>>478948Hey pro diver here. You really don't need a purge valve in your mask, its just something else to break or get lost.
I love my full foot fins with a pair of socks underneath. That combo is so dang comfortable. This is great for SWFL most of the year, but you cannot wear booties under them. I don't wear them in water colder than 72-74.
Computers are an interesting topic. If you know what you're doing you never need a computer, but they do make life easier. That being said, I know a guy who just got certified, got the fanciest gear at the shop, then ran out of air 90 feet down because he didn't check his air gauge... the $400 computer didn't help that time (he did survive). Any diving under 35 feet or so doesn't require a computer; you just go down until you run out of air. Check your tables and plan out your dive and you only need a watch.
