there are a range of markers you can get for cheap on here.
i would certainly have a look at markers on this list and consider these as well as everyone suggesting the eclipse markers - not that i hate them, hates a very strong word, i just severly dislike them, though thats probably become apparent. if not it has now.
sft shocker - easy to maintain, just lube after every days play, have great support from warped, balf and zdspb.com - around the £150 mark
an oldish angel - speed 05 perhaps - people slag them off but they are just wdp haters - in reality they are great markers. i had an a4 fly as a beginner marker and of course when i started i didnt like the hassle of maintaning things, now with the marker i have it has to be and so i get used to it but - , i think in the 6 months i had it i put one drop of lube in it - absolute workhorse requires virtually no maintenance, and if anything goes wrong you have wdp and lips there to help you sort it out. quick and easy. The A1 is also a fantastic marker - and if you can scrounge up the cash, these are going for buttons these days - £300 gets you an a1 now.
definately look at the proto range - the pmr and the slg are both very good starter options - if you can afford it then a pm6 is also a good marker. - dye europe and heaven offer fantastic support if something goes wrong.
All are cheap and worth every penny over an ion, however ions are very upgradable and so you can upgrade as you wish i guess. like has been suggested, get out there and ask to try a few out, see which you like best, then look into getting the one for you.
masks i would suggest a jt flex 7/8 or a v-force profiler.
clothing, rugged things BUT NOT JEANS! get jeans wet and your buggered for the rest of the day, heavy uncomfortable and take ****ing ages to dry