Diving requires a substantial financial investment, if it's your avocation of choice. On each dive, you’re likely to incur fees for the boat, the divemaster and your air tank. Travel can substantially increase your expenditures if you enjoy experiencing new underwater locales, as can having to rent each piece of equipment, every time you dive. The money-saving potential of owning your own gear is as decisive a reason for doing it as your safety and comfort in the water.
Fit
An exposure suit that’s customized to fit your body will keep you warmer, and as a result, more comfortable underwater. Unless you’re a fairly average-size person, it’s possible that you may not find a wetsuit or drysuit that fits like a glove on a significant number of dive occasions. Your own set of boots and fins will also offer the best possible fit and comfort. A mask that fits your face prevents leakage, which can effect both comfort and safety during a dive. According SanDiegoDiving.com, every diver should buy his own mask, snorkel and fins, which are considered basic diving equipment.
Safety
Your own well-fitting drysuit or wetsuit can also increase your safety in the water. If you always rent, you run the risk of getting an ill-fitting exposure suit, which may not give you complete protection from scrapes, cuts, bites or stings. A suit that’s too snug can restrict both movement and circulation. Even if it fits well, a rented suit tends to get worn out faster, which can inhibit its ability to function properly. Some divers feel more comfortable owning their own BCD, or buoyancy control device, and regulator with gauges — equipment which your life depends on underwater. These items are more costly, but owning them comes with the peace of mind that they’re properly cared for and functioning. Also, if you dive in less ideal conditions, you may not be able to find an appropriate regulator to rent. Cold-water diving requires a specific type of regulator.
Convenience
Having your own dive gear is convenient because you have the equipment on hand when any diving opportunity presents itself, and know that the equipment you’ll be using fits you and works correctly. If you’re tall, short, extra-lean or heavier, you don’t have to wonder whether or not you’ll find an exposure suit that fits. If you do a lot of local diving and want to get into the water at a moment’s notice, you may want to also purchase your own air tank and weights. Weights are generally inexpensive, but widely available for rental. Likewise, tanks are also widely available, and you’d have to maintain, inspect and fill your own. But if that doesn’t inconvenience you, it may be worth purchasing.
Cost
The more often you dive, the more money you’ll spend renting equipment over time. If you dive often enough, you may spend much more money renting gear than you would if you just invested in certain items. Many divers buy the basic equipment — a mask, snorkel and fins — before they get certified to dive. An exposure suit that fits and stands apart from other divers so your dive buddy can easily see you underwater can be invaluable. Other equipment that you may want to consider purchasing include a dive computer, extra straps that fit your fins and mask and a surface signaling device, if you go diving without a divemaster.
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