If you rent all of your gear then diving is not really a hobby, it is just something you know how to do. After the last cycling thread I will try to avoid looking like a purist, but rental gear usually has a poor fit [esp. fins and mask], is not of great quality, and unless you are going to overpay by renting at the water's edge you need to deal with the hassle of filling out forms, picking it up, dropping it off, etc. Once you know that you like to dive you are better off putting together your own rig.
I can rent a bike, but if I don't actually have one sitting in my garage I would have a hard time claiming that biking is a hobby.
That being said, you can get a good basic rig for a reasonable amount of money (~$500) and just rent tanks. If you really like diving you will save that much money after 15-20 dives over renting all your gear and you will end up with something that fits you and your diving style better.
When I signed up for diving it was my first really expensive hobby. The instructor said to just buy the fins, mask, suit, and belt. Instead of an octopus get a diving computer and never buy tanks unless you live close to where you dive. I agree with you up to a point but there are logistical problems with your argument. Some of the best diving places are only available by flight. I'd rather spend the money diving than on shipping tanks across the country.
Also, a good dive shop has fairly new equipment for rent. If they are good at what they do then it will show in the quality of the equipment and staff.
Now that I have kids I still consider it a hobby. But one I only get to do once a year. I've added a few more expensive hobbies to my list since exiting my broke college student phase: International travel, photography, and wine.
BTW, every good salesman I've met has expensive hobbies and a rich spouse :-)
I play paintball every single weekend, although I always rent everything (including jacket). I even have a team I play on... but it's not a hobby since I don't buy the stuff on my own? Or does it only apply to biking and diving?
I can rent a bike, but if I don't actually have one sitting in my garage I would have a hard time claiming that biking is a hobby.
That being said, you can get a good basic rig for a reasonable amount of money (~$500) and just rent tanks. If you really like diving you will save that much money after 15-20 dives over renting all your gear and you will end up with something that fits you and your diving style better.