Don’t be a Noob in the Dive Shop: Learn how to Shop Like a Pro
Stepping into a dive shop for the first time can be overwhelming. Everyone knows diving is an expensive hobby and it is very easy to blow your entire budget on one piece of gear. With so many brands, types of gear, and endless options, it's easy to feel lost. Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or ready to build your own kit, it's important to avoid some common rookie mistakes.
At Xico Dive Shop, we’re here to help you shop smarter, not harder, and make sure you're investing in gear that actually works for your diving needs and not just what looks cool or what others recommend.
Newbie Moves, We’ve All Been There!
Don’t be afraid to step into the dive shop, even if you know nothing about diving. We are super excited to meet newbies and offer them advice. That is what we are here-to guide you and to help you have the best diving experience!
It’s ok to be a beginner. We all started as a beginner, remember everyone started somewhere. Like most sports, the diving community is very supportive and you will always be learning new skills, tricks and gear tips from your guides and buddies.
Working at the dive shop there are many ‘noob’ mistakes that we see with our clients, so here is our no filtered guide to help you learn to shop like a pro.
The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Divers Make When Shopping for Gear
Let’s dive into the five most common shopping pitfalls and how you can avoid them:
1. Buying Super Expensive Gear Right Away
We get it, you just finished your Open Water Certification you are amped up-you love your life, you love diving and you decided that you want to do this every day for the rest of your life!
And while it is tempting for us to sell you a full kit of gear, we would rather you invest slowly in the pieces that you need, rather than sitting with a garage full of gear and regret.
While you might think that a Regulator or BCD as the first piece of equipment to buy, we will likely direct you to buying a mask. Your mask is the most important piece of equipment you can invest in and a well fitting mask makes a huge difference in your diving experience. It is lightweight and easy to pack for traveling and when your vacation spending wears off and you step back into reality you have likely only dropped $100-$200 USD on a piece of gear for your new sport. And with proper care your mask will give you 5-10 years of blissful vacation diving.
As a newbie, you might think that spending a lot of money on gear is going to get you to pro-level faster, but the reality is that higher end gear might be beyond your diving level and experience. Find gear that fits you comfortably and is in-line with the diver you are now, not the diver you dream of being. Sometimes, more affordable options are more than enough, especially when you're still figuring out your dive style.
Pro tip: Start with essential gear like a well-fitting mask and fins before splurging on high-tech dive computers or top-tier BCDs.
2. Not Asking for Advice
The biggest tell of a new diver is the one who walks into the store without any questions.
Pro-divers come into the shop with a purpose-they know the brand, model and style they want and are often very specific about their needs.
I think a lot of new divers are scared to ask questions because they do not know what to ask. Which is why we are here to help!
If you aren’t sure what questions to ask, we will start by asking you some basic questions about the type of diving you do, how often and where.
Be honest in your answers.
If you only get to dive once a year on vacation, that’s awesome, you get to dive once a year! But if you only dive once a year and you are flying to different locations you do not want to be carrying a full kit with you. Invest in a nice mask and travel fins to get a more personalized fit and better trim on those beautiful one week vacations.
Our team is knowledgeable and will not guide you to purchase gear you do not need. Our goal is to get you matched up with the equipment you need to have unforgettable underwater experiences.
Be open to the advice given to you on size, fit and product features. Just because you wear a size 9 shoe, does not mean that it will translate to the same size in fins or boots. You might need to size up or down depending on brand or product style.
Pro Tip: Your comfort and fit are key, and there’s no substitute for in-person advice. Be open to advice and learn more about different gear so you can become a more knowledgeable diver.
3. Choosing Gear Based Solely on Online Reviews and Brand Names
Many new divers will come into the shop armed with a portfolio of research and reviews.
While online reviews can be helpful, they’re only part of the picture. Everyone’s experience is different, and what works for one diver may not work for another. Relying solely on reviews can lead to choices that aren’t ideal for your dive profile.
You have to consider that only certain types of people write online reviews. Most people purchase their gear and go on about living their lives and do not spend their time on reddit. Also remember that many of the online reviews are ghost written by the marketing teams at these brands and companies. So while you might hear more about certain brands online, that does not necessarily mean they are the best brands-just that they have a larger marketing budget.
Don’t fall into the trap of assuming the most famous name is the best fit. There are many smaller or newer brands that offer incredible value, often with better comfort and features that suit your needs at a more reasonable price.
All of the brands that we stock at Xico Dive Shop are of exceptional quality, while different products have different features and qualities that you might need as a diver. You can trust that any products that you purchase here are professional grade quality.
Pro tip: Use reviews as a guide, but always try the gear on and test it out if possible. Look at gear performance, warranty, and comfort, not just the logo on the label.
4. Only Listening to Your Open Water Instructor
Oftentimes new divers will come in with a specific product in mind that their instructor recommended. This is great, you should definitely seek advice from your instructors and guides but remember the needs of a dive professional who spends everyday in the water are very different from your needs as a novice diver.
Instructors are invaluable resources but they’re not the only ones with advice. Every diver has different needs based on their experience level, diving style, and the locations where they dive. Relying on just one perspective can limit your options.
Especially for women divers, the equipment recommendations from a male instructor might not be suitable for your body, so use their advice as simply an opinion.
I always recommend to clients to ask around, try on your buddy’s equipment, and use different rental gear. The more and varied equipment you try will give you more experience with different brands, fits and styles.
As you mature as a diver you will get your own preferences and styles, and they may vary greatly from the pros that taught you.
Pro tip: Get a variety of opinions and ask around at your local dive shop. The team at Xico Dive Shop can offer advice tailored to local conditions and your specific dive plans.
5. Not Testing Multiple Rental Gear Before Buying
It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of becoming a diver, and wanting to look super pro with a full sleek scuba set up. But buying gear before trying a variety of different options can lead to uncomfortable and expensive mistakes. Ask any diver you know and they will tell you a story about a regretful gear purchase. Rushing into gear as an early diver might lead you to purchase equipment that doesn't properly fit you or serve your needs as a novice diver.
Take notes of the brands and styles of equipment you use when you are first renting from a dive shop. Knowing the brands and products you’ve used and noting any fit or comfort issues you experienced will help guide you when you are searching for gear.
Our expert team will be able to use this information and their knowledge of brands and equipment styles to find products for you that will maximize your underwater experience.
Pro tip: Rent a few different pieces of gear to see what fits and works best for you before making a final purchase. That way, you know you’re choosing gear that suits your body, your skills, and your diving style.
How to Shop Like a Pro: Tips for New Divers
Ready to take your dive shopping game to the next level? Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
Ask Questions?
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from multiple sources. Whether it’s your local dive shop staff or fellow divers, getting different perspectives will help you make better, more informed choices. The only thing divers love as much as diving is talking about their gear. Any diver you meet will love telling you about all the features on their BCD, their favorite mask and why they only buy a certain brand of fins.
Prioritize fit and comfort over brand names.
Your gear should fit well, feel comfortable, and suit your diving style. Don’t fall for the hype of the most expensive or most popular products. Especially if you have outlier sizing at either extreme of small or large, you might be restricted in the products that are available for your size.
Test different gear before buying
Rent first, try different setups, and see what feels right before committing to a purchase. This is especially important for masks, fins, and BCDs. A good mask, fins, and snorkel will make your dives better. Invest in these items before upgrading to tech-heavy gear like dive computers or cameras.
Know what to rent vs. buy
You can rent heavier or bulkier items like regulators and BCDs, but you’ll get the most out of owning personal gear that’s custom-fit for you, like your mask, fins, and lights.
Final Thoughts
Building your perfect dive kit doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about making informed choices, trying gear, and asking the right questions. The best part? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a little patience and the right advice, you can shop with confidence, find gear that fits your needs, and dive with ease.
At Xico Dive Shop, we’re here to help guide you through the process, whether it’s your first time shopping for dive gear or your tenth. Come by, ask questions, and we’ll help you find the best gear for your diving adventures.