aqua lung essential package

[keyshunter]

bada,
That octo swap was the suggestion I was going to make. Based on your post above, your LDS may be a keeper.

 

[bbarnett51]

That's a good wetsuit too.

 

[jameseg]

Just got back from my LDS. The Aqua Lung package is through Aqua Lung so getting the same deal wasn't a problem. The owner, being a nice guy, replaced the ABS octo (which he didn't like) with a more sturdy model (titan octo) and gave a price break on top of that, so the total came below the two Internet sites I mentioned. The LDS had a special on wet suits, so got the 7mm Aqua Lung AquaFlex at a very good price.

How much diving I'll be able to do remains to be seen. In the midwest, quarries seem to be the main venue.

I have the same Essentials package and made the same octo substitution. The other substitution I made, for just the small difference in msrp, was to go with the Balance bc instead of the pro lt. It's a back inflate and I love it. Something to consider if that style bc interests you and if it's not too late.

james

 

[bada3003]

Thanks to all for your comments. I think I'll stick with my gear for a while and try to squeeze in more dives which this is all about. I had a great experience at PADI OW training, and this board is proving to be a good place for useful advice.

 

[BVickery]

Thanks to all for your comments. I think I'll stick with my gear for a while and try to squeeze in more dives which this is all about. I had a great experience at PADI OW training, and this board is proving to be a good place for useful advice.

Oh, you picked it up? I was definately going to suggest giving the back inflate a try and see if you like that one more. I find it a ton easier to trim out nicely with back inflate vs. jacket. If not, as others pointed out, its a solid choice.

On a side note, did you end up picking up some Aqualung boots? I'm looking for a new pair and having size 15 feet my choices are limited and curious if you tried the echozip and your thoughts on them

 

[bada3003]

No, I did not pick up separate boots. Before OW training, boots were required so I got a "boot" (more a slip-on) called Aqua Lung Polynesian 3mm. They do a good job of protecting my feet from rubbing against the fins (and some general protection) but not much more. I will still need to get a hood, weights, bamboo mats for changing (the dive instructor and dive masters had them which looked useful), and possibly a knife. Given all the comments, I will certainly consider back-inflate BC in the future after I have more dives under my belt.