Level with me...how much do I REALLY need to spend on a reg and BCD?
- Thread starter scubagal_texas
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LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
But because scubagal_texas is a she, and by default smarter than most of us "he's", she'll do just fine on her first gear purchases and return home safely
Oh, and welcome to scubaboard scubagal_texas.
Anyway:
1. You do not have to buy the most expensive regulator (or other dive equipment) to get a a high quality piece of equipment. Most manufactures have low, mid-range, and high-end regulators. All are safe. With low-end or "entry level" regulators you are often talking about unbalanced piston 1st stages, and they will perform at a slightly lower level than the balanced piston and diaphragm regulators found in mid-range and high-end models. But they will be simple & reliable. And they will be less expensive.
2. Talk to other divers (here, and in the real world
) about what they like and dislike about their current gear, and especially about the gear they 1st purchased.... because many of us end up buying gear twice because the original stuff, while shiney and cool in the show room was not really what we needed for the diving we ended up enjoying most.3. Just have fun with what ever you purchase, which can range from $500-600 for a basic set of entry level regulators, gauges and BC to, well, the sky is the limit (almost).
Best wishes.
diver 85
Contributor
I'm talking used stuff------& who knows, the husband may just like the idea of this.......
(I know I would not pay more than that for this stuff---in fact, as a 3rd reg outfit, I just bought a Mk2 with a r295 & SP B/G SPM for $150-added a alpha 8 octo for $50....My addition still gives me 100 bucks for a depth guage---surely you can get one for half that price...............BC, buy a BRAND NEW Zeagle Scout for $200 but I wouldn't even do that, a great used one for probably $150 or less--hell I just bought a brand new-from caveadventurers.com- DR BP/W, Oxycheq harness, and 2 tank cam bands for $240---free shipping).......
OP did say "how much do I really need to spend on gear?" not how much can I spend on gear.........
diver 85
Contributor
H2Andy
Contributor
Blackwood
Contributor
diver 85
Contributor
H2Andy
Contributor
One of the best things for dive gear here in Florida is Craigs List. Why? So many people go all out and buy their dive gear before taking classes and either don't finish their class or simply don't want to persure it after they get their cert.
You can find almost new gear that was bought and used for certification for great prices.
I don't suspect that too many areas will have as much luck with it but its a start.
Take your time deciding on which gear is right for you. If your are looking at a BC, Gauges and a Reg spend your most money on the regulator. There are balanced and unbalanced regulators but all guages are created equal and all BCs function the same with minor feature differences. Just my opinion.
You can find almost new gear that was bought and used for certification for great prices.
I don't suspect that too many areas will have as much luck with it but its a start.
Take your time deciding on which gear is right for you. If your are looking at a BC, Gauges and a Reg spend your most money on the regulator. There are balanced and unbalanced regulators but all guages are created equal and all BCs function the same with minor feature differences. Just my opinion.
bamamedic
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You also might try checking out your LDS or your local dive quarry for good used gear...I think my local dive quarry sells off the old rental gear every year in order to buy new stuff. It only gets used in fresh water, doesn't see all that much wear, and can represent a very good deal!
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