Scuba Gear FAQ – Scuba Schools of America
You can find affordable scuba gear right here at Scuba Schools of America. We offer entry-level packages, seasonal promotions, and instructor-built scuba gear equipment bundles designed to give divers real value without sacrificing safety or performance. Our team helps you choose gear that fits your goals and budget.
Yes. Scuba Schools of America operates a full-service ecommerce scuba gear store backed by a physical dive shop in Montclair, California. We specialize exclusively in scuba, freediving, and snorkel equipment, with expert support from certified SSI professionals.
Start with proper fit and comfort. Essential beginner gear includes a well-fitting mask, snorkel, fins, exposure protection, and reliable life-support equipment. At SSA, we can guide new divers through gear selection to ensure compatibility, safety, and long-term value.
Yes. Local dive shops like Scuba Schools of America provide high-quality equipment along with personalized fittings, pool testing opportunities, and expert instruction. Buying from a full-service dive shop ensures you get ongoing support beyond the sale.
Many divers shop during fall and winter when new inventory cycles begin. However, at SSA we offer curated gear packages and promotional savings year-round, especially on instructor-approved systems and training bundles.
Online shopping offers convenience and fast shipping, while in-store shopping allows for hands-on fitting and expert consultation. At SSA, you get both—shop online with confidence or visit our Montclair dive shop for pool testing options.
Yes. We offer complete scuba gear systems built by instructors. These bundles combine regulators, BCDs, computers, and accessories into proven configurations designed to perform together safely and efficiently.
Professional divers prioritize reliability, performance, and durability. At SSA, we carry trusted, high-performance scuba gear brands known for advanced engineering, smooth breathing systems, and long-term serviceability.
Our team also provides real-world recommendations based on decades of training and diving experience.
Focus on fit first. A quality mask should create a secure seal, offer tempered glass lenses, provide a wide field of vision, and include a comfortable silicone skirt. Proper fit prevents leaks and improves comfort during longer dives.
Fins should fit snugly without pinching. Always try them with the boots you plan to wear. Our team provides sizing guidance and recommendations based on your diving environment and propulsion style.
The best wetsuit depends on water temperature and exposure time. Look for high-quality neoprene, flexible panels, and a snug fit. We carry suits suitable for warm-water reefs, California kelp forests, and cold conditions.
Many manufacturers now offer environmentally conscious materials. At SSA, we help divers choose equipment built for durability and long-term use, reducing environmental impact through longevity.
The best place to buy scuba gear is from a full-service dive center that combines ecommerce convenience with certified professional support, like Scuba Schools of America in Montclair, California.
Online forums can provide opinions, but professional guidance from certified instructors ensures recommendations are based on safety standards, compatibility, and real-world performance rather than personal preference alone
Yes. Industry trade events bring together manufacturers, instructors, and dive professionals to showcase new equipment innovations. As an active SSI facility, SSA stays current with evolving dive technology and standards.
Beginner dive computers should be easy to read, simple to navigate, and reliable. Entry-level wrist computers with clear displays and straightforward menus are ideal for new divers building confidence underwater.
Choose a regulator based on water temperature, diving style, and breathing performance. Consider first-stage design (piston or diaphragm), DIN versus yoke compatibility, and ease of servicing. Our instructors can help you select a regulator matched to your environment.
Choose a BCD based on fit, lift capacity, diving environment, and comfort. Decide between jacket-style, back-inflate, or travel models. Proper trim and weight integration improve buoyancy control and underwater efficiency.
Consider aluminum versus steel, tank capacity, buoyancy characteristics, and your diving style. Technical divers may require multiple cylinders, while recreational divers typically use standard aluminum 80 tanks.
Choose a computer based on your experience level, planned dive type, readability, air integration needs, and algorithm preference. Advanced divers may consider trimix or CCR compatibility.
Consider brightness (lumens), beam angle, battery life, and durability. Night, wreck, and cave diving require higher-output lights with reliable sealing and long runtime.
Select a bag based on gear volume, durability, travel needs, and storage compartments. Consider wheeled options for travel and waterproof compartments for wet equipment.
With promotional financing from SCUBA SCHOOLS OF AMERICA & SWIM, major purchases don't have to wait. Get what you want now and pay over time.
