Complete Dive Gear Package Guide (UK)
Should you buy a dive gear package? Compare complete sets vs individual items for UK diving. Budget, intermediate & advanced packages. Save £200-500 on bundles.
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Take Our QuizDive gear packages promise savings and convenience. Sometimes they deliver. Often they include compromises you'll regret. Here's how to evaluate UK package deals honestly.
What Packages Typically Include
Standard dive gear package: BCD, regulator with octopus, gauges, gear bag.
Complete package: Above plus wetsuit, mask, fins, boots.
Premium package: Above plus dive computer.
Prices range from around £800 for basic packages to around £2,500 for complete premium setups.
The Savings Reality
Package discounts typically run 15-25% versus buying individually. On a £2,000 setup, you might save £300-500. That's meaningful.
However, savings disappear if package items don't match your needs. A £200 saving means nothing if the included wetsuit doesn't fit UK conditions or the regulator isn't cold water rated.
When Packages Make Sense
Beginners who need everything: If you're buying BCD, regulator, wetsuit, and computer simultaneously, packages offer genuine savings with matched equipment.
Budget-conscious buyers: Package deals make quality gear accessible at lower total cost than buying premium items individually.
Those without strong preferences: If you don't care about specific brands or features, package items work fine.
When to Buy Separately
Specific feature requirements: If you need a particular BCD style, regulator type, or computer feature, packages rarely match exactly.
Quality priorities: Package items tend toward mid-range. If you want premium grinder or regulator, buy separately.
Fit-critical items: Wetsuits and masks in packages often disappoint. Fit varies too much for one-size-fits-most approach.
UK-Specific Package Concerns
Cold water regulators: Ensure package regulators are environmentally sealed. Tropical-focused packages may include unsealed regulators unsuitable for UK temperatures.
Wetsuit thickness: UK packages should include 7mm suits. If the package offers 5mm, it's designed for warmer waters.
Integrated weights: UK divers carry more weight. Verify BCD weight capacity meets UK requirements (8-12kg typically).
What's Usually Missing from Packages
Packages commonly exclude:
Hood (essential for UK): Add around £30-60
Quality gloves (UK-appropriate): Add around £30-50
Torch (recommended for UK): Add around £50-100
SMB and reel (essential for UK): Add around £40-80
Budget extra £150-300 on top of package price for UK-specific accessories.
UK Retailers Offering Packages
Simply Scuba offers competitive packages with good brand selection. Online ordering with returns accepted.
Mike's Dive Store provides packages with personal service and fitting assistance.
Local dive shops often bundle training courses with equipment packages. The fitting support and ongoing relationship may justify price premiums.
BSAC and PADI centres sometimes arrange group purchases for members with club discounts.
Package Evaluation Checklist
Before buying any package:
1. Is the regulator cold water rated? (Essential) 2. Is the wetsuit 7mm or appropriate for UK? (Essential) 3. Does BCD weight capacity meet UK needs? (Essential) 4. Can you try on fit-critical items? (Important) 5. What's the returns policy? (Important) 6. What warranty and service support exists? (Important)
Our Recommendation
Packages can offer genuine value for beginners buying complete setups. Verify cold water suitability before purchase. Budget extra for UK-specific accessories not typically included.
For divers with specific preferences, buying individually usually delivers better long-term satisfaction despite higher initial cost.
Take our quiz to determine whether a package suits your needs or if individual purchasing makes more sense.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Are dive gear packages good value in the UK?
UK dive gear packages typically save 15-25% versus buying items separately, worth £200-500 on a complete setup. However, you may compromise on individual item quality or get features you don't need. Packages are best for beginners who need everything at once and prefer matched equipment. Experienced divers usually prefer selecting each component individually for UK cold water conditions.
What should be included in a UK dive gear package?
A complete UK diving package should include: BCD (back-inflate or jacket), regulator with octopus and gauges, dive computer, wetsuit (7mm for UK), mask, snorkel, fins, boots, gloves, and gear bag. Total package price: £1,200-2,200 depending on brand tier. Ensure the wetsuit is suitable for UK temperatures (7mm minimum) and the regulator is cold water rated.
Which UK retailers offer the best dive gear packages?
Major UK dive retailers offering packages include: Simply Scuba (online, competitive pricing), Dive Worldwide, Mike's Diving, and NDAC (National Diving Centre). Local dive shops often bundle training courses with equipment packages at discounts. BSAC and PADI centres sometimes arrange group buys for club members. Compare packages carefully - cheaper bundles may include entry-level regulators unsuitable for UK cold water.
Should I buy online or from a local UK dive shop?
Local UK dive shops offer fitting, setup, and ongoing support worth the 10-15% price premium over online retailers. They'll ensure your BCD, wetsuit, and mask fit properly with UK cold water gear (thick hoods, drysuits). Online retailers like Simply Scuba offer better prices but limited support. Compromise: buy computer and regulator online (specification-based), wetsuit and BCD locally (fit-critical). Most shops will service equipment regardless of where purchased.
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