Another New Member

[Guppie]

Just finished my OW through PADI (no griping please). Did my first intro dive last February in Ohau and fell in love. Plan to go back this Feb, but this time certified. Also made two friends do it with me so I have some dive partners.

I'm from Michigan so season is ending since I am a wussie and don't plan on touching our waters anytime soon (at least not until I get drysuit certification).

The only equipment I purchased was mask snorkle and fins. Still debating the equipment, however I have made a wish list:

Mares Advantigrade HUB
Henderson Gold 7mm (2pc so I can wear half in summer)
Oceanic "Veo 100" Dive Computer

Hopefully SANTA will be nice this year although I'm sure I'll be a renter for awhile unless you experienced people can help me along. My local dive shop is obviously pushing me towards buying. I could use some non biase advice. I'm sure there is a thread on here as well, I'll search some more.

Anybody have inputs on Leisurepro.com their prices are tough to beat. I know we should support our local dive shops but damn. My dive shop quoted me $3500 and leisurepro quoted me $1500.

Anyways, I look forward to being part of this forum.

 

[cobaltbabe]

Glad you found your way to us.

 

[CBulla]

Welcome aboard Guppie!

Might be able to help you with that wetsuit.. my wife has a BRAND NEW 7 mil, never worn, that she purchased with the intent of getting into diving more up there.. then I imported her down here and married her Even more lucky, she'll be up that way next week for a visit...

 

[GeekDiver]

Welcome aboard.

You might want to do a search on the HUB for general thoughts on that piece of gear.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?threadid=1214&s=&perpage=15&pagenumber=1&display=show

I havn't had any bad experiance with Leisure Pro. I bought an ATX200 a Cobra and a few other items from them. I could afford to buy at LDS price so bought from them. When ever I talk about them at my LDS I always refer to them as "ebay - used gear" so as to not raise any alarms with my LDS just in case. You never know how an LDS will react.

 

[Guppie]

I did do a search for Hub and found some reading very interesting. I technically used a HUB for my certification however I think the Regs were different. My HUB didnt have the fancy get up (hidden tubes). Probable because I had to train on taken the reg on and off.

I guess I just wanted the HUB because it made everything easier. I don't know what to buy when its not all packaged together. I guess its time I learn. The issue of a leak any where near the hidden tubes concerns me.

I absolutely loved the Airtrim so I may stick to that even though it costs more. Looks like the Mares Morpheus is the best bet or Dragonfly.

I agree on not saying LP by name, instead EBAY. My LDS all ready gave me **** for looking elsewhere. How does LP sell **** for so low prices?

 

[Guppie]

I did do a search for Hub and found some reading very interesting. I technically used a HUB for my certification however I think the Regs were different. My HUB didnt have the fancy get up (hidden tubes). Probable because I had to train on taken the reg on and off.

I guess I just wanted the HUB because it made everything easier. I don't know what to buy when its not all packaged together. I guess its time I learn. The issue of a leak any where near the hidden tubes concerns me.

I absolutely loved the Airtrim so I may stick to that even though it costs more. Looks like the Mares Morpheus is the best bet or Dragonfly.

I agree on not saying LP by name, instead EBAY. My LDS all ready gave me **** for looking elsewhere. How does LP sell **** for so low prices?

 

[GeekDiver]

LP is a grey market store. There not auth dealersaccording to the scuba MFGs. I think they buy overseas and purchase close out inventory from Dive shops. Who knows but I like the prices. They do offer a warr = to the Mfgs but you have to send it in. I know all the stuff I have bought have been actual US products.

I took my Apeks in to my LDS the same time as I took in my USD SEA4 reg w/warr and I paid the same to have both serviced since labor isn't a part of the warr. The warr IMO isn't worth the extra 150-300 that it would cost to buy at a "auth retail" LDS. My Apex at my store cost $675 I paid $380 at LP. I could buy two for almost the same price as an LDS so what do I care if I have to spend $20-$40 every few years for a rebuild kit. It would take 10+ years to cover the cost of buying the reg at an Auth Store so I could have a warr.

I still buy stuff from my LDS but I'll wait till I finnish my DM and get a keyman discount before buying any big ticket items again. I spent close to $3000 in the store before I found LP so I don't feel bad about any new purchases I make online. My next Purchase will most likely be online as well since I can't find a store here that can get the new PST steel tanks. LP will get another $330 ea for them as well.

Good luck in your gear search

Geek

 

[bebo]

Congrats!!! I know the feeling.

If there's one advice I can give you is to take it slow.
I know that's the last thing you want to hear right now: the juices are flowing man!!!. But yes, take it slow.

Even if money is not an object, rent for a while, test everything around so at the end you make your decision on equipment you REALLY KNOW.

I'm not an expert. I got certified a couple of weeks ago and I was feeling the same rush you exude. But many people here at the forum (as weel as my instructor in my diving center) told me not buy but the personals for now (fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit) leaving the BC, regs, computers, etc... for later as you grew as a diver.

I followed the advice...and it was a blessing I did.

Anyways, congrats on your certification, have fun and dive safe.

 

[Guppie]

Great advice on taking it slow. I wasn't really planning on buying anything this year especially since its suppose to snow today. The odds of me stepping into a lake are slim to known right now.

I do have the M/S/F but don't have a wet suit. I was debating on that since my next dive will be in Hawaii, which last time I never wore a wet suit (my intro dives).

If I do buy anything it will most likely be after by dive in Hawaii, in February. I've only used Mares Advantigrade BC so I know nothing else. I 've never used anything but the airtrim system so it will be nice to try other brands and see how stuff fits.

LP will probable get all my business except for maybe the Regs. Being the main life support system, If anything fails or breaks, I will know who's ass to kick (jk). I heard LP is great and all but sometimes its nice to look somebody in the eye when such a major piece fails.

Then again, I could change my mind as I learn more. I know this spring I'm going to continue my certification, which could change my equipment requirements.