for a dive with your buddies.