Advice on equipment, please advise.

[noj3333]

Ok, I’m here looking for some advice. I’m currently a very new diver, I’ve gone on 6 total dives (2 Introduction to SCUBA dives, and my 4 OW dives for my PADI certification). I’m a pretty big guy, so I’ve invested in equipment over the past few years, just so I was more comfortable snorkeling, and now diving. Currently I own my own mask/ snorkel, fins, boots, and BCD.

I’m looking to continue with this hobby and I want to get some additional equipment. I’m looking to to get a set of regulators (1’st stage, 2’nd stage, and octo). I’d also like to get an SPG and depth gauge, and finally a computer…

It looks like I can get this equipment (and still stay in my budget)…
-Cressi XS Compact AC2 regulator set (1^st and 2^nd stage)
-Cressi XS Compact Octo
-Cressi Leonardo Computer Console (this is a console mounted computer, with an analog SPG)

This package will come to about $600, a price I’m very comfortable paying.
Please give advice on this equipment, and if you think I should go in a different direction please let me know! Thank you!

 

[Dirty-Dog]

The reality is that any reputable gear manufacturer is going to work just fine for you.
Cressi is a reputable brand. Kim uses Cressi regulators. If they're good enough for my family, they're good enough for a stranger.

I don't personally care for consoles, but lots of people do. I started diving with one, and survived just fine with it for 150-200 dives. It then became my backup for another 100 or so dives. Now it's gone. There's nothing whatsoever inherently wrong with console computers, but wrist mounted works better for me, at this stage in my dive life.
Sue used her console for maybe 400 dives. It's now her backup.
Kim never used a console.

 

[C P]

One important thing to consider is maintenance and service. Its nice to be able to get your reg taken care of quickly if the need arises. Not all shops work on all brands. Unless you know how to work on your own regs think about a brand supported by a LDS who can get and keep your reg up and working.

 

[tbone1004]

I wouldn't. Wait a few months until Deep6 formally releases their stuff.
There will be a really nice recreational computer with bungee mount for around $150, and not sure of the reg set prices, but you'll get a singles set out for much cheaper than the Cressi. It will be much more versatile, and you'll be able to DIY service. I think ETA on them is January right now, but they'll be worth the wait.

 

[stuartv]

tbone's advice is always good, period.

But, if you don't want to wait for D6, now is a really good time to be shopping. Black Friday deals are typically abundant. SB member Jim Lapenta has already posted up his BF deals and there are some good regs on there for good prices. Ditto for Dive Right In Scuba.

Jim's: Welcome to UDM Aquatic Services

DRiS: DRIS | BLACK FRIDAY!

 

[phoenix31tt]

just to chime in... if you are going with the cressi, might as well get the wrist mounted leonardo and get a standalone SPG.

 

[dmaziuk]

just to chime in... if you are going with the cressi, might as well get the wrist mounted leonardo and get a standalone SPG.

Actually, if you're going with the cressi, you can get a sealed mc6 + balanced ellipse + ellipse octo + spg set and buy an $200-250 wrist computer like a300 or dg03 to the total of $650-700. Myself, I'd seriously consider saving up another couple of hundred and going for oceanic vt4.1 @amazon and a hog reg set @ DRiS... but I'm OK with renting the regs for another year or two.

 

[daven1985]

I wouldn't. Wait a few months until Deep6 formally releases their stuff.
There will be a really nice recreational computer with bungee mount for around $150

Hey TBone,

What is the computer with bungee mount for $150? any articles about it?

 

[phoenix31tt]

Actually, if you're going with the cressi, you can get a sealed mc6 + balanced ellipse + ellipse octo + spg set and buy an $200-250 wrist computer like a300 or dg03 to the total of $650-700. Myself, I'd seriously consider saving up another couple of hundred and going for oceanic vt4.1 @amazon and a hog reg set @ DRiS... but I'm OK with renting the regs for another year or two.

Yea I meant if he was sticking with Cressi for whatever reason... I myself have mares regs and lookin to switch to hog for the ease of self service. I also have a dg03... For 250$ it can't be beat at that price point... I want a petrel 2 but that's another story


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[tbone1004]

no articles as it was just announced a week ago at DEMA, but it will be out soon. You can see some pictures on the facebook page.