Buying first BC - Preferably Travel BC

[Yuri_RP]

Hello, I just finished today's training.. I use an Aqualung Wave Size L, and it fits me quite fine, the XL one turns out to be too big for me.. The regulator is an old Dacor which I don't know about..
Only able to contact Zeagle for their BP/W but it's quite expensive also..
Also there is someone selling a used Reg.. Scubapro MK25/C300/R195+Suunto Air Lux.. The Reg has 20 log dives, but the computer is pretty old.. I can get it for around $465 with the com, $400 without com..
A new MK25/S600 cost $720 while a new MK17/S600 cost $600..
IDR exchange rate to USD is at a very low points lately.. Buying things in USD really costs a lot..
Which regulator do you think I should get..? Or should I just get a low tier cheap Regulator..?

 

[Centrals]

You should hold on to the money first. Get more experience from diving and also keep you eyes and ears open for any advices(bad or good) and then use brain for the final decision.

How much is MK2plus/R195?
How much weight do you need? Because if you are using BP/W you have to find a way(s) to accommodate the lead. The simple weight belt is the cheapest but you have to decide if you want to wear it under or above the crotch strap. And if you want to distribute the weight then you would have to invest on pouches, pockets etc etc. Incidentally, have you decide what plate you are going to buy ie. ABS, aluminium or steel? And how about the harness? And do you need padding?

BP/W vs jacket. As far as I am concern, both are winners as long as you know how to get the best out of them.
BTW, I dive with BP/W.

 

[nowhereman]

Yuri, regulator wise it would be worth seeing if you can try out a couple of different brands (this can be difficult anywhere you haven't got dive shops within easy distance of somewhere to dive). Personally I'd say that there isn't much need for higher range regulators beyond bling factor. I've got a set of the R395s and MK17s for twinset diving that work perfectly well and are very pleasant to use. I've also got a mid range Mares regulator which looks much nicer with comparable breathing (it has that funky high pitched wheezing when inhaling) that is a PIA to get serviced here in Malaysia since parts need to be ordered from Italy and most shops only have the most common parts on hand. Any serious fault will require a 3-6 month wait for the shop order or sending it back to the UK to get serviced.

BCD choice, I'd advise trying a few first and renting for a couple of trips. Even if you find one that you like it's not hard to try something new and discover how much more you actually like that. You'll also learn what kind of features you like or don't like (personally I hate zipped pockets and pinch clips on BCDs).

 

[Tbar]

Also there is someone selling a used Reg.. Scubapro MK25/C300/R195+Suunto Air Lux.. The Reg has 20 log dives, but the computer is pretty old.. I can get it for around $465 with the com, $400 without com..

That is not a good buy. I would think that the MK25 did not come with the C300 and probably not the R195 originally. Generally the MK25 is sold with a balanced second stage such as the s600 or the G250/260, the C300 is not balanced.

A new MK25/S600 cost $720 while a new MK17/S600 cost $600..
IDR exchange rate to USD is at a very low points lately.. Buying things in USD really costs a lot.. ..

Best prices are out of Spain or Italy. Diveinn (Spain)Online dive shop, buy online diving, snorkeling & swimming equipment. provide a great service and fast delivery (set you location to Indonesia top left of the screen). I check the cost of an MK17/s360/s360 sent to Indonesia and it will be about $us452 delivered on 3 March. The primary difference between the S360 and S600 is the user adjustable balance chamber, for normal recreational diving this is not required if the reg has been properly adjusted.

Which regulator do you think I should get..? Or should I just get a low tier cheap Regulator..?

I would get a balanced first stage.
If you look at Diveinn site you can check the cost of the Scubapro Mk2 with the R195/R195, saving is only about $40 over the MK17/s360/s360.

I have used Scubapro as examples you may see other options on Diveinn. But I also like and dive with Scubapro, and you are likely to find servicing in most parts of the world.

Hope this helps a bit.

Oh and I have no affiliation to Diveinn or Scubapro!

Edit...
For a computer you could consider the Mares Puck (on a wrist strap) or Puck Pro. Diveinn have the Puck Pro for $176 us
and an SPG Scubapro Std gauge for $73us

 

[nowhereman]

First computer I'd advise going with a Suunto Zoop or Vyper (I think that's still the name of the second computer up). They're the same computer, the Vper just has a couple more features, and pretty much all the new divers I've taught or dived with have found it really good until you need more technical diving (and many divers never do). It's got the other advantage that pretty much anywhere you go will be able to service it.

I've got an Aladin Prime, which is also a really great first computer but servicing seems a little less common. The Puck seems like it works fine but personally I think the one button model is a bit frustrating at times.

 

[Yuri_RP]

Hello, I've checked the Diveinn site, the price is indeed reasonable, including shipping and Customs Tax will be a bit cheaper than buying local.
About the BP/W I've found some of this Set


Scubapro X-Tek Pure-Tek Single Tank Set D.I.R. 13. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive.
(This is what I probably need, it cost $456.39)


Scubapro X-Tek Pure-Tek Twin Tank Set D.I.R. 27. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive.
(This one is cheaper at $364.57, but I probably won't need that much lift capacity and 2 tanks, I figure I could use Single Tank Adapter though, will this one do? Or will the extra lift and big size be a hindrance?)


Xdeep ZEOS Standard Set Aluminium Backplate 38 w/o Weight Pockets. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive.
(I also found this one, seems to suit me perfecty. Price $403.39)


That's the Set that I find that might suit my needs, and I don't have to buy each part separately also.
Below is the one I'm looking at for a separate purchase (not a Set)


Harness
Dive Rite Basic Harness. Bcd-wings Harnesses, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive. - DiveRite Basic Harness $33.28


Backplate
Tecnomar Aluminium Backplate. Bcd-wings Backplates, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive. - Technomar AL Backplate $53.59


Wing
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/dive-rite-travel-exp-wing-16/6474/p - DiveRite Travel EXP $205.25


Accessories
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/dolphin-tech-crotch-strap/660208/p - DolphinTech Crotch Strap $12.45
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/dive-rite-basic-harness-shoulder-pads/67371/p - DiveRite Harness Pad $13.46
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/dive-rite-standard-cam-strap/6477/p - DiveRite Cam Strap $29.96
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/tecnomar-aluminium-single-tank-adaptor/660922/p - Technomar STA $32.11


I can make a BP/W set for as low as $410.09 which includes STA, Crotch Strap and Harness padding, will this setup works? As they combine different parts from different brand. Or should I just get the Set one?
Shipping is around 5-10% of the price (for total item, would be more expensive if buying 1 by 1 separately), and Customs Tax is around 10-20% from Total + Shipping..

Also I got a package deal from my local Cressi store in Jakarta.
BCD - Cressi Air Travel
1st - Cressi MC9
2nd - Cressi Balanced
Oct - Cressi Ellipse Octo
Csl - Cressi Mini Console 3
For IDR 11.499.000 roughly USD 900. On DiveInn site in the same gear costs $962.21 (Shipped to Palembang) minus Customs Tax which gonna take around 10-20% more..
Without BCD they charge IDR 7.499.000 roughly USD 590.
So I guess for Regulator, it's cheaper to buy locally, at least for Cressi brand. But is Cressi Reg good..?
Also do I need Console 3 or should I just use a Dive Comp as console?


BP/W locally is more expensive than ordering from DiveInn so I will probably order the BP/W from there..


What's your opinion and suggestions on my setup..?

 

[TecDiveGear]

You definitely wanna check this one out, its an amazing BCD meant for travel mainly but has all the solid features of any dive / any where BCD that became very popular aside travel BCD.

Manufacturer website: xDEEP - The GHOST - Lightweight single tank BCD; Traveler scuba jacket; diving equipment
US Distributor (sales, customer service): GHOST BCD Scuba Diving System by xDeep

Dive safe !

 

[ams511]

What's your opinion and suggestions on my setup..?

You do not want to use a doubles wing for single tank diving. The center panel in a doubles wing is wider than in a single wing. This width allows the wing to wrap around the tank (called tacoing, after the Mexican food). Go with a single tank wing.

I would purchase a package rather than parting out the BP/W. Remember you need two cam straps. I would recommend the Scubapro because the wing capacity of the Xdeep is a bit large for tropical diving.

Cressi is a reputable brand but I am not sure how large their dealer network is. Parts and service could be a problem.

 

[Yuri_RP]

You definitely wanna check this one out, its an amazing BCD meant for travel mainly but has all the solid features of any dive / any where BCD that became very popular aside travel BCD.

Manufacturer website: xDEEP - The GHOST - Lightweight single tank BCD; Traveler scuba jacket; diving equipment
US Distributor (sales, customer service): GHOST BCD Scuba Diving System by xDeep

Dive safe !

YES..! It really caught my eye when I was searching at DiveInn yesterday..
But I didn't include it since it is more expensive and IMHO not a truly BP/W interchangeable system (there's also a SEAC ICARO 2000 available, are both the SEAC and the GHOST considered as BP/W?)
Need more info on this type of System.

You do not want to use a doubles wing for single tank diving. The center panel in a doubles wing is wider than in a single wing. This width allows the wing to wrap around the tank (called tacoing, after the Mexican food). Go with a single tank wing.

I would purchase a package rather than parting out the BP/W. Remember you need two cam straps. I would recommend the Scubapro because the wing capacity of the Xdeep is a bit large for tropical diving.

Cressi is a reputable brand but I am not sure how large their dealer network is. Parts and service could be a problem.

Well, I listed the Twin Tank because it was a lot cheaper than the smaller Single Tank one, probably a big discount, and now it was sold out..
Yes I included the price for 2 cam straps in the Custom BP/W, I believe they are included in the Set BP/W..
Also for availability in Indonesia, according to my current knowledge Cressi/Seac/AmScud is the most available, followed by Aqualung/Apeks, then maybe ScubaPro/X-Tek and Mares.. The other brand is of limited availability.. CMIIW

-----
So if you think a Set is better, that leaves
Tech Side Smart 20 Imbrago Frame Soft Black. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive. - found this cheap ones at $293.33
Seacsub Icaro 2000. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive. - $424.72
Scubapro X-Tek Pure-Tek Single Tank Set D.I.R. 13. Bcd-wings Sets, Scubastore.com, buy, offers, dive. - $465.39
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-div...ium-backplate-28-with-weight-pockets/628927/p - $565.01
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-div...ium-backplate-28-with-weight-pockets/628931/p - $654.28
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-div...-large-backplate-with-weight-pockets/628921/p - $521.33
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-div...-large-backplate-with-weight-pockets/628924/p - $568.81

The one that will likely be supported locally would be the SEAC ICARO 2000 and the Scubapro X-Tek as both are readily available locally. Aqualung/Apeks is also supported but since DiveInn doesn't have them, I can't compare the price..
Still need info on the difference between "Regular" BP/W which we can interchange the parts with the "Set Only" BP/W like the XDeep Ghost and the SEAC ICARO 2000 or other brand that I don't know of..

Edit : Also, I included the Deluxe Harness for some of the Set, will it be more comfortable or should I just save the costs and go with the Basic Harness..?

 

[TecDiveGear]

... I would recommend the Scubapro because the wing capacity of the Xdeep is a bit large for tropical diving...

Nothing far away from the truth, here comes another striking feature of xDeep GHOST, its wing has the 39lbs lift capacity to be able serve divers mounting pony tanks and diving heavier steel tank
but GHOST wing is completely stripped off a center dead zone and that makes it very small in size even with that capacity when fully inflated it measures 16-18" in width which is way less than any other (half of that capacity) BCD, both recreational and technical. I will grab one from our warehouse and post picture later.

---------- Post added February 25th, 2015 at 12:32 PM ----------

YES..! It really caught my eye when I was searching at DiveInn yesterday..
But I didn't include it since it is more expensive and IMHO not a truly BP/W interchangeable system (there's also a SEAC ICARO 2000 available, are both the SEAC and the GHOST considered as BP/W?)
Need more info on this type of System.

You wanna be careful with scubastore[com] / diveinn[com] as they practice to buy through other authorized dealers being unauthorized to sell by manufacturers undermining the prices, with that reason xDeep Americas doesn't honor the warranty for products that was purchased in US from this merchant and if any problem under warranty occur it will have to be paid for repair or sent back to Europe on users cost might be hurtful but we have to apply some tools to fight black market