If you’ve decided to break into scuba diving, or get back into it, equipment is almost always the first hurdle that people face. And let’s face it: scuba gear is not cheap. Buying the right gear ensures your safety, comfort and enjoyment. The old motto “buy once, cry once” teaches us to invest in high-quality items upfront rather than opting for cheaper, lower-quality alternatives, and definitely applies to scuba gear. While the initial cost may be higher, it is believed that this approach saves money in the long run due to the durability and longevity of well-made products.
Buying the wrong gear can make you feel like you’ve been taken advantage of in a best case scenario, meaning you have to buy more gear before you want to in most cases, and can be catastrophic in a worst-case scenario. Although we’re giving you estimated price ranges for each item, common experience tells us that most divers tend to spend toward the upper end of each price range per item.
Take advantage of your Out Scuba membership
We have two local dive shops that are offering steep discounts to Out Scuba members. When you present your membership card at Scuba Network and/or Force-E Scuba Centers you are guaranteed to get the best price on the best gear. Although each shop has brands they cannot discount, they can build a package for you and significantly discount that. When you join Out Scuba first, you’ll more than recoup your membership cost on your first purchase of gear.
Required gear for Open Water Certification
Almost all certifying agencies and shops require that you purchase mask, fins and snorkel before you begin training. Getting a prooper-fitting mask and fins will help you to perform the skills required in your first training sessions, and you should always buy based on fit and comfort. Never purchase gear solely because of brand, color or stylistic choices. You will not care if your mask matches your fins when it floods on a dive.
Diving into the underwater world is an exhilarating experience, but it requires the right gear to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment. If you’re new to scuba diving, figuring out which equipment to invest in first can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you prioritize your scuba gear purchases and build your kit step by step.
Mask
Estimated Price Range: $50 to $200
Your first piece of scuba gear should be a mask. Why? The mask allows you to see clearly underwater; and isn’t that why you’re there? While dive operators provide rental masks, they may not always fit well or suit your face shape. A properly fitting mask makes a huge difference in comfort and prevents water leakage, which can ruin your dive.
When choosing a mask, look for:
- A snug but comfortable seal.
- Tempered glass lenses for safety.
- A wide field of vision.
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Glass Scrub
When you purchase your mask, go ahead and ask about scrubbing solutions and defog solutions. They are separate items and are both necessary. Scrubbing a newly purchased scuba mask is essential because masks often come with a thin layer of residue or silicone on the inside of the lens. This coating, left over from the manufacturing process, can cause fogging when you dive, even if you use a defogging solution. Scrubbing helps remove this residue and ensures the lens remains clear underwater.
To scrub your mask effectively, you can use toothpaste (non-gel) or a specialized mask cleaning product. Apply a small amount to the inside of the lens, gently rub it in circular motions with your fingers, and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat multiple, multiple times. This simple step ensures a better diving experience and enhances visibility!
Even after scrubbing your mask to remove the residue, using a defog solution is still important for preventing fogging during dives. Fogging occurs because of condensation—when moisture from your breath or the water interacts with the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the mask lens. Scrubbing reduces residue that can make fogging worse, but it doesn’t completely prevent condensation.
Defog solutions work by creating a thin, even film on the inside of the mask lens, which minimizes the water droplets’ ability to form and reduces fog. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for clear visibility underwater. To use it, simply apply a small amount of defog, spread it evenly over the inside of the lens, and rinse it out gently with fresh or salt water just before your dive. Now you’ll enjoy crystal-clear views as you explore the underwater world!
Snorkel
Estimated Price Range: $20 to $80
Though often underrated, a snorkel is another essential piece of equipment. A snorkel lets you conserve air in your tank when you’re at the surface, such as while waiting for your dive boat or swimming to a dive site. Snorkels are inexpensive, so adding one to your kit early on is a smart choice. Opt for a flexible snorkel with a purge valve for easy clearing and comfortable mouthpiece.
Fins (and maybe booties)
Estimated Price Range: $100 to $400
Next on your list should be a pair of fins. Proper fins are crucial for efficient movement underwater. Ill-fitting or inappropriate fins can cause discomfort, cramps, or even difficulty swimming. There are two main types of fins:
Open-heel fins: Worn with booties and preferred by most divers for their versatility and comfort.
Full-foot fins: Ideal for lighter diving, but offer less protection and warmth.
When selecting fins, consider the type of diving you plan to do, the water temperature, and your comfort level. Discuss the options of split fins and solid fins with your dive shop or instructor.
Optional first gear purchases
We’re listing these items as optional not because you don’t need them, but not all dive shops require you to purchase them right away. But for our purposes living in South Florida, they really are the next things you want to purchase.
Wetsuit or Exposure Suit
Estimated Price Range: $100 to $250 for a 3mm wetsuit
An exposure suit — whether it’s a rash guard, wetsuit, or drysuit — protects you from the elements and some of the critters. Here in South Florida we wear rash guards for protection against jellyfish and fire coral as well as protection from the sun. And, of course, being very warm natured, we wear wet suits to protect us from what we consider cold water. (Those travelling from other places love to laugh at us shivering in 76-degree water.) Our members who are into technical diving may even opt to go full dry suit.
Fit is critical for warmth and comfort, so try on suits before purchasing. The type of suit you need depends on the conditions and water temperatures where you’ll be diving.
Rash guards: Great for warm, tropical waters. They provide minimal insulation but protect against sunburn, stinging animals and minor abrasions.
Wetsuits: Ideal for warm to moderately cold water. These work by trapping a single layer of water between your body and the neoprene which your body is able to warm up fairly quickly. Thickness ranges from 2mm to 7mm and can be shorties (short sleeves and/or pants) or full length.
Drysuits: Necessary for cold-water diving. They keep you dry and warm by sealing out water completely.
Weight System
Estimated Price Range: $60 to $90
Weights help you descend and maintain neutral buoyancy underwater. And while you can rent weights, most agencies require you to own your own as part of the Open Water Certification. Note: when travelling most dive boats include weights as part of a package, but local divers must own and carry their own weights in South Florida. If your BCD has integrated weight pockets, you might not need a separate weight belt. Otherwise, choose weights that are easy to adjust and comfortable to wear.
Your training will teach you how to perform a weight check and include information about how you should change your weight allotment based on the type of gear and conditions in which you are diving. A good starting point guess is about 5% to 8% of your body weight when you’re wearing a 3mm wetsuit and using an aluminum tank.
Taking the plunge and buying the expensive stuff
Most people wait until after their open water training to decide to take the plunge and purchase the main gear package. After all, it’s expensive and you want to make sure you’re going to love doing this. But once the scuba bug bites, you quickly realize why you want to own your own gear. First of all, it seems a lot more sanitary and safer to own the gear you are going to entrust with your life.
When your bullheaded author was first out of open water certification all he wanted was an underwater camera. He was very disappointed that no one in the shop agreed with him that that was the next purchase he needed to make. Thankfully, wiser heads prevailed.
Regulator and Octopus
Estimated Price Range: $500 to $1,500
The regulator is the heart of your scuba gear—it delivers air from the tank to you. The octopus is your backup regulator, ensuring you always have access to air in case of emergencies and to allow you to share air with a fellow diver if they run out. Toss in a basic console with your submersible pressure gauge and a basic depth gauge and you’ve got a beginner’s set. While regulators can be rented, owning one ensures reliability, better maintenance, and personal comfort. When purchasing, look for:
- A trusted brand with good reviews.
- Adjustable settings for breathing resistance.
- A comfortable mouthpiece.
Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
Estimated Price Range: $350 to $1,000
A BCD is essential for controlling your buoyancy underwater and at the surface. It holds your tank and integrates with other gear like your regulator and weights. While renting a BCD is an option, having one that fits perfectly can significantly improve your diving experience. Consider features like:
- Comfort and fit (especially if you dive frequently).
- Integrated weight pockets for convenience.
- Durability and additional storage pockets.
Dive Computer
Estimated Price Range: $400 to $1,500
A dive computer might seem like a high-tech gadget, but it’s a must-have for modern divers. It tracks vital information like depth, time, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits, keeping you safe and informed throughout your dive.
Why get a dive computer early on?
- It helps you build good diving habits by monitoring critical data.
- Owning one ensures you’re familiar with its functions before diving.
- It’s more reliable, as rental computers may have been used by countless others.
The other stuff
Of course, there’s a ton of other stuff that divers buy and use underwater. Believe us, it’s always possible to find new gear that you just have to have. But consider buying these items last unless you have a specific reason not to do so.
Tank
Estimated Price Range: $200 to $400
For most recreational divers, owning a tank isn’t necessary since they’re widely available for rent at dive shops and resorts. However, if you plan to dive frequently in South Florida, especially shore diving, purchasing a tank might be a worthwhile investment. The prices of tanks have been going up lately, so the smart money remains on renting the tank. (But they make excellent holiday presents. Just saying.)
Accessories
Once you’ve acquired the essential gear, consider adding accessories like:
- Dive lights for exploring dark areas or night diving.
- Dive knives for safety and cutting lines or nets.
- Underwater cameras to capture your adventures.
- Signal devices like whistles or surface marker buoys (SMBs).
Why Buy Gear in This Order?
This list prioritizes gear based on its impact on your diving experience, personal fit, and convenience. Starting with smaller, personal items like masks, snorkels, and fins allows you to focus on comfort and fit. As you progress, investing in critical equipment like a regulator, BCD, and dive computer enhances safety and performance.
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* Price ranges for this article were calculated using artificial intelligence on 3/25/2025.
Image by Colludenizcilik, CC BY-SA 3, via Wikimedia Commons