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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Browse All GuidesDive gear packages promise savings and convenience. Sometimes they genuinely deliver. But I've seen too many beginners end up with a tropical-spec regulator or a wetsuit that doesn't fit because the "package deal" was too good to pass up. This is how to tell the good deals from the money traps.
Quick Picks
| Best For | Package Type | Price Range | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Cold Water Divers | Complete package with 7mm wetsuit | £1440-2,500 | Everything you need, matched equipment |
| Budget Buyers | BCD + Regulator bundle | £480-900 | Core equipment, buy wetsuit separately for fit |
| Upgraders | Premium regulator package | £640-1,200 | Quality life-support, keep existing BCD |
| Travel Divers | Lightweight package | £960-1,800 | Compact BCD, travel-friendly gear |
*Always verify cold water rating before purchasing any cold water package*
Not sure if a package suits you? Take our 60-second quiz
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 £640 for basic packages to around £2000 for complete premium setups.
The Savings Reality
Package discounts typically run 15-25% versus buying individually. On a £1600 setup, you might save £240-500. That's meaningful.
However, savings disappear if package items don't match your needs. A £160 saving means nothing if the included wetsuit doesn't fit cold water 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 a premium regulator or specific BCD, buy separately.
Fit-critical items: Wetsuits and masks in packages often disappoint. Fit varies too much for one-size-fits-most approach.
Cold Water Package Concerns
Cold water regulators: Ensure package regulators are environmentally sealed. Tropical-focused packages may include unsealed regulators unsuitable for cold water temperatures.
Wetsuit thickness: Cold water packages should include 7mm suits. If the package only includes 5mm, it's designed for warmer waters.
Integrated weights: Cold water divers carry more weight. Verify BCD weight capacity meets cold water requirements (8-12kg typically).
What's Usually Missing from Packages
Packages commonly exclude:
Hood (essential for cold water): Add around £25-60
Quality gloves (cold water-appropriate): Add around £25-50
Torch (recommended): Add around £40-100
SMB and reel (essential for cold water): Add around £30-80
Budget extra £120-300 on top of package price for cold water accessories.
Retailers Offering Packages
Simply Scuba has competitive packages with good brand selection. Online ordering with returns accepted.
Mike's Dive Store bundles 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 centers 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 cold water? (Essential) 3. Does BCD weight capacity meet cold water 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)
Package Brand Comparison
Understanding what different brands offer in their packages helps you make informed decisions.
Scubapro Packages Scubapro has premium packages pairing their Hydros Pro BCD with MK25 EVO regulators. Cold water performance is excellent, but prices run higher than competitors. Expect around £1600-3,000 for complete setups. Service network is excellent.
Mares Packages Mares has good mid-range packages with their Rover and Dragon BCDs paired with various regulator options. Price point around £960-2,000 for complete packages. Good value for recreational cold water diving.
Cressi Packages Cressi has entry-level packages at accessible prices. Their Solid or Start BCDs with MC9 or AC2 regulators suit beginners. Packages around £640-1,500. Ensure regulator is cold water rated for cold water use.
Apeks Packages British brand Apeks focuses on cold water performance. Their packages pair Exotec or Black Ice BCDs with XTX or XL4 regulators. Premium pricing around £1200-2,500 but designed specifically for cold water conditions.
How to Negotiate Package Deals
Dive shops often have flexibility on package pricing, especially for complete setups.
Ask about substitutions: Most shops will swap package items for alternatives at adjusted prices. Want a different regulator? Ask if they'll credit the included one toward your preferred choice.
Bundle training: If you're also taking courses, negotiate combined discounts. Many shops offer 10-20% off equipment for students.
End of season deals: September-November sees better package prices as shops clear summer stock. Winter diving isn't for everyone, so demand drops.
Ex-demo and display models: Shops often discount lightly-used demonstration equipment. Ask about warranties and service history.
Package vs Individual: Cost Comparison
Let's break down a typical cold water diving setup both ways:
Individual Purchases: - BCD (Apeks Black Ice): £380 - Regulator (Apeks XTX50): £440 - 7mm Wetsuit (Fourth Element Proteus II): £280 - Dive Computer (Shearwater Peregrine): £360 - Mask, Fins, Boots: £145 - Total: £1605
Comparable Package Deal: - Complete package with similar spec: £1280-1,800 - Savings: £160-400
The package saves money, but individual purchases let you choose exactly what suits your diving style, body shape, and preferences. Most experienced cold water divers buy individually after their first setup.
Our Recommendation
Packages can offer genuine value for beginners buying complete setups. Verify cold water suitability before purchase. Budget extra for cold water accessories not typically included.
For divers with specific preferences, buying individually usually gives better long-term satisfaction despite higher initial cost. Our beginner's gear guide covers the ideal buying order if you go the individual route, and we have detailed recommendations for regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits.
Not Sure Which Approach?
Take our quiz to determine whether a package suits your needs or if individual purchasing makes more sense.
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