The stuff you have listed isn't bad for rec. diving.  The web stuff may save
money in the short run, BUT when warrnity<sp> work is needed ' Who ya goina
call?' The advantage to buying from Local Dive Shop is air fills and
personal service. Try buying fills on the net. Not used to USD prices but
you should be able to buy most of your gear for that $ amount. Just don't
expect top o' line tech gear. Check w/ LDS owner for good 2nd hand gear and/
or swap meets. Get to know some local divers and see what they use /
recommend.
Welcome to the Sport . Dive Safe.

Don't buy dick until you get certified.  Use rental gear.

Then find someone who will let you try a Backplate and Wing set up for a
single.  You really ought to try this before you go jacking around with
some recreational BC crap.

Second, on the regs.  There are good brands out there.  I personally
prefer Apeks.  SPs are also good.  The rest?  Well, there are other
quality makes, but why screw around?  Indeed, if you want two reg setups,
I have 'em and am selling them - both set up for recreational diving -
just add a SPG and/or computer and they're ready to go.  Email me for more
info on them.

Wetsuits are easy.  Go find out what fits.  

The "standard tank" is the AL80.  If you don't mind the extra money, I'd
recommend a PST E7-100 instead.  About the same weight, more gas, and its
steel, so you can take some weight off the belt.  They're killer singles,
and if you go further, you can double them for decent midrange (e.g.
ocean) doubles.

As for computers, that's a user decision more than anything else.  Find
people with them and play on the surface to see if you like/can deal  with
the user interface.  I like my Vytec (Suunto), but its expensive and too
conservative for some.   Whatever you buy, don't get a computer that can't
do Nitrox - you'll be pissed if you do Nitrox later and have to toss the
computer.

There's a DiversDirect somewhat near you - they're changing their name to
"World Watersports" - go find them.  They have decent prices on wetsuits,
specifically - since those are a "fit" item and something you need for the
class.

There's a good start.

--

SNIP

SNIP

I think most NEW divers are well-served by buying standard gear from
their local shop, even at somewhat higher prices, if that shop can
provide reasonable value and good service, support and guidance, which
a newbie often needs. Our local shop is excellent and has prices only
about 10 to 15% higher than found on the internet (including
shipping). They are happy to discount further for package deals. How's
yours compare?

Ask some experienced local divers about the shop's viability and
quality of service, their selection of gear, their relative prices,
etc. They'll know if the shop is a good one.

In general, I think it's very difficult for a new diver to tweak his
choices of gear up to some concept of optimum, so I'd recommend going
with standard scuba gear and brands like you've mentioned, all of
which have excellent reputations. I'm a big fan of Sherwood regulators
for reliability, value and ease of servicing. Jacket-style BCD's work
fine. You may go for years without wanting to make any changes in your
gear.

HTH

Dave C    (Please note- the above email address is defunct)

Source, supplier of unscented, oil-free PURE TALC, compatible with
drysuit latex seals. If interested, contact
dcalderbankATcheshireDOTnet, or check eBay listings (eBay ID:
dave4868). Thanks.