Advice where to buy basic dive equipment for 10 people

[Eric Sedletzky]

One thing I should mention about Hog regs, they don't openly sell service kits to the public anymore. they want you to take their $400 online service class before they will sell you parts.
Something to consider if you plan to assign someone in the group to service the regs.
It doesn't sound like sending American centric regs back to the states (or somewhere) for service is an option if they are going to Africa.
I normally wouldn't mention Scubapro and "tight budget" in the same sentence, but you might want to look into something like MK2's with R195's if these are going to be abused. The high quality of scubapro and it's ability to take a beating plus the fact that more places globally will work on them is something to consider. If you're hell bent on someone in your group servicing all the regs then you'd have to try and source parts from EU, which I understand is way easier than in the US. Legitimately buying service kits from
Scubapro in the US is virtually impossible unless you are an authorized SP service center/dealer.
Scubapro would be considerably more money, but you also get what you pay for. BTW, Scubapro is almost half the cost in Europe than it is here.

 

[Litefoot]

Definitely call Randy at Piranha. (302) 494-0982.

 

[lowwall]

I'd add the following to your list.

Randy at https://www.piranhadivemfg.com/

https://www.diversdiscountflorida.com/Contact.cfm - Divers Discount Florida specializes in selling sets of gear for yachts, so they'll likely have everything in stock. The owner (sorry but I don't remember his name) is also very willing to make deals in person or over the phone.

 

[Cthippo]

Amazon.com

I have these and they are great, AND you can buy service kits right off Amazon. 100% recommend them.

 

[tridacna]

Where in Africa are they going?

 

[tursiops]

Definitely call Randy at Piranha. (302) 494-0982.

I'd add the following to your list.

Randy at https://www.piranhadivemfg.com/

Excellent suggestion.

 

[Chavodel8en]

Pirahna and Divers Supply generally have very cheap prices. Scuba.com you can find stuff on clearance.

Dive Gear Express is also very economical. Note that the gear here will be BP/W and somewhat DIR-centric

 

[lowwall]

I'd also suggest

Note that the gear here will be BP/W and somewhat DIR-centric

Which is probably a good thing.

A standard size backplate will work for almost everyone so you won't have to worry about getting the right mix of BCD sizes. Maybe get them with a simple adjustable harness. Subgravity makes a good one. Adjustable Harness System - SubGravity

A BP/W is also a lot tougher than a jacket BCD. The only thing that can really fail is the wing or inflator and those are easily repairable or replaceable in the field.

 

[runsongas]

depending on your service needs, at 10 sets you might reach out directly to one of the OEMs like aropec/aquatec/IST and see if they will do a small order direct and have them basically drop ship it where needed to east coast.

 

[USdiver1]

I normally wouldn't mention Scubapro and "tight budget" in the same sentence, but you might want to look into something like MK2's with R195's if these are going to be abused. The high quality of scubapro and it's ability to take a beating plus the fact that more places globally will work on them is something to consider.

There is a video on YouTube of some A**holes shooting a SP Mk2 with a .45. Thing still works following discharge. 'Nuff said on abuse.

BTW, Scubapro is almost half the cost in Europe than it is here.

^This.