Advice on Equipment Purchase

[jgaryclark]

My wife and I are about to purchase our own equipment (BCD, regulator, octopus, dive computer). We found this package at a local shop for $979:
Aqua Lung Titan regulator
Aqual Lung ABS octopus
Aqua Lung Pro HD BCD
Suunto Zoop Computer Gauge

Can anyone comment on the quality of this package and if it seems like a good value? We are beginning divers and are just looking for for some reliable, safe gear at a good value.

We live in Dallas so the options nearby are some lakes an quarries. We have a planned trip to the Bahamas in June and Cozumel in September (both planned prior to the wife wanting to get certified). We typically go to the Caribbean once per year. I would estimate (hope) that we do 2 weeks per year in the Caribbean/ Mexico and hot a few of the lakes and quarries 4- 8 times per year. Thanks again for all thoughts and recommendations.

 

[cerich]

That is safe and reliable. Aqualung makes good quality gear.

good value?.. I will let others chime in

 

[RainPilot]

Aqualung is a solid brand. Maybe some more detail on where you plan to dive (travel, local, warm , cold etc) would help to give you more useful info

Since @cerich is too polite to say it, you should definitely check out his gear at the link in his signature. (deep6gear.com) I'm super happy with mine and they have customer service that is unparalleled

 

[tbone1004]

Regs-$565
Deep 6 Gear Single Tank Regulator Package - Regulator Packages - Regulators
BCD-$470
Single Tank Rig w/ Large Stainless Steel plate, Hogarthian Harness, LCD 20 Single Tank Wing w/ 30 mil Bladder
Computer-$300
COSMIQ Plus

Total $1335, but will be the last gear you will ever need, and all sans tax. Bit more expensive than what you found, but a lot better, especially the bcd and computer

 

[RainPilot]

Remember that the issue with packages is that they are often designed to get rid of certain items from stock etc so it's rare to find all the components to be of an equal standard.

A backplate and wing will work out cheaper to buy and much simpler to maintain than a jacket BCD but they can be intimidating for the uninitiated. They are not a have-to-have item but everyone I know that has tried one won't go back.

 

[cerich]

Honestly, the gear the OP found is solid rec gear.

For many/most it will serve them well for a few years if they get into more advanced stuff like tech or sidemount and for a decade plus if they stick with normal recreational diving.

It's good quality, I would expect it to all last as well, many other brands I wouldn't say that.

 

[cerich]

tell the shop to throw in a octo holder, console retainer, reg bag and a gear bag..

 

[jgaryclark]

Thanks

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I would avoid suunto computer..

 

[shurite7]

As stated above the gear in the OP is good quality. It isn't "high" performance equipment. It will work for the vast majority of recreational divers who travel once or twice a year. The gear will work at Clear Springs Scuba Park outside of Terrell, just east of Dallas.

If you are planning to move forward with more advanced diving then I would suggest looking at higher performing reg and a back plate and wing.