Starter mask & fins for snorkelling & scuba - how much to spend?

Denalihighway

Hello
I want to invest in a decent mask, snorkel and fins to use for snorkelling on holiday but also I'll be doing my Open Water course ASAP so I want to invest in some decent gear to hold on to for a while as I intend getting into it.

- how much should I need to spend on:

- mask? (and is having a purge valve important or just a luxury)
- snorkel?
- fins?

I've done a bit of research on the online shops etc but would be interested to know what you thought.

Thanks

whosedaddy?

There is no fixed amount you should spent.

Only one thing is important - it needs to fit.

Unless you walk into a dive shop and try a few things on, you will always run the risk of returning stuff (if you figure it out before using the gear) or pay twice...

Mask and snorkel - does it really matter whether its 50 or 70 euro?
Fins (don't forget the boots) - instead of looking at prices, have a look at what fins you might want / suit you first!
http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/fins/2007fintest_18_new_fins
http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=6804&sc=2088&ac=d&an=6804:28+FINS+ON+TEST...

Denalihighway

what would you say about these for fins? ScubaPro Twinjet Fins XXXL - http://www.scubastore.com/product.asp?pais=United%20States%20of%20America&idioma=eng&id_familia=3&id_subfamilia=18&id_modelo=5103&id=18&desde=0

expensive to buy new but might be able to get a cheap pair. I've heard they are very good for maneoverability (spelling..) but not great for speed but I've a feeling that was a very tight review from a canny pro..

suitable for snorkelling / scuba?

Fratton Fred

Denalihighway wrote: »

what would you say about these for fins? ScubaPro Twinjet Fins XXXL - http://www.scubastore.com/product.asp?pais=United%20States%20of%20America&idioma=eng&id_familia=3&id_subfamilia=18&id_modelo=5103&id=18&desde=0

expensive to buy new but might be able to get a cheap pair. I've heard they are very good for maneoverability (spelling..) but not great for speed but I've a feeling that was a very tight review from a canny pro..

suitable for snorkelling / scuba?

IMHO, that's a bit like buying a Jaguar XK to take your driving lessons in.

personally I would get a set of Mares Avanti or something like that for around €60, but even these would be a bit ott for snorkelling. Don't forget, you will need boots as well unless you got for a full foot set.

As for the mask, you can spend €100 and have problems with it, then spend €50 and find a match made in heaven. I paid about €50 for my mask about 8
years ago and it is like an old friend. I got through three in two years before that that were all more expensive.

Denalihighway

I hear ya.
I was tempted by a second hand pair but even though they're well priced I can't justify the cost for starter fins.

Was looking at these http://www.flagshipscuba.com/details.php?p=174 with a pair of boots to get me going.

By the way I'll definitely intend using them for scuba diving as soon as I get time, it's just that I'll be snorkelling very soon

nocal

As a previous poster said - the mask is all about the fit. Buy one in a shop here rather than online.
The problem with fins is - the size of them. A very bulky item for traveling with. I brought my Avanti quattros to the other side of the world last year. Next time I travel I am going to buy a set of Jet fins - excellent propulsion and much easier to fit into your luggage. They might be worth checking out.