Alot of beeks use the jacket only but I am pleases with my full suit for a couple of different reasons. Taking stings, anywhere, is not pleasant to me. I had rather sweat a little more and be sting proof than itch, scratch and swell for a couple of days. Dont get me wrong, I'm not scared of my bees, but I do respect them. Secondly I appreciate the suit for taking the abuse that it takes along the lines of propolis stains, dripped syrup, etc...Propolis is next to impossible to wash out. Go for a big smoker-the bigger the better. The small ones are hard to keep lit irregardless of the fuel used. Im not real particular of hive tools-any is fine by me-even a painters scraper will work. I, on the other hand, would purchase a queen excluder and a queen catcher. A plastic excluder is less than $5 and is great for locking in a swarm when/if you catch one-same for a queen catcher. I would also shy away from any type of wooden hive top feeder. I have several and everyone requires some caulking at some point and time. I also use gloves. I bought the soft, gauntlet type made out of goat, snow seal, or something :) j/k I wear them for the same reasons as the suit. Ive got 3 hives that are incredibly pissy (great brood patterns and my best honey producers this year). Everyone has their preferences, just find what works for you and go with it. I dont think I have anything that I dont use or havent used at some point and time though.