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Gear and Equipment
YOU SHOULD OWN YOUR OWN DIVING GEAR.
Scuba diving like golf or tennis is equipment intensive. Recreational diving has grown from an obscure sport practiced by a small band of youthful adventurers into an activity enjoyed by millions. Increasingly sophisticated and reliable equipment, and the training to use it properly, are largely responsible for that growth. Whether an item of gear is considered essential or desirable, each was conceived for safety and function. Acquiring your own dive equipment is a major factor in the enjoyment of the sport. Sure you can rent gear at many dive destinations, but do you really want to rely on much-used rental equipment for your own safety? Rental equipment is usually never serviced until it breaks. Are you going to hope the rental gear doesn’t break on your dive to 80 feet?
Owning your own dive gear has many advantages. Learning how to scuba dive involves a lot more than learning how to breathe through a regulator underwater. You learn the subtleties of precise buoyancy control, swimming and streamlining, and a host of other skills. Acquiring these skills quickly and comfortably has a lot to do with the equipment you use. Fit and comfort are the prime criteria in selecting most items of dive gear, and in achieving maximum safety and pleasure underwater. The best way to ensure your gear fits correctly and comfortably is to wear your own. Loaner or rental equipment may not be right for you because of certain features or lack of them. Features are what distinguish one item of gear from another. When you buy your own gear, your instructor evaluates and chooses the features you need. The process is fun, and greatly adds to your knowledge of diving. Familiarity contributes to a high level of safety, which in turn gives you peace of mind. Having your own equipment makes you a serious diver. The bottom line on equipment ownership: It’s the way to achieve maximum safety and enjoyment diving. We at Midwest Scuba Diving believe that part of the commitment you are making should include acquiring your own gear. It is an excellent investment in yourself and in your future diving adventures.
SHOULD I BUY GEAR OVER THE INTERNET TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY?
No… Many Internet gear retailers purchase the left over inventory of dive shops that have financially failed. In some cases the equipment has been on the shelf deteriorating for years. Most equipment designs don’t change for 5-7 years. Internet gear retailers are not recognized by diving equipment manufacturers. Gear purchased over the Internet is not covered by the manufacturers lifetime warranty. Many dive shops will not repair equipment purchased on the Internet. No dive shop will do warranty work on equipment purchased on the Internet. The equipment you use while diving provides life support. Why risk injury to save a few dollars.
Click on any local retailer or diving equipment manufacturer below to browse the current items they offer. Please review the monthly specials and promotions, offered by the local retailers below, to find great gear items at a substantial discount.
Authorized MSD Dealers:
Haigh Enterprises
2738 E 2000 North Road
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815.939.7797
http://www.haighquarry.com
   
  
The Illinois Institute of Diving
438 Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
800.HOW.DIVE
http://www.800howdive.com
   
Professional Scuba Assoc. Intl.
9425 NW 115th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34482
352.861.7724
http://www.mrscuba.com
Scuba Emporium
16336 S. 104th Ave.
Orland Park, IL 60467
800.778.DIVE
http://www.scubaemporium.com
  
    
DJ's Scuba Locker, Inc.
7840 Ogden Avenue
Lyons, IL 60534, USA
Phone: 708.442.4388
http://www.djscuba.com
Divemax Scuba
4417 N. Riverdale
Johnsburg, IL 60050, USA
Phone: 773.732.8972
http://www.divemaxscuba.com
Mermet Springs
PO Box 1347
Vienna, IL 62995, USA
Phone: 618.527.DIVE (3483)
http://www.mermetsprings.com
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