Greg - 2/07/2016 10:56 PM
If you plan to dive more than 8 days per year, then buy. Otherwise, it may make financial sense to rent a bcd, regs and tank. Of course if you rent, the quality of the gear is usually lower and you may get different stuff each time. When you buy, you know the condition of the gear and you can get familiar with it easier.
A regulator set requires maintenance every year or two...which costs over $100. A tank needs to be visually inspected every year, which costs around $20...and hydro tested every 5 years, which costs around $35. So add in the cost of maintenance when you determine whether to buy or rent.
I own all my gear, because I like knowing I have it available anytime I want to dive. But it does get expensive to maintain.