New Gear for a New DIVER

[lmurtha1]

Hey everyone, I'm brand spank'n new too scuba diving, although I've done some free diving when I can. Here is the deal, Its time to purchase all new gear from square 1, I already bought the Atomic ARc mask, (which is awesome to anyone wanting a new mask, crystal clear viz). Ive done endless research on diving, gear, techniques, etc.. Ive talked with many locals as well as many DM's and many seem to be stuck on 1 brand or another.. I could care less the brand, I just want all of your opinions on dependable and extremely well made equipment. I plan on over time and with experience, increase my diving as far as I can! Remember, I need everything but the mask! I now reside in sunny Florida on the ocean so I'm going to be starting lessons in a few weeks and want to learn and practice in my own gear.

This is my only request, I do not want to purchase budget or average equipment and have to upgrade later, therefore, i want the best stuff out there right now. I know having the best gear doesn't mean squat in terms in experience and time in the water. I've heard over and over divers with the best gear can be poor divers. I just care about the safety of diving and enjoying everything that it will offer!

Let me know your opinions on whats the best and if you have any experience with it!

Thanks again guys and ladies

 

[ToddK]

Hi Lmurtha1, Welcome to scubaboard! I'd recommend getting some simple fins & maybe a snorkel and timing device. Rent the BC and regulator for as long as you can bear it- renting is a great way to build up your own opinions on what brands & features you like while minimizng the amount of rebuying gear later. It also has the side benefit that if after a few dives you decide divng really isn't your cup of tea, your not out $1k. In general, look for stuff that is solidly built and doesn't have a lot of gizmos on it (I still think back to the fancy locking plastic buckle on a fin strap that I broke prior to discovering spring straps). On the regulators, consider where you are going to get them serviced and whether it is worth the extra cost of buying through an LDS with a free parts warranty vs an online retailer with no warranty. Good luck! -Todd.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

The biggest decision is where you will get your brand new gear serviced. Locally, or are you "ok" with mailing it off to be serviced? If you want it serviced locally, then I recommend picking a dive shop you enjoy doing business with (they are friendly, helpful, experienced, do other divers recommend them, etc.).

I'll talk about regulators.

If you decide to buy from a local dive shop, then decide on your budget, and buy what fits that budget. You do not need to buy the most expensive regulator (for example). For most companies, their mid-level regulators are fantastic, and even their entry level regulators are good (for recreational dives). There are no "bad" choices among the major brands.

If you decide you are "ok" with mailing your regulator off for servicing, then buying online is a good option, and gives you the widest variety in gear selection and often better prices.

There have been very long threads on the pro's and con's of "online" versus local dive shop (LDS) purchases. I buy about half my gear online, and about half at my LDS.

I'm sorry, but my opinion is that there is no best as far as regulators go. There are so many great ones, it comes down to personal preference. I began diving in 1976, have used maybe a dozen different regulators from various manufacturers, and couldn't even begin to tell you which is "best".

All current regulators that are tuned properly and maintained correctly will make you exceedingly happy.

Everyone has their "favorites".... usually the regulator they currently own

But really.... Decide where you want to buy the regulator first.... then pick the one that goes best with your hair color or mask or wetsuit.... pick the one that makes your heart go "pitter patter", keep it tuned and maintained, and have fun!

Best wishes.

 

[Becca_007]

Honestly I think you should only buy mask, fins (possibly boots), snorkel, and an exposure suit until you are at least open water certified. All these items can be used for snorkeling if it just doesn't work out and they are more personal and cheaper than the rest of the setup.

Once you decide diving is for you and you have some dives under your belt you will have a better feel for the kind, type, fit of gear you want. Without some experience how will you know if you prefer a vest, a back inflate, or a plate & wing? Are you interested in going deep where you'd want a computer capable of trimix? Do you want to use Nitrox? Some of this stuff will take a while to figure out and you might end up upgrading anyway as you refine your techniques and decide what kind of diving you want to do.

 

[BarrelRoll]

OMG get a Dacor reg and a Scubapro jacket style BCD and a spare air and a Rambo knife and a Air2, make sure to get a Air2! BP/W is for punks and snorkelers!

You need to get certified, and read a LOT of threads here before you drop the Visa card. I could give you a list of all of my favorite stuff, but it might not be your favorite stuff. I don't care how great the advice is you get, you're going to buy something you regret if you buy too soon, and even then more than likely.

 

[njedrn]

Well, you will most likely get a lot of advice about waiting before you purchase. While I believe this is very good advice... I'm sure that's not information you are looking for. I tried many BCD's via rentals and such, but my favorites are the Zeagle Ranger and Zeagle Brigade. Both are jacket type BC's but are similar to BP/W's in the fact that the bladder is back mounted and does not extend around your torso. Has great trim, plenty of d-rings and holds up very well. Hope this helps.

 

[lmurtha1]

Thanks for your opinions guys and gals.. when i really think about it, there are so many options to choose from it can drive a guy mad! I think i may try a few different bc's regs, etc.. only thing is I'm 6'7 320 lbs football player, so many bc's are limited in fit and comfort. Ive tried on some zeagles, and they fit the best.. anyone used the ranger ltd? As far as diving, im an ocean fanatic, and love the water, ive been recently freedive spearfishing with some buddies almost every other day but i want to really explore. I plan on eventually diving nitrox, then deeper dives with trimix etc.. I want instruments that will be capable of using the full spectrum of mixes and equipment for deeper depths. I would assume though that by the time I even think about going deep diving, i would want a world of experience under my belt, and by that time i could prob. use an upgrade.

As far as equipment, Im going to just buy it all, ive just want to know that everytime i use my equipment, i know its been taken care of and serviced properly etc.. especially if i dive outside the US.

my contract states to not induldge in risky acts..does diving count?! haha

 

[BarrelRoll]

I'm 6'4", 240 so I know your pain to a smaller extent. Other than a wetsuit I don't think you'll have much trouble finding specific gear, I personally have an Aeris LX BC in large, and I'd bet you could get away with it. (Though obviously XL would be preferable, if not BP/W)

Who do you play for? Anyone we know?

 

[vladimir]

Thanks for your opinions guys and gals.. when i really think about it, there are so many options to choose from it can drive a guy mad! I think i may try a few different bc's regs, etc.. only thing is I'm 6'7 320 lbs football player, so many bc's are limited in fit and comfort. Ive tried on some zeagles, and they fit the best.. anyone used the ranger ltd? As far as diving, im an ocean fanatic, and love the water, ive been recently freedive spearfishing with some buddies almost every other day but i want to really explore. I plan on eventually diving nitrox, then deeper dives with trimix etc.. I want instruments that will be capable of using the full spectrum of mixes and equipment for deeper depths. I would assume though that by the time I even think about going deep diving, i would want a world of experience under my belt, and by that time i could prob. use an upgrade.

As far as equipment, Im going to just buy it all, ive just want to know that everytime i use my equipment, i know its been taken care of and serviced properly etc.. especially if i dive outside the US.

my contract states to not induldge in risky acts..does diving count?! haha

Even if you're only making the NFL rookie minimmum, diving gear won't make much of a dent. I picked my gear without regard to cost. It is not necessarily the most expensive stuff, but it's exactly what I wanted. This list will at least get you started shopping, and point you to 4 reputable on-line dealers:

Atomic M1 regulator x2

A singles rig from Deep Sea Supply (not all manufacturers offer backplates in different sizes) including steel plate, wing, and hogarthian harness.

DiveRite spring strap fins

Suunto D9 computer

 

[stakanak]

I am a newbie and got tons of info from this board. I have the Aeris 5 Oceans BCD and I must say it is awesome. Back inflation rules. The only issue is the lack of pockets (one drop down), which is also an issue with BP/W combos.
My only advise is to not purchase online. Go to your LDS and get advise. If possible go to numerous LDS's to get differing opinions from professionals.