equipment advice

[stevie-o]

I just finished getting certified a week ago, and now i have to buy gear. since i'm a newb at this im kinda iffy on what to get. I plan on getting my nitrox certification soon, and advanced open water after that. I've only been on 5 dives, and i'm addicted

so i have a 1000 dollar budget for right now I need to get a bc, reg, and computer. so what should i get first out of these items? and if anyone could share some info on gear they like, and point me in the direction of a good entry level kit that would be awesome

 

[sawillia]

That budget is a little low I think unless you're willing to buy used gear.

After all this is life support, if you do buy used make sure it gets services before getting it wet.

with that being said, You really need to get more dives under your belt. the reason I say that is you'll find your diving style and figure out wat kind of gear you like and works best for you.

Gear is a comfort related too.

jacket style BCD and Back inflated you'll have ot figure out which you like.

I like the back inflated BCD. The Zeagle Ranger is a good BCD that would grow with you it has some extra lift out of the gate and if you decide to go tech you'll be ok.

Zeagle does a great job of standig behind it's product and they are made in the US.

Now on to regulators.

This is exrtememly users choice. Don't go cheap on this. If you spend money and it's a crappy and breaths like a congeted hooker at truck stop you'll be ****ed.

I've ran both ScubaPro regs and Zeagle regs both good. the entry models can be had for around 500 or so. If you plan on being in this sport for a life time, do some leg work and go to your dive shop I'm sure they'll let you try them out first.

Dive computer... PHEW. Console? Wrist? Air integrated.... SOO many..

Suunto to me is a industry leader
Mosquito for the wrist. Cobra II for console. Stinger/DS3 for the Top of the line.

I've used others, and I've seen people struggle with Aeris brand computers.

I've had my life saved by Suunto and I plan on sticking with them.

Hope that helps

 

[fppf]

Your regs should be your first purchase IMO.
Everything else can fail, and you can find a way out, if your regs fail your short on options.

You will get more opinions on regulators then where to go out for dinner.
You need to make the choice that is right for you, the diving you plan on doing (even if its in the far future) and what gear the shops around you carry. The depths of your dives, water temperature, and other conditions will help steer your pick. See what gear your shops carry first and go from there. If you can't get it serviced locally it becomes a real PITA.

After your regs I would look at computers, again same deal, there are hundreds of them and each fit everyone different.

Last I would look at a BC or other buoyancy device.

This of course is if you already have the basics, mask, snorkel, fins.....

 

[Orcrone]

Do you have a dive shop that you normally go to? Most major manufacturers make excellent gear these days, as long as you stay away from the entry level equipment. I'd probably go with the brand your dive shop sells just for ease of maintenance and warranty. I've used Scuba Pro and Oceanic Regs and like them both.

Regarding a BC try both jacket and back inflated before buying. I have an old jacket style BC that I replaced with a back inflated one because my old one wasn't weight integrated. Love it in the water but hate it on the surface because it wants to throw me forward. But this doesn't bother others at all. The only way you'll know is by trying before you purchase.

 

[davocean]

For that budget you should probably be looking for a used complete package, and make sure to hold back enough to have them serviced.
Scuba pro has always been a favorite of mine for gear, I've got stuff from late 70's/early 80's that still works good today.
Have someone experienced look w/ you if you can, join local club, research gear before you buy.

 

[cur10u5g30rg3]

Zeagle Express Tech is one of the cheapest most adverse BC's you can get. It is back inflate and has loads of options. I know a few tech divers that use these for travel rigs. The cool thing about this setup is it is light but uses webbed harnesses therefore you can add d-rings.


For regulators I have used a few different ones. The brand I find that offers a performance reg at a decent price is HOG... For a none performance cheaper line of regs you could look at the edge gear as well. My local dive shop sells alot of the edge stuff and people seem to be very satisfied with it.


Gear is alot about personal preference and comfort, if you find a great local dive shop you can work with the guys and get situated in something you really like.

 

[fishdoctordotus]

Good Scuba Gear Dealers

Good Scuba Gear Dealers

Check out these websites for package deals and ebay as well.
http://leisurepro.com
http://www.sucbatoys.com
http://www.dolphinscuba.com
All are real dealers and honor manufactuers warrenty and have great customer service. I have done returns for broken fins with leisure pro and hand no trouble getting a replacement. Try stuff on in your local shops to make sure it fits properly but don't pay too much. Good Luck! And Good diving! Mike W.

 

[ackee]

I agree with other replies. The regulator is #1, after basic high quality well fitting mask, fins, and exposure protection. #2 is a good quality but not too extravagant BC. I have a top of the line Zeagle regulator and lightweight simple Zeagle BC. A computer is last on my list, because as a new diver you should not even come close to decompression limits. Learn and use the tables, but don't approach their limits. Keep the depths you dive moderate until you are more experienced. "Plan your dive, and dive your plan". I've been certified and diving for more than 40 years. Avoid becoming an equipment junkie. Just like with aquarium keeping, skill is far more important than equipment.

 

[andrewknies]

I'm not really sure where you are from, but if it's a popular diving area and your shop does a lot of renting they might sell their rental gear fairly cheap. My family owns a shop on St. Thomas and we sell the bc's every other year. If the shop does a lot of diving they usually take good care of their rental gear!

 

[stevie-o]

cool thanks guys i just about have my equipment planed out. I'm going to get the aqua lung legend reg. i tried out the back inflate bc, and i like it a lot.

 

[stevie-o]

after i get those i will just save up, and buy the rest like tank, computer, etc...

 

[redpacus]

I have to say I won't breath on any thing but atomic I have a t1 and b2 as my octo . They are one of the top in the industry. I use a mares dragon back inflated bcd and I love it over the zegal I have had both. Mares puck computer, atomic fins, mask, and snorkel is part of my gear and catalina 80 tanks. akona wetsuit and dive bags. I haveover 7000 in my gear with all the little thing you should also have like a knife dive light, back up dive light, lanyards, dan insureance etc the lists goes on. Great sport reg should be top priority.

 

[teemee]

I agree with other replies. The regulator is #1, after basic high quality well fitting mask, fins, and exposure protection. #2 is a good quality but not too extravagant BC. I have a top of the line Zeagle regulator and lightweight simple Zeagle BC. A computer is last on my list, because as a new diver you should not even come close to decompression limits. Learn and use the tables, but don't approach their limits. Keep the depths you dive moderate until you are more experienced. "Plan your dive, and dive your plan". I've been certified and diving for more than 40 years. Avoid becoming an equipment junkie. Just like with aquarium keeping, skill is far more important than equipment.

+1. Why not spend the 1000 on a diving trip to get a little more experience under your belt And if you need a suggestion on where to go, Gulf Side of Malaysia and Thailand is pretty decent in summer

 

[AndoCleophus]

Just an fyi, you may have already purchased your gear, I believe that oceanic was offering a pretty decent setup for right at 1k. I believe it included practically all the gear necessary to get you started on your way. I would check with your local store and see if this is possible. When i started diving I got seduced by all the fancy stuff and spent a lot, doesn't make you a better diver, but it sure looks cool. I would look into some quality used gear as well, you can save a lot of money that way.

 

[psilver]

Any of you guys used the Apeks regulators? I have been using older Poseidon regs for years, but have decided ot try a new reg for warm water diving... this one, the ATX40, has been recommended... any thoughts?

Sorry to side track the conversation...