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Hi Guys,

To start off, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

I do agree with what has been advised so far, but.

I know there are hundreds of manufacturers making thousands of items (which is the problem, too much choice) and you can't just say which one will be the best for me.

I was hoping to get an idea from you on what equipment was the best with value for money and practical, I don’t want to end up buying something with lots of bells and whistles that a diver will not use in the real world. If someone suggested a certain item that was good then I would go and check it out to see if it would suit me. I will hire for Open Water and maybe Advanced Open Water where I will also put these same questions to other divers I meet, but I don’t want to hire indefinitely or as you say rush out buying the wrong gear. I have a PADI school in mind local to me where I imagine I will be bombard with information; I want to be a little bit more clued up than I am now. Your advice here is the start of me building my diving knowledge before I commit.

I know that it would be a good idea for me to buy small personal diving items, such as a mask, snorkel, fins and boots and will need to try these first to see what I like, but what are your expert recommendations on these items.

As for warm or cold water I thought I’d explained that most of my diving will be in the UK, very cold water I’d imagine but also hoped to use my equipment in Thailand, warm water. I don’t even know if there are any restrictions on what dive equipment I can or can not take on the plane?


Once again guys thank you, thank you, thank you.[/font]