Just getting started

[Lund0529]

For classes, you'll need a mask, snorkel, fins, and booties.  They’ll give you the rest to use.

First, let me say “Support your LDS (Local Dive Shop) where possible.”  If they're not around, it'll be tough to rent gear or get tank fills.

That being said, there are a couple of online places that have great deals.  Often times, discontinued stuff can be had a good discount.  For new gear, I like , , and stuff can be found on too.  gets some good deals if a clearance item fits you.  Amazon and Leisurepro are good spots to find reviews.  MNScuba.com, and scubaboard.com are good diver-owned places to shop.  Craigslist and ebay can be decent too, but you really need to know what you’re looking at before you buy.  There is a lot of junk out there.

This is a nice mask for $25.  I have an Atomic frameless that cost much more but doesn't seem much different.

I haven't had a problem yet, but some masks don't fit some people's faces well, so try on a few things first to see if you have to watch out for it.

Get open-heeled fins for around here.  They're for use with booties and/or drysuits.  I like the monoprene (black rubber) fins.  (Scubapro JetFins, Scubapro TwinJet, Aqualung Rocket Fins, etc.)  They seem durable and long lasting.  Spring straps are nice, but can be added on later if they don't come with them when you find them.  They're longer than you might expect - typical fins you'd see at Target or Walmart are more for snorkeling than scuba.  You need larger fins to push yourself and all your gear through the water.

Regulators need checkups yearly and service every other year.  If you buy a used one, expect to have to get it serviced before use.  Yoke-style is more common.  DIN is generally considered superior.  I went DIN, but find it harder to get tanks.  Some tanks come with valves that convert between the two styles.


Regulators are life support equipment.  This isn’t the place to skimp on costs.   Look for things like ease of breathing, tendency to free-flow, and in MN it won’t hurt to look at cold-water performance.  Computers (vs analog gauges) used to be considered a luxury, but they’re getting to be pretty universally expected.

Tanks need yearly visual inspections (VIP) and hydrostatic testing every 5years.  Watch out for old Aluminum tanks.  There are some that were made with poor alloys that won't pass testing (and can't be refilled).  Steel generally lasts longer than aluminum, but can rust.

You may not want to buy a used wetsuit (Probably want 7mm thickness for MN).  They lose their insulating properties with age and number of dives.  Also, people tend to pee in their wetsuits (seriously), so I kind of put it in the category of buying used underwear.

Snorkels (with a few exceptions) are fairly universal.  Either they'll be dry, semi-dry or a straight tube.  Dry keeps water out, but can suddenly clamp off your air supply when you're not expecting it.  I did class with Walmart mask and snorkel.  Mask fogged up a lot (even with defog).  Snorkel was fine.

BCs come in two main styles, jacket and BPW (backplate and wings).  Weight integrated is nice.  Keeps you from having to keep a separate weight belt.

In general, I’d say get your own mask, snorkel, fins, and boots for class.  Add a BC, wetsuit, and regulators when you can.  Gloves and hood are good to have in MN.  Little things like a safety marker, whistle, light, and knife are good to have too.  Save tanks for last.  They’re highly rentable.  Drysuit can extend your dive season, but can be pretty expensive.  They can be found used, but may require sending off for new seals or patching.  Superior Diving is a MN company and pretty well respected for alterations and repairs.