[Pat S]

I'd recommend a local dive shop where you can try the stuff on if you have one. But I've ordered stuff from leisurepro.com and joediveramerica.com with very good results. Did you get your course book yet? I assume you are doing and open water certification through PADI or another org as the curriculum? I know the PADI book has a few chapters on gear and specifically what you should look for, so you may want to read through that too before you buy.