Helpful tips for buying scuba gear on a budget

Once you get bitten by the diving bug, you’ll probably want to start assembling your own scuba gear rather than continuing to rent it from your travel provider. This is especially true if you are transitioning to more advanced dives and want to start traveling alone or with friends. However, buying everything you need can be quite expensive, so we’ve put together some helpful tips for buying your dive kit on a budget.

Look for sales

The first tip we can offer is probably the most obvious and is to keep an eye out for sales and special offers. Most of the popular dive spots are busiest in the summer months. In fact, many places become inaccessible or too dangerous once winter arrives. That means the dive shops in these locations will likely have some type of end-of-season sale where they can sell scuba gear at a heavily discounted rate. However, don’t just wait for these semi-annual sales. Be on the lookout for flash sales and discounts throughout the year. You may find that when manufacturers release new models, retailers discount old stock to make room for these new items. If you’re comfortable without having the latest items, this is a great way to start shopping for your gear!

Find some package deals

Another great way to get everything you need for your dive kit is to find a starter kit or pack. There are many different pieces of equipment that you may want or need, but it is always best to start with just your basic items, especially if you are on a tight budget. Most dive shops and equipment retailers will offer beginner packs and starter kits where you can get a discount on your gear by bundling them together. A word of caution though: some sneaky stores may pack things together at their full price, but they lead you to believe it’s cheaper since it’s sold as a bundle. It is advisable to have a good idea of ​​what the retail prices are so that you can calculate that you are really getting a discount when you buy a pack. You’ll also want to make sure you don’t buy a package that contains extra items that you probably won’t be using, as this is a false economy.

Get one piece at a time

Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget but really want to start building your own dive kit, don’t go out and buy everything at once. Make a list of all the items you’re going to want to buy and then start saving for one piece at a time until your kit is complete!