When Is Enough Gear Enough

[@joevictor8431]

Thanks for the wisdom Freddy! I've yet to dive in a pool, but my instructors work at a dive shop, so I'm hesitant to ask them for gear advice... I can see it now, "yes, you NEED the most expensive gear, and if your budget allows, buy THREE!"

[@LeviathanScuba]

I would guess that most instructors would be good about giving good advice. They do it for the passion and not the money usually. We can always keep them honest for you if you ever have any questions. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@DG-sn2js]

Yes, bring your spare mask with your prescription insert lens (-7). One of my lens had popped out while hanging on the guide rope and the nearby red buoy hit (very rough waters) my face mask causing my lens to drop out. l had to swim back to the dive boat and retrieve my spare mask!

[@SummersideDiver]

Great recommendations. As you mentioned, there are times and circumstances for redundancy but there are also many times for simplicity.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Well said. More to come soon. Freddy.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

An extra knife isn't going to complicate your setup. They hardly take up any space at all. I wear two dive computers, not out of fear, but if one fails I can use the other one which has my complete dive history. That way I can go on the next dive in a few hours, and I don't have to sit out 24 hours. A spare mask is a good idea. The silicone strap can snap while you're underwater, and having a spare that you can replace it with isn't a luxury. One dSMB is enough though, and you don't need a pony bottle.. You've got a buddy. One compass is plenty. You don't need a backup SPG to your transmitter. You don't need a backup light during a day dive. Just make sure all the gear you bring on your dive is neatly tucked and/or stowed, so it doesn't become a snag hazard and won't damage the environment.

[@DavidRakeck]

Great video, just starting to get into diving, I have always been a gear fanatic when it comes to other hobbies of mine and what I have learned is less is more, being low profile and light weight makes everything simpler and more enjoyable which also increases bottom time.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Brother, so so true in scuba diving which is exactly my point. Take care, Freddy

[@alisonanthony1228]

I have 2 computers simply because they are charged up with a special magnetic lead. I lost the lead for the first one and couldn't buy a lead by itself. I love that computer so I bought a new one which, obviously, came with a charger. Needless to say, a couple of weeks after I bought the new computer, I found the lead for the old one. Typical! Simplicity is the key for me. I only take what I know I'll need on a dive, usually just a dsmb, torch and camera, which all fit in thigh pockets, and a knife attached to my waistband. I've never had to use the knife - it's my only "just in case" bit of kit. I don't have the spare brain capacity for more than that! I want to spend my time underwater just diving, not faffing about with "stuff". I do find, though, that the longer you dive, the more streamlined your kit becomes as you learn what things are important and which aren't.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Very well said. I wish I had addressed the part about the longer you dive the more streamlined you become. Great reply. Thank you for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@Mike-bq4ot]

Very thoughtful discussion. My original gear setup included a console with an SPG and a basic entry-level computer. Now a few yers later I just splurged on a very good watch-style computer with AI which effectively makes my console unnecessary. However, I decided to keep the console since it was a sunk cost, shorten the hose, and clip it off to my hip in case of new computer failure. No need to thumb the dive; just rely on the console SPG and computer as I have for years along with common sense that comes with experience.

[@LeviathanScuba]

I know people are going to do what makes them comfortable and that is a good thing. Value in peace of mind. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@greglyon1201]

@Freddie, thank you, great topic. Started diving three years ago, and have recently been going thru the process of shedding a lot of my redundant gear as I grow more experienced. I do however, think if one is diving a diving with an AI transmitter dive computer, like I do with my Teric, an SPG is a good thing to have. Very unlikely that the computer will fail, but those transmitters can be finicky, or sometimes the battery goes. So it’s nice to just be able to, without effort, real time during a dive, to just keep using the teric as a computer and switch to the spg for ones psi. But to your point, even this was a step for me, as until recently I was diving my teric AI AND a hose integrated oceanic pro plus x, so I was really going redundant crazy as a recreational diver!

[@LeviathanScuba]

As you continue with the Teric you will most likely lose the pressure gauge eventually. The transmitters really are extremely durable and the battery life is long. They will warn you at least 3 dives prior to being completely dead. Carry a spare C 2 battery with you and you're good for another 10 dives. A lot less weight than and SPG. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@timmehlluxuryrealestate]

WE LOVE IT!!! You are doing a Great Job!!! ❤😂😂

[@LeviathanScuba]

Not sure how I missed this comment 3 months ago. But, thank you for the encouragement. More to come soon. Thank you for watching. Freddy

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

I don't understand the question. What does that mean? "Enough"?

[@dtt3426]

on a trip my dive computer failed, it flooded because of a bad o-ring, i had a pressure gauge so knowing my air wasn't an issue. i just went with another diver to know at what depth the safety stop was. the only issue was i had know idea how the dive computer i had to rent from the dive shop worked. it was not simple. lesson if you are going to buy a new dive computer keep your old one in your bag just in case. as for the pressure gauge if i had a transmitter i'd definitely have a backup pressure gauge they aren't bulky and can tuck away easily.

[@LeviathanScuba]

We gotta do what we gotta do. As long as you stay safe, I'm all for it. More to come soon. Freddy

[@morganames8142]

CONCUR with your professional assessment with one exception. For those of us that require prescription eyeglasses with a significant corrective prescription to see, since diving is by-and-large a very visual experience, I do recommend investing in a dive mask with your prescription(Rx). One Rx mask should be enough for your "local dives" (those that you can drive to the dive site.). Once you start investing in dive travel to distant and exotic dive locales (like The Red Sea; Exumas in the Bahamas; Sea of Cortez; Galapagos Islands; or Western Pacific destinations that involve air travel out of the country and, perhaps, a "liveaboard" (in which you remain underway at-sea for 7 - 10 days and perform 4-5 dives daily), then you will surely want to have a back-up Rx mask in the event your ["primary"] mask fails or is lost underwater. After the considerable expense of your "destination dive travel," borrowing someone else's mask (lacking YOUR prescription!) will not make for a memorable experience! If stick-on bifocal "readers" are adequate to enable reading your gauges, they may satisfy your need on a case-by-case basis.

[@LeviathanScuba]

A lot of us use contact lenses for just such an occasion although rare. Soft Hydro lenses are so full of liquid they are comfortable even if it isn't your normal choice. But I get it and agree with you about a strong prescription. Having a back up can save a dive trip. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@MarkHorningJazzer]

DIving my mask with my own prescription is nothing short of amazing! However, "gear happens" and I always carry a week's worth of daily disposable soft contacts in my dive bag.

[@DavidRakeck]

Also question for you, my local dive shop recommended MARES Ultra ADJ 82X Regulator (I am in michigan and will be doing mostly cold water diving) and are asking $760 for it when I can get it online for $690, I am also looking to buy octo, SPG w/compass, DSMB and dive computer. I am buying two sets of identical gear for my wife and I. I want to give them the business but based on their pricing I will be spending $300 dollars more. Is there a way you recommend going about negotiating price, does paying cash help? I am comfortable spending a little more than what I can get it for online but $300 is a bit much.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Hey David, great question. 1st, they want your business. 2nd, you want to buy from them. That is most of the battle right there. Ask them to match the deal because you would like to keep the local guys in business. or better yet ask them for a package price. If they give you any push back tell em Freddy said so! If that doesn't work (probably won't) then I will beat any deal you can find and send it to you. Coral Key Scuba in Colorado. 303 431-5911 The Mares Reg is a great one. Wait on the SPG until after you buy your dive computer. You are buying a nice reg so I am assuming you want a good dive computer that is air integrated. If so, re watch the video and you won't need the SPG. Haha, money saved. I completely recommend any Shearwater computer. The review for the Tern TX will be out in about a week or so. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

The Mares ADJ 82X is the top of the line. You can ask yourself the question whether that's what you need. I'd have a look at the other regulators they sell and ask them what the differences are. I'll be honest, I bought a top of the line regulator, but I sought it out myself. I didn't go off of a store recommendation. Check for Stage 3 or Stage 4 sets. (Stage 3 = 1st stage, 2nd stage, and octo / Stage 4 = 1st stage, 2nd stage, octo, and SPG). That will save you some money as well. I'd recommend against SPG consoles with things like a compass or depth gauge built in. Keep the SPG simple, and buy a separate compass you can hold in your hand. Depending on how often you go diving, or how far you want to get into the hobby, look for an air integrated computer. You don't have to buy the transmitter straight away, but it's nice if you don't have to replace your computer when you do decide to go the AI route.

[@WhiteEaglePerry]

My “very negative” comment. 😂

[@LeviathanScuba]

Hey, weren't you in my showroom this morning. Take care brother. No more negative outa you. Freddy