BC and equipment Q's

[sqrlnut]

We, ( me soon to be wife and I) are wondering what gear to buy. IE computer, BC, regs, exc. I checked other posts and do agree that the LDS does try to push thier stock, but why wouldn't they if they feel it's the best. With that said, i was looking a zeagle but don't like (know enough about) back inflates. I was also looking at a cressi but a dealer cressi dealer) told me they suk. What is recommended for PA quary diving? as far as a computer goes i was looking at an Atmos 2 but i'm open to suggestions, Thanks

 

[mxracer19]

Most def try a backplate and wing. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Indeed, stay away from cressi. Back inflation is nice because it puts you in a better position under water. On some recreational back inflates you might find that they tend to tip you on your face. This is usually brought on by the fact that many are weight integrated, where the weight is in the front and the bouyancy is in the rear. This is not true with a properly trimmed bp/w, and it should not push you forward unless you overinflate it on the surface. With a bp/w, you can essentially build your own rig. you can add weight pockets or pouches, D-rings, clips...just about anything you want. They have inherently less drag than a conventional bc due to the low amount of "stuff" and the lack of huge folds of fabric. I find that the bp is much more supportive above water, and much more stable under. Did I mention that you can get a fully rigged backplate from north east scuba supply for $330?

yes...backplates are a beatiful thing...

-Matt

 

[steelslinger]

Shop around and see if you can borrow some gear to try it out first. Most shops here will loan a potential buyer new gear right off the rack for them to take to the quarry and test dive. I also encourage people to buy gear for their future needs because; what fits your diving now may need to be upgraded in a year or two. Finally, look at what others are diving with and ask their opinion.

 

[Rookie_J]

try before you buy, that's what most here will tell you. if you like it, buy it. shop around, there are plenty of reputable shops on the internet that sell top quality equipment (with full warranties and awesome customer service).


i have a Zeagle Brigade. i like it. very comfortable, plenty of D rings, weight integrated, pockets are plenty large enuff....

 

[Rookie_J]

"On some recreational back inflates you might find that they tend to tip you on your face". i will agree with the word "might".

I have never felt this on mine, but i could see if you were overweighted in the front pockets it might feel that way, but i would assume that's why they have trim pockets available.

 

[Kriterian]

We, ( me soon to be wife and I) are wondering what gear to buy. IE computer, BC, regs, exc. I checked other posts and do agree that the LDS does try to push thier stock, but why wouldn't they if they feel it's the best. With that said, i was looking a zeagle but don't like (know enough about) back inflates. I was also looking at a cressi but a dealer cressi dealer) told me they suk. What is recommended for PA quary diving? as far as a computer goes i was looking at an Atmos 2 but i'm open to suggestions, Thanks

Your best bet is to join a local group, check the Regional and Local dive club sections here, to find similar divers in your area. Rent, beg, or borrow all the different types of equipment before making a decision. BC's are something you have to try because they're based on fit and how you feel while wearing them. After doing lot's of research I decided to give a backplate and wing a shot right after Open Water class and haven't looked back since.

Regulators are fairly easy to pick out. Most of them are made by reputable dealers and are high quality, it's just various features you're paying extra for in the higher priced ones. I personally went with a Zeagle Envoy, partly based on price, Scuba Diving magazine review, and general comments on the boards here. If I had a little bit more money at the time I would have gone with an Apeks because of all the great things I've heard on here, and from other divers. I would avoid Dacor as they seem to be in and out of business, and are hard to get serviced. You might want to check with your local dive shops to see what brands they service, that might influence your decision.

The computer is a little easier to shop for because you don't really need to try it out. Aside from checking it to see if you can read it underwater, finding out if it has user replacable batteries (as opposed to having to send it back to the factory), and if it's Nitrox or Air only. I went with the Atmos 2 like you're considering because of: The great price/warranty from scubatoys.com, the fact that it did Nitrox which I wanted to have in case I took it later, and the download capabilities. I haven't had any trouble with mine other than the cable being picky, or the software itself. I've never had a problem with the computer while diving and I love it.

The main thing is to try all the things that you can before actually buying something. There are several people out there with equipment in their garage gathering dust because they made a hasty decision.

 

[Blackwood]

With that said, i was looking a zeagle but don't like (know enough about) back inflates.

What about back-inflation do you not like?

 

[Kupu]

I did open water and my first 80 dives using various jacket style rental BC's and had no issues, they worked fine for me. When shopping around to buy my first BC I was comparing the different Zeagle back inflate models with a jacket style and really liked the comfort of the Zeagles. But I had read comments about back inflated BC's "potentially" pushing me face down when inflated on the surface. So I decided to once again stay with the jacket style since I was used to it. 100 dives later I finally bought a Zeagle Scout and wish I would have bought it to begin with. More comfortable, streamlined while diving, and no issues at all on the surface. It feels a little different on the surface, but there have been several times I have had to wait on the surface for 10 minutes with heavy swell and wind and it felt just as safe as a jacket style. Back inflate BC's are worth a look. I have tried out a couple of Cressi models and am not a fan.

Got my Atmos 2 computer last year from Scuba Toys and love it so far. Good price and good features.

 

[Tod]

In the Articles section of this website, there's a pretty good write-up about picking your first BCD/BC. It might be worth a read (if you haven't already) to see how to approach this question on your own.

 

[Hank49]

We, ( me soon to be wife and I) are wondering what gear to buy. IE computer, BC, regs, exc.

If you're new to diving, you'll like the first gear you use because you don't know any different. If you research enough on this board you'll be able to choose between about 4-5 brand/models of every piece of gear that will be great. All I can add is don't make the mistake of buying some "beginner", cheaper gear if you plan to dive a lot because you'll end up buying all over again. Get good stuff right away.