Buying Scuba Gear - When and What?

Almost all scuba diving gear can be rented from a dive shop or your diving operator. However, renting has both advantages and disadvantages.  On the positives of renting =  there is the convenience of not having to 'lug' huge amounts of weight, and space around. Especially these days when travelling by plane there is quiet restrictive weight limits. Next is the cost. If you are a beginner diver then it can cost over $1000 USD to buy you scuba diving equipment (considerably cheaper if buying second hand!). Renting from dive shops can become quiet expensive over time, yet if you are mainly diving on vacation with a diver operator, they often expect to supply you with dive gear and only give you a minimal discount if you bring your own!
The advantages of buying you own scuba gear are also inviting. Dive shops often dont have the selection of gear. you have to rent what is available. You may like one type of fin or mask etc - and they have the other...  There is the familiarity of having your own gear, knowing how it fits, what it does, and what it cant! If you start to dive regularly, it can save you money as renting can add up. There is the  convenience of knowing it is 'there' and not having to find dive shops to rent - or not find them as the case may be! Lastly, as you become more proficient, there is the freedom of being to dive when and wherever you wish!

In a nutshell, if you are a beginner, or dive almost exclusively while on vacation - I would recommend renting. If you are starting to enjoy, want to do much more, and have determined what you like (from the trial and error of renting) then buy!

If you decide to buy -here are some guidelines:

Your snorkel mask and fins are the first items that you should consider purchasing since they are relatively inexpensive, and cause the most problems in renting. A mask can range between $20 and $150. A snorkel shouldn't cost you more than $50 and you can still get reasonably good ones for around $15. A mask and snorkel has relatively little travel inconvenience compared to other big and weighty scuba equipment - so another good reason for buying them first! Fins prices range between $30 to $150. At least you know (as long as you have chosen the right pair!) that they will fit and be comfortable!

A regulator can runs from $150 to over $1000. Only buy the regulator when you can afford the one you want.  

Only buy the BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) when you buy the regulator, and not before. they cost between $150 and $500

Tanks. Cost from $100-$400. They are weighty, and easy to rent. buy only if you are going to be diving regularly, or in isolated places where they are hard to rent.

Rent the weights unless you are going diving regularly. They are not fun to travel around in.