| -link"> | | | | Tanks: Between $100 to $400. |
| The costs of scuba diving equipment can easily run | | | | Remember, the last two are heavier to carry around |
| over | | | | than theothers. We recommend buying tanks and |
| $1,000 dollars. Although renting is always an option, | | | | weights last, and theothers before as they are less |
| fora diver that is developing a long term interest in | | | | expensive, and easier to packand travel with. |
| thissport, purchasing is worth your while, not just in | | | | The maintenance for scuba equipment is astonishingly |
| moneybut also in the quality of your scuba | | | | the same. |
| equipment. | | | | Although there is specific preventative care that is |
| Without going into the pros and cons of renting vs | | | | requiredfor only for dive suits, tanks, or BCs, there |
| buyingthe scuba diving equipment, let's talk about the | | | | are some thingsyou can do to all your scuba gear |
| varioustypes of scuba equipment that you should | | | | that will insure a long lifefor them. |
| consider buyingand how much you should budget for | | | | After every dive, make sure to give your all of your |
| spending on them. | | | | scubagear a good rinse with fresh water. |
| Mask: a mask can range from $20 to $150.00 dollars. | | | | After rinsing the scuba diving gear, allow it to dry, |
| A maskhas relatively little travel inconvenience | | | | but notin direct sunlight. Most of the scuba equipment |
| compared to otherscuba equipment so packing it in a | | | | that you carryis made of neoprene rubber, which can |
| suitcase and walkingaround in it will not be a big | | | | be broken down whenexposed to direct sunlight. |
| challenge. | | | | Extra care should be taken betweendives, when |
| Snorkel: They should not run you more than $50.00, | | | | they are most vulnerable to the sun, especially |
| and thelower end will be around $17.00 | | | | intropical climates |
| Fins: Although they are not as easy to pack as a pair | | | | Whether you have a wet or a dry suit, neoprene |
| ofsnorkels, they range from $30 to $150.00 and are | | | | exposure suitsshould be hung on a non-wire hanger |
| moreaffordable than many other scuba diving | | | | to dry. Wire hangers cancause unnecessary creases. |
| equipment. | | | | All your scuba diving equipment should be stored in a |
| Regulator: They range from $150 - $500, sometimes | | | | cool,yet dry place. |
| even moreand are at the higher end of the price | | | | Separate your neoprene related equipment from |
| range than otherscuba equipment. | | | | your other scubagear, especially if they are damp. |
| Exposure suits: They vary according to type (ie | | | | Over time, they can sticktogether and tear when |
| wetsuit vsdrysuit). Check here for types and prices. | | | | pulled apart. |
| BC: Typically from $150 to $500.00 and like | | | | After you return from your dive trip, make sure to |
| regulators, arealso at the high end of the price range | | | | unpack assoon as possible to prevent any |
| than other scubadiving equipment. | | | | compression or flattening ofthe scuba equipment that |
| Weights: $1.70 a pound. | | | | you paid good money for. |