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Costs To Purchase And Maintain Scuba Diving Equipment
The costs of diving equipment can easily run over$1,000 dollars. Although renting is always an option, fora diver that is developing a long term interest in thissport, purchasing is worth your while, not just in moneybut also in the quality of your equipment.Without going into the pros and cons of renting vs buyingthe diving equipment, let's talk about the varioustypes of equipment that you should consider buyingand how much you should budget for spending on them. Mask: a mask can range from $20 to $150.00 dollars. A maskhas relatively little travel inconvenience compared to otherscuba equipment so packing it in a suitcase and walkingaround in it will not be a big challenge. Snorkel: They should not run you more than $50.00, and thelower end will be around $17.00Fins: Although they are not as easy to pack as a pair ofsnorkels, they range from $30 to $150.00 and are moreaffordable than many other diving equipment. Regulator: They range from $150 - $500, sometimes even moreand are at the higher end of the price range than otherscuba equipment. Exposure suits: They vary according to type (ie wetsuit vsdrysuit). Check here for types and prices. BC: Typically from $150 to $500.00 and like regulators, arealso at the high end of the price range than other scubadiving equipment.Weights: $1.70 a pound. Tanks: Between $100 to $400. Remember, the last two are heavier to carry around than theothers. We recommend buying tanks and weights last, and theothers before as they are less expensive, and easier to packand travel with. The maintenance for equipment is astonishingly the same.Although there is specific preventative care that is requiredfor only for dive suits, tanks, or BCs, there are
some thingsyou can do to all your gear that will insure a long lifefor them. After every dive, make sure to give your all of your scubagear a good rinse with fresh water. After rinsing the diving gear, allow it to dry, but notin direct sunlight. Most of the equipment that you carryis made of neoprene rubber, which can be broken down whenexposed to direct sunlight. Extra care should be taken betweendives, when they are most vulnerable to the sun, especially intropical climatesWhether you have a wet or a dry suit, neoprene exposure suitsshould be hung on a non-wire hanger to dry. Wire hangers cancause unnecessary creases. All your diving equipment should be stored in a cool,yet dry place. Separate your neoprene related equipment from your other scubagear, especially if they are damp. Over time, they can sticktogether and tear when pulled apart. After you return from your dive trip, make sure to unpack assoon as possible to prevent any compression or flattening ofthe equipment that you paid good money for..
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