What brand would you recommend?

[Stu S.]

Yoke is common when you travel.

We see all types of divers and gear in this state. Some guys are expensively outfitted to go on dives that only require "beginner gear". I don't go below 150 feet, but often to 120. The basic cheap stuff work fine for me. The Oceanic Alpha 7 regulator I bought for $99 passes the US Navy test at 198 feet, and I won't be doing that. What I've saved on regulators bought the family steel tanks.

There probably isn't a best brand. I dive in with about eight different brands of gear on. Most of us are similar in that regard.

One thing to think about. Divers can spend on gear such that they can't afford to use it. I know a few that are "equipment rich" and cash poor. Dive this weekend? No, they are low on dough. Dive equipment is neat stuff and fun to buy, but we must look at the end objective.

 

[jkfuller]

Speaking of online Scuba stores, how do you know if the online store is a reputable dealer? I was in my LDS yesterday checking out prices of Mares equipment and all they quoted me was the MSRP. I didn't push the price issue with them, I just wanted to get an idea of what it would cost to purchase a BCD and Reg Set.

My wife and I are looking at Mares equipment, because that's what our LDS uses for rental equipment.

 

[Stu S.]

Online dealers are usually quite good, and a way to save money. Divers's Direct and Scubatoys sell Mares and they are good to buy from.

I bought a Mares regulator from Diver's Direct three years ago, and have returned it to them for annual service. All has been good. Local dive stores have been closing around here. We don't know who will be around next week. The online dealers I've used are all still around.

Have fun with it.

 

[Maryland Diver Dave]

Cressi Fins, Apeks or Aqualung Regs./ BC's
Suunto or Aries Computers
Dive rite BC's Wings Regs and Drysuits for you techie folks. And DUI drysuits if you have the $$$.
The above is what I dive with. All good quality, some items like Suunto Computers are pricey.

 

[carrielsal]

Speaking of online Scuba stores, how do you know if the online store is a reputable dealer? I was in my LDS yesterday checking out prices of Mares equipment and all they quoted me was the MSRP. I didn't push the price issue with them, I just wanted to get an idea of what it would cost to purchase a BCD and Reg Set.

My wife and I are looking at Mares equipment, because that's what our LDS uses for rental equipment.

Take a look at this thread, http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...line-site-purchase-dive-accessories-gear.html.

Carrie

 

[Bronson]

All the brands are good offering mostly similar features depending on the diving you will do. I agree with above posts about a LDS. Find a LDS that you like the people and find someone that knows what they are talking about. They can offer equipment choices and further training. I have mostly Scubapro for warm waters and OMS for cold waters.

 

[Dave1981]

The things I have had problems with in the past have been Oceanic veo100 computers. 3 out of the 4 I've been looking after flooded within 50 dives.

Mares Regs, I don't know what model they were but out of 8 or so at least 6 or 7 have become difficult to breathe through even at the surface before they were due serviced.

I'm not a big fan of the scubapro inflator/2nd stage (Air2?) BCD's, I'd recommend against them.

Things I've really liked are the scubapro regs, high end mares and Cressi masks. SeacSub BCD, and also like the Mares dragon, though the LP inflator does float free too much.

Regarding 1st stage, I would go for a good quality 300bar DIN (won't cost any more) and get a yoke adapter also. That way if a while down the line you get into more advanced stuff its ready for you already, and no more hassle with the adapter than a yoke reg would be. The reason not to go the other way is that if you carry a din adapter for a yoke reg you're still limited to 232Bar.

 

[Druid]

Computer main thing is its reliable User replaceable batteries and nitrox compatible so you dont outgrow it kinda quick by getting a nitrox cert.( Suunto and oceanic are the better ones for this, scuba pro/uwatec is usually tech battery change)

All the new Uwatec computers have user replaceable batteries.

If you want to spend a lot of money for spending money sake - then look at Apeks regulators. They're probably the top tier in the world right now.

Really? You can get a DS4 with ATX40s and a console for around £220 over here. Apeks regs are identical internally, so you're paying a lot more for no increase in performance if you get XTX200s.

 

[Atomic_Diver]

Dive Rite Transpac T3000 = $399.99: (http://store.gardencovedivers.com/ProductImages/diveritebcds/T3002- Black_FNL.jpg)

Dive Rite Classic Wing (60lbs lift) = $189.95 - $369.00: (http://www.dolphinscuba.com/v/vspfiles/photos/BC_2030-DPS-2T.jpg)

Atomic Aquatics M1 Regulator = $549.95 - $699.99: (http://www.atomicaquatics.com/reviews/SD_M1.gif)

Atomic Aquatics Z2 Octopus = $289.99: (http://www.scubatoys.com/store/altair/pics/AtomicZ2Octo-sm.jpg)

Dive Rite NiTek Trio Computer = $499.99: (NiTek Trio Dive Computer by Dive Rite - Dive Gear Express)

Dive Rite SPG $100.00: (http://dansdiveshop.ca/store/images/2759hp.jpg)

Or Oceanic OC1 Dive computer air intergrated $1850.00: (http://www.scubatoys.com/large/O/OceanicOC1NitroxDiveComputer.jpg)


In my Opinion, I think This is One of the Best Gear Combos out there....This is the Gear I use minus the OC1, but i may end up getting one for a back up.... This is a really expensive set up, and if you can afford it you will own gear that may last you a lifetime...the Atomic Regs Titanium is pretty much immune to Salt water and Corossion, and has features that make it different from all other regulators, the Dive Rite Transpac is so Versitle between the ability for Single, Double, Side Mount, Cylinders, Stage/Deco diving, and Rebreathers, and so Durable and comfortable it is practically the best out there for any one looking for Verstility, The Nitek Trio has too many features to list, but looks really cool and is one of the best (non Trimix capable) Computers they make....aside from the performance this gear just looks sexy and will pretty much have other divers admireing your gear set up, and if you ever do decide to get into Technical, Cave, and rebreather diving you won't have to make much equipment adjustments at all.......

Good luck and Dive Safe

 

[Atomic_Diver]

$1979.87 is the total for everything listed above minus the OC1 computer

if your looking to spend + or - $2000 then this is the way to go