What scuba diving equipment should I buy?
What scuba diving equipment should I buy? Start with the things you will use on every trip, then build your kit around how often you dive. You do not need to buy everything at once.
At Dive UK Hurghada, our advice is simple: buy a well-fitting mask after your Open Water course, then a dive computer. Next, add boots, fins and a wetsuit as your diving becomes more regular. For frequent divers, a full set including a BCD and regulators is a worthwhile next step.
We happily help all our customers with scuba equipment purchases. We do not sell equipment ourselves. Instead, we recommend what best fits you, your diving plans and your budget.
This is our practical buying guide, based on the diving you plan to do. The annual dive numbers below are a guide to investment, rather than a qualification or a rule about what you must own.
Still deciding whether to buy or hire? Our new diver equipment guide looks at diving frequency, servicing and the cost of owning a full set.
What scuba diving equipment should I buy first?
After your Open Water course, our first recommendation is your own mask. A mask that suits your face is a personal piece of kit that can travel with you wherever you dive. It takes up little space, and you get used to the same fit on each holiday.
First, try several masks with help from a dive professional. Choose comfort and a good seal over a particular brand, colour or price. An expensive mask is only a good choice if it fits you well. If possible, try the model in the water before committing.
Meanwhile, you can hire the rest of your equipment while you gain experience. Your PADI Open Water course gives you a useful starting point for deciding what you like.
The next scuba diving equipment to buy: a computer
Once you have a mask you like, we suggest buying your own dive computer. Both are easy to pack, so they can come with you on a weekend trip or a longer diving holiday.
Choose a screen you can read clearly and controls you find easy to use. Also, think about the diving you intend to do, the battery arrangements and the support available for the model. You do not need to buy the most expensive option to find one that suits you.
Before buying, talk to our team about the computers you are considering. We can help you compare suitable options and choose one you feel comfortable using, without a sales pitch.
Get familiar with your computer before diving
Read its manual and ask your instructor to explain anything you do not understand. Learn the settings, displays and alerts before your first dive with it. A familiar computer supports your training and dive planning; it does not replace them.
Scuba diving equipment to buy for 10–20 dives a year
If you take one or two diving holidays a year and make around 10–20 dives annually, we recommend adding boots, fins and a wetsuit to your mask and computer.
These personal items help you build a familiar setup. However, choose them for the places and seasons in which you will dive, as well as your own comfort.
Try boots, fins and wetsuit together
Check that the boots work with your chosen fins. Try the wetsuit for fit and movement, and discuss suitable warmth with a professional. Also, consider the weight and space the kit will take in your luggage. You can continue hiring a BCD and regulators at this stage.
Scuba diving equipment to buy for 20–50 dives a year
If you expect to make around 20–50 dives annually, we recommend investing in your own full set, including a BCD and regulators. Regular use makes it easier to build familiarity with the same equipment.
At around 20 dives, either approach may suit you. Consider your budget, travel plans and how your diving is developing before making the larger purchases.
Choose a BCD and regulators that suit your diving
Ask for help with fit, compatibility and the conditions you plan to dive in. In addition, check servicing options and ongoing costs before buying. Here, a full set means your personal diving kit; most holiday divers still use the centre’s cylinders and weights.
What scuba diving equipment should I buy or hire?
Hiring gives you time to learn what works for you. For example, you might travel with your mask and computer on your first holiday, then add more equipment as you discover your preferences.
There is no need to rush into a full package because somebody else owns one. Instead, spend your money on equipment that fits, suits your diving and will get used. Ask about trying different options, and avoid choosing a brand simply because someone calls it the best.
If you are visiting us, see our scuba equipment hire options. Tell us what you already own and what you need, so we can help arrange the remaining kit.
Plan for travel and looking after your equipment
Before buying, consider more than the purchase price. Allow for servicing, batteries where needed, storage and any extra airline baggage. Check your airline’s current allowance before travelling with a full set.
Afterwards, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Our guides to washing scuba equipment and equipment servicing explain how to plan its ongoing care. If buying used equipment, have its condition and service requirements assessed by an appropriate professional before diving with it.
Talk through your next purchase with our team
Still asking, “what scuba diving equipment should I buy?” Tell us your qualification, how often you expect to dive and what you already own. We can help you think through the next useful purchase without pushing a particular brand.
You can also combine that advice with diving in Hurghada or one of our diving holidays. Tell us before your trip if you are bringing new kit and would like help getting familiar with it.
Ask us about your equipment plans on WhatsApp or email the team. Start small, choose carefully and build a set that works for your diving.
