Please rate my equipment

[aboo4ya]

Hey all. I'm new to diving and have just purchased a new setup for what I think was a good deal:

1.) BC- SeaQuest Balance with air source $399.
2.) Reg.- Sherwood SP1 $399.
3.) Computer- Sherwood Wisdom 2 with Compass & QD $450.
4.) Fins- Tusa Xpert Zoom $99.
5.) Mask- Mares Pure Vision $59.

I also have a Apeks XTX50 Status ($399.) with octo. that I will choose between (suggestions please).

I got these all at a tent sale at Sport Chalet in Pleasanton, Ca. They are all new with full warranties. I know I should try before you buy, but I have 30 days to return them and can try them in their pool as much as I want to. I plan on progressing up the ranks and doing all types of diving so I want to be able to grow into my equipment. Did I do ok? Any feedback would be great. BTW the sale is also on today, 8-3-08 until they close tonight.

 

[scubajcf]

In My Opinion:

Balance was a good price. Sounds like you have a good recreational setup. Good quality.
Setup is good for most recreational diving (no overhead) to 100' / 130'

If you want to get into Solo Diving, Tech Diving, Cave Diving, Advanced Wreck Diving, etc, the mask is about all you will take with you. Then again, most people heading in that direction have setups specifically for that type of diving.

Have fun, be safe. Now that you have your own gear ... go get a bunch of experience!

 

[Nemrod]

You know, in an open forum where you have hundreds of people who have different styles of diving and different reasons to dive and use vastly different types of equipment your question is bound to dissappoint you with some of the opinions--OPINIONS--you asked for.

A "good deal" is when you are happy with your purchase. Why ask other people what they think of your "good deal" because many will not say so but I would check similar equipments on the internet before I handed my money over.

Nothing you listed, I would want to own particularly, just me, I am sure it is adequate if a bit generic.

N

 

[spectrum]

Hey all. I'm new to diving and have just purchased a new setup for what I think was a good deal:

1.) BC- SeaQuest Balance with air source $399.
2.) Reg.- Sherwood SP1 $399.
3.) Computer- Sherwood Wisdom 2 with Compass & QD $450.
4.) Fins- Tusa Xpert Zoom $99.
5.) Mask- Mares Pure Vision $59.
[/B]

There is nothing wrong with any of the items you selected. They are all items that have their fans. The critical thing is fit, fit fit and do you like the way it behaves. I would not put $$ down until you at least take the stuff in the pool with ocean weight exposure protection. If it all fits and works to your liking than it's perfectly good for the diving that 98% (my guess) of us will ever do. If it's a poor fit and you get stuck with it you will have made a huge financial blunder and may end up tainting you so to be love of diving. Gear will not make the diver but poor fit will break him, or her.

FWIW I am partial to independent (not combined) alternate second stages and inflaters. From the oldies files.

Pete

 

[djanni]

I've never used any of the stuff you purchased yet the equipment comes from good manufacturers. I'm sure you'll get many years of enjoyment from it. My stuff is similar just different mfg's. I also use an integrated octo and I like it. I see a lot of Balance BC's so they I'd say they're popular.

Most people are not too interested in getting into Solo Diving, Tech Diving, Cave Diving, Advanced Wreck Diving but you'll find quite a few of those people on this board. Those folks are the high risk takers and face far more challanges than... I ever want to face.

 

[aboo4ya]

Thanks for the responses. I was looking for equipment for rec diving and I know there are all different types of people with varying opinions out there. I just wanted to know if I was in the ballpark price and quality wise...which it seems I am. Any more opinions are welcome. Thanks again folks and this won't be my last post!!

 

[Damselfish]

as long as the mask and BC fit you well it should be perfectly fine.

Only thing is, I would read up on the pros and cons of combined octo-inflators if you have not already, and think about if that's what you really want. If you've done that research and tried one and still decide you want it, it's fine. Some people do like them (not me). But if you're only getting it because it seems nice to have one less hose (common new diver reasoning) you might be disappointed later.

 

[drbill]

Not knowing if you are diving locally or doing only tropical sites makes it difficult to assess. Of course fit, reliability and "frequency of repair" records, etc., are important but so is knowing the kind of diving you plan to do with the equipment you purchased.

 

[DRsharky]

Like said above if you are happy with your purchase and all fits well, then you got a good deal.

 

[Mudbug_CSD]

After having a bunch of dives with people with a bunch of different brands/types of gear and having everyone I dove with come back alive and problem-free, I'd say that personal preference determines more how "good" your gear is, and not so much other people's opinions.

If your stuff works well, fits you comfortably, and has everything you're looking for regarding the type of diving you're doing, and you don't feel taken advantage of monitarily, I'd say you got a deal.

Congrats - time to get it wet.