Scuba diving, like many recreational activities, is equipment-intensive. After determining what items are necessary for the type of diving you are planning to do, each piece likely falls in one of two categories --either essential or desirable. But what does that mean to you, the diver?

As essentials go (whether you rent or buy), these are the items you should not be without. Desirable items, such as cameras, etc., are secondary. They can, however, be the very reason for going diving! Sometimes our level of enthusiasm for diving can elevate our choice of an essential item to the level of desirable.. such as, a computer we don't need, but want, or a suit or BC that is simply more comfortable. Sometimes it's practical or cost effective to rent, sometimes to buy.

At the PINNACLES DIVE CENTER, we have the great privilege of helping you in your consideration of just the right purchase. Because of this, you should know, that before you go shopping --we have already been shopping first, and have selected what we feel are some of the best products available at this time. Things like quality and manufacture's product support are constantly changing. Most of the gear we don't buy --you wouldn't want to buy either!

Having repeated this same process since 1974, we'd like to think we're doing a pretty good job at helping divers wade through the confusing part of making wise equipment purchases. There's so many things to consider! Here are a few things we have learned over the years, you may want to consider:

1. Most things you buy will last for years, get what you want --you're going to have it for a long time.

2. It's not less expensive to buy your second choice --if you come back and buy your first choice later.

3. It's not how much it cost, it's how much you will enjoy it, that counts.

4. Your purchase should match the type of consumer you are with the equipment available at the current time. Don't sell yourself short.

5. Based on the equipment you buy, your recreation is either "quality time" --or not.

6. Diving equipment is an extension of yourself. If you own it, you will get to know it better and ..you'll have a better experience.

7. A bird in the hand, is better than a bird on-line (at any price).

8. You will be most happy with your purchase if you do it right.

9. We make a living helping people just like yourself.

10. We know what it means, if we don't do a good job.

Thank you for taking the time to consider the many advantages of owning your own gear and choosing the PINNACLES DIVE CENTER!