'Keep it real' is LIDS dive-gear message

When it comes to getting properly equipped for diving there's no substitute for comparing items in the flesh and talking to the experts about what's right for you.

That's the message from scuba retailers, distributors and manufacturers exhibiting at this year's London International Dive Show (LIDS 2012), who are stressing that the spring event is the ideal place to see, try and buy dive gear for the new season.

Visitors to LIDS, which takes place at ExCeL over the weekend of 31 March/1 April, will find a huge range of dive gear available to examine and purchase - often at very competitive prices. With dozens of leading brands represented at the event, there will be everything from suits and fins, to regulators and BCs - plus accessories of every kind.

"It's priced like the internet, it's stocked like the internet, but it's human like a show - and you can try the gear on," said one leading equipment supplier, who pointed out that divers and clubs should be viewing the Dive Shows as the best possible environment for making important buying decisions.

With the price of many products on the internet now higher than previously, and with some internet sites lacking professionalism and diving expertise, the added benefit of being able to see and handle dive kit in the real world - and talk to the people supplying it - is significant.

To get an idea of what dive gear is on offer, visitors should head for the new-look Dive Gear Showcase (pictured). Bigger than previously, this special feature area will enable visitors to get an overview before taking a turn around the many manufacturer, distributor and retailer stands to get their hands on the kit and discuss it with the experts.

Stands where divers will be able to buy essential items of kit include Andark, Beaver, Custom Divers, Divers Warehouse, Fourth Element, Hammond Drysuits, Northern Diver, O'Three, Robin Hood Watersports, Scuba + Outdoor Pursuits, and Waterfront Scuba (Essex). In addition, divers keen to find out more about rebreathers will be able to examine and try out various models in the water in the Technical Pool.

Stands covering dive travel, training and services will, of course, also be a major feature of the LIDS 2012 exhibition hall.

And there will also be a range of special in-hall attractions, including the PhotoZone, the 3D Free-Dive Simulator, the Historical Diving Display and the Try Dive Pool.

Elsewhere, LIDS 2012 visitors will be able to attend talks featuring top diving speakers such as Monty Halls, Paul Rose, deep-wreck diver Mark Dixon, and Titanic expert Rory Golden.

Tickets for LIDS 2012 booked in advance cost just £8.50 a head instead of £11.50 on the door. And there are group-booking offers for six or more people that work out even cheaper at just £7.50 a head - a 35% saving. Children under 14 go free.