ASK: Aqualung... Beuchat or Scuba Pro ? (Dive Gear Package)

[giriwil]

Halloo…

I have a plan to buy a BCD & Regulator package. There are 3 options in my list but I still can’t make a decision to choose.

I hope from this forum I’ll get some tips that can help me to decide for the best i can get… value for money

1. BCD Aqualung Wave 2010 (Cordura)
Regulator Calypso (unbalance)
Octopus Calypso Titan (unbalance)
Depth and Pressure gauge
US$ 670

2. BCD Beuchat Masterlift Sport 2 (nylon ?)
Regulator VRT 30 (balance)
Octopus VRT (balance)
Depth and Pressure gauge
US$ 600

And the additional comparison is

3. BCD Scuba Pro T One
Regulator MK2 R295 (unbalance)
Octopus R295 (unbalance)
Depth and pressure gauge
US$ 665

My highest priority : Aqualung & Beuchat package…. Because :

A. I like the BCD Aqualung Wave 2010 model because it made from Corduro with integrated weight BUT the problem is that the regulator & octopus are unbalance

B. I like the Beuchat Regulator & Octopus VRT 30 because they are balance but the BCD not made from Corduro, I think it made from Nylon (CMIIW)

Beuchat package is cheaper US$ 70 than Aqualung.

The considerations above based from what I know that Corduro is the best material for BCD. And I read some tips not to buy unbalance regulator.

FYI, I just dive in warm tropical water
the package is selled in my country (Indonesia) not from online shop/overseas (which is usually cheaper)

Any advise will be highly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[kittles]

I'd preference a balanced regulator over getting a Corduro BCD.

Balanced regs are going to give you a better diving experience but Cordura doesn't really give you a HUGE marked improvement over standard HD nylon.

That's my opinion anyway

 

[giriwil]

Thx kittles

Today I got an interesting offer & It meet my need but I have to spent US$ 100 more.
The package is:

BCD Aqualung Wave 2010
Reg Aqualung Titan (balance)
Octopus Titan (balance)
Guage slim combo

 

[lxchin]

good choice. the titan is reliable and breathes well. i also like aqualung bcds esp with the swivel quick release.

 

[MJack]

Good choice. Note that unbalanced regulators are not as bad as most people think. They are perfectly fine for diving. It's marketing that make balanced regs seem so much better. Not true.

 

[giriwil]

Thanks ...

Sorry I forgot, the regulator is Titan LX

 

[SangP]

The titan LX is a really good regulator, the newest model is a balance first and 2nd stage. The best thing about it is the weight or lack of. The 1st stage is about 1/2 the weight of my apeks or aqualung legend lx.

However, it's not a sealed reg and I'm not sure about the cold water performance of it.

SangP

 

[Bubbletrubble]

It's important to consider the "value" part of the equation, but you really shouldn't ignore other key issues.

For BCDs, pay attention to fit and how easy it is to operate. You really won't know this until you demo the BCD in the water under "real world" conditions.

For regs, consider what brand your local, reliable, trustworthy reg tech can service. I'd be willing to bet that all three reg setups you're considering would perform great...provided they are tuned properly. That's where the skill of the reg tech comes in.

An excellent way to try out gear before buying it is to join a dive club. Dive buddies are generally more than happy to let friends demo their gear.

 

[giriwil]

@ all

Thanks for the tips
I'm realy appreciate it

 

[giriwil]

Finally 3 weeks ago I bought gears with upgrade package (balance) :

1. Aqualung Pro LT BCD
2. Reg Titan LX
3. Octopus Titan
4. 2 in 1 combo gauge

and Suunto Zoop Divecomp

Now I just waiting for the divetrip to test all the gears