Scuba Ted's

How do you know what gear is right for you?

For new divers, purchasing the right gear is an important but sometimes daunting step. We put together some great informational tips below to help make this an easier process. Keep in mind that you will need to take into account the type of diving you want to do as well as how often and how agressive you will be.

If you still have questions, we are more than happy to help. Just call or come by the store and together we can work out the best selections that fit your scuba needs.

How to select the right regulator for yourself

-by Mike Olsen

The search for the perfect regulator depends on the following:

Your budget

How you are going to use it

How often you dive

What type of diving you do; local or traveling

How much you plan to push the limits

A good regulator should be light in the mouth. You should not have to come up with sore jaws at the end of the dive. Hose length and movement, mouthpiece, and weight of the second stage all combine to let the regulator "float" in your mouth.

Breathing performance is also important. Do you have to think about breathing or is it transparent? Most modern regulators work well in the shallows but the real test is 60' and deeper. Does it breathe as well or better as you go deeper? A common refrain is that I only plan on doing shallow dives so why should I buy a regulator? It has been my experience that the ocean sometimes has a different plan for me than what I originally intended. I do not want to find out the limits of the "Kmart special" in those conditions.

Some regulators allow the adjustment of the second stage. If the normal factory adjustment works fine for you, don't bother, but if you enjoy fine-tuning your breathing then get the adjustable. A finely tuned regulator is easier to breathe and you use less air. If you are deep and working hard opening the flow is important. For general diving a finely tuned regulator is both a joy and you use less air.

Finally, can you get it serviced? Does the manufacturer stand behind its' products? Do they have a good dealer network? What kinds of warranty do they provide? A great regulator that is unsupported is like having no regulator at all.

After over 40 years of diving and having dove almost every regulator on the market, these are the characteristics that I look for in a regulator.

Michael Olsen started diving over 40 years ago while in High School in Minnesota. He was a military and commercial diver before coming to Florida in 1992 and becoming an instructor and store owner.

How to select the right buoyancy compensator for yourself
-by Bobbie Nicosia

Scuba diving is synonymous with equipment. Outside of your mask, fins and snorkel, I believe the most personal piece of equipment is the buoyancy compensator.

The buoyancy compensator holds your tank, can carry your weights, allows for attaching and stowing small accessories; and makes for easy surface swimming. It is also your own personal elevator bringing you up and down, with the ability to hover in between floors. Choosing the correct buoyancy compensator comes down to investigation of the features that each offers.

Features to look for include:

Adjustment- Is there a torso adjustment for use with different thickness of wetsuits/drysuits/no suit at all? A good depth compensating cummerbund also provides more adjustment and keeps the buoyancy compensator from riding up on you.

Weight Integration- Are there enough weight "holders" for both warm and cold water use?

Lift- Is there enough lift to float you high on the surface with a full compliment of gear?

Dump Valves- Are there multiple configurations for to dump air regardless of your body position?

Attachment Points- Are there d-rings or holders for retractors, lights, and other accessories that you may wish to mount to your buoyancy compensator? These help to streamline your gear while keeping you "hands free".

Warranty- A buoyancy compensator is not an everyday purchase. Make sure you check the material quality, construction, durability and warranty.

Fit- The most important feature when choosing a buoyancy compensator is fit. Not only should it fit your body comfortably, it should also fit your style of diving. It would also help greatly if you find the buoyancy compensator that meets all of you needs while "fitting" comfortably into your budget.

When you address all of the items included here, with whatever make or model you choose, you have found the right buoyancy compensator for you.

Bobbie Nicosia has been diving since 1976. She is a Platinum Pro 5000 Diver, SSI Instructor Certifier, and President of Aqua Blue Sports Inc. in Phoenix AZ, in business since 1955. Diving is both her hobby and her career choice.

How to select the right dive computer for yourself
-by Robert H. Tseng

Today's computer market can be very confusing to the new buyer. However, three simple guidelines can make your search easier and your final purchase the correct one.

First, there is no single computer on the market that is the "best" for everyone. You must decide on the features and benefits of each model that best fits your style of diving. Is nitrox diving something you will do? Is the capability to PC download important to you? Are the digits on the screen easy enough to read? Is the computer easy to use?

Secondly, realize that this is a long-term purchase. Think out how you may progress forward in the sport, not simply what you are doing today.

Thirdly, and perhaps the most overlooked aspect, is the reputation and customer service attitude of the manufacturer of the unit. There are almost no dive stores that can truly service a computer on site, other than changing batteries and depth testing a unit. The store must rely on the back-up from the manufacturer for this particular product. This, along with the reputation and attitude of the dive store, is of critical importance when choosing a brand and where you choose to buy it.

Just like automobiles, there is a diving computer on the market that will fit everyone's budget. It's simply a matter of which features you wish to purchase to enhance your diving experience. Price, I could never understand the concept of buying "discount" life support equipment....it even sounds like a bad joke.

So, you want to buy a dive computer. Review the aforementioned guidelines and go to your local dive store to check out their offerings. Talk it through with the store professionals. Now you should have no problem finding the right computer for you.

Robert H. Tseng has been diving for the past 36 years and has been an active SCUBA instructor for 25 years. While Bob's diving credentials are too numerous to mention here, suffice to say he holds the rating of Master Instructor, the highest level of International Instructor certification. Bob is president of The Westchester Dive Center and Byram Bay Sports, the two largest organizations in the area for recreational SCUBA Diving.

How to select the right fins for yourself
-by Dave Kasper

Fit and function are everything when selecting the right fins. When buying sporting equipment, I favor buying high quality the first time to avoid the dreaded "re-buy."

There are two categories of fins, open heel ($60-$200) and full foot ($30- $150). Open heel fins work well in all environments. They are mandatory for water much below seventy-five degrees, because in this environment your feet will need the warmth and protection of a bootie. Full foot fins, with a complete foot pocket, are designed for SCUBA diving in warmer water as well as snorkeling.

With all fins, priority one is fit. Proper fit requires first selecting your boots (for open heel fins) or fin socks (for full foot fins). With open heel fins I like to see anywhere from one to four inches of boot heel sticking out beyond the pocket base. Less than that means the fin pocket is too large or the top of the fin pocket may aggravate the tendons of your feet; more means there may be stress on your toes and knees because of the "pivot point" (your ankle) is too far back from the blade of the fin.

Divers often tighten their fin straps too much. The strap should simply hold the foot in place rather than cramming it in the fin. Your foot should not slide side to side when you shake the fin in the air. Nor should it be squeezed at the ball of your foot. Full foot fins should fit snugly, yet comfortably, over your bare foot or fin sock. Too loose and the fin will rub uncomfortably, as well as be less efficient. Too tight and you could face foot cramps, as well as find it awfully hard to put on.

Once you have narrowed your options with fit you will have a few fins to choose from based upon design. By far, the most significant improvement in fin design in the last decade has been the introduction of the "split fin". Even though split fins are more expensive than conventional paddle designs, I highly recommend them. The efficiency and power are well worth the price. However, if you don't want to put that much money into your fin purchase, there are alternative designs on the market that also improve the efficiency and power, some at a significantly lower price. Lower resistance from your fins while kicking is the result of good engineering. As you would expect, prices are higher for the better designs.

Dave's tip- The smart shopper is certain to leave the dive store with at least one extra buckle and strap assembly, as well as a mesh bag to easily transport and rinse their new investments.

Dave Kasper is a NAUI Course Director and Technical Diving Instructor. He is also a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer. Dave has been diving since 1983 and logged more than 3,000 dives. Dave is co-founder of Huron Scuba Adventures (2 stores), serving Southeastern Michigan since 1996.

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