Paco II
Contributor
I know, the OP asked about BC and Regs, but what I wouldn't give to have had a dive computer with PC download from the very beginning.
BC or Reg first?
- Thread starter MBren
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WartedEmperor
Contributor
I would rather have life support that is not rented instead of buying something that is more comfortable and has more bells and whistles such as a BCD. So buy the regulators they are life support and you will know how they have been treated.
I was just in this same spot - I had a bad experience with a poorly fitting BC, but also wanted my own reg setup and computer. I debated, researched, (whined - lol), until my husband finally said "just get whatever you need"! Had he not given me the go ahead, I probably would have gotten my own BC. It makes such a huge difference in diving comfort if it doesn't fit right or you can;t get the weights balanced right. My new BC has integrated weights where the rentals didn't. I've only used the new set up 6 times, but it has made a huge difference. Now if I was going to be diving in foreign countries more often than home areas, I'd probably do the reg first. It is your life support.
Find a good dive shop, create a relationship with the owners and people that work there. It makes a huge difference and helps to get different opinions. Online research is good but I preferred the personal connection and customer support. They put up with my sometimes stupid questions
Find a good dive shop, create a relationship with the owners and people that work there. It makes a huge difference and helps to get different opinions. Online research is good but I preferred the personal connection and customer support. They put up with my sometimes stupid questions
Gilldiver
Contributor
Neither.
I see that you are from Illinois, if you plan to dive in the cooler/cold water then buy neither a BC or regulator first. Buy the warmest and best fitting wet suit that you can.
Your personal comfort will dictate your diving habits. If you are cold or your suit doesn't fit right you will not dive for long and that great regulator and BC just may end up on Ebay in 5 years because you just are not using them. I have seen this way to many times over the last 30 years of diving.
Now, if you are planning to dive one to two weeks per year in the warm water, then get a decent regulator and rent the BC in the islands. While down there try as many different BC's as you can, ask to try someone's BC in your group if you think you may like it. Once you settle on the make/model/size of the BC that is right for you, then go buy it.
Pete
I see that you are from Illinois, if you plan to dive in the cooler/cold water then buy neither a BC or regulator first. Buy the warmest and best fitting wet suit that you can.
Your personal comfort will dictate your diving habits. If you are cold or your suit doesn't fit right you will not dive for long and that great regulator and BC just may end up on Ebay in 5 years because you just are not using them. I have seen this way to many times over the last 30 years of diving.
Now, if you are planning to dive one to two weeks per year in the warm water, then get a decent regulator and rent the BC in the islands. While down there try as many different BC's as you can, ask to try someone's BC in your group if you think you may like it. Once you settle on the make/model/size of the BC that is right for you, then go buy it.
Pete
I believe in the "wrinkle in the sock" philosophy. If you just walk to the front door and back, I don't care about the wrinkle. If you are hiking, by the time you reach 10 miles, your world revolves around that same wrinkle.
What is the "wrinkle" piece of equipment that would make diving more/less pleasurable? Cold? BCD fit? Weight belt (see weight integrated BCDs)? Someone else's lips on your breathing apparatus? What ever it is, address it. Get rid of that wrinkle, then come dive with us.
(BTW, you will then find a new wrinkle.)
What is the "wrinkle" piece of equipment that would make diving more/less pleasurable? Cold? BCD fit? Weight belt (see weight integrated BCDs)? Someone else's lips on your breathing apparatus? What ever it is, address it. Get rid of that wrinkle, then come dive with us.
(BTW, you will then find a new wrinkle.)
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Without knowing anything about your diving it would be hard to say as TSandM said. With that said, I normally tell people who ask similar questions to get both. Having all of your gear to practice and it being a constant that you're familiar with will make a world of difference in your diving. And it does not need to break the bank either.
Look for well supported, reliable brands available locally. Many dive shops have demo days or try before you buy deals, or rental stock for sell. Some may even throw a class in with your purchase you'd be surprised what a dealer will do to get your business, you just have to ask.
I hope this helps you.
Wiz
Look for well supported, reliable brands available locally. Many dive shops have demo days or try before you buy deals, or rental stock for sell. Some may even throw a class in with your purchase you'd be surprised what a dealer will do to get your business, you just have to ask.
I hope this helps you.
Wiz
Thanks everyone for your great information...you have given me a lot to think about.
To address a couple of questions, we both already have our wetsuits and plan to dive in warm water...at least at the moment. The water is warm enough here in the summer for us to dive. As for the winter, we would go to a tropical location to do our diving (I can't stand the cold!)
You all have pretty much confirmed how I was leaning...I would love to be able to get both off the top, but that isn't going to be possible. Now I just have to convince the man in my life that he needs to buy me a reg first!
To address a couple of questions, we both already have our wetsuits and plan to dive in warm water...at least at the moment. The water is warm enough here in the summer for us to dive. As for the winter, we would go to a tropical location to do our diving (I can't stand the cold!)
You all have pretty much confirmed how I was leaning...I would love to be able to get both off the top, but that isn't going to be possible. Now I just have to convince the man in my life that he needs to buy me a reg first!
I'm of the sentiment that buy whatever is tougher to reliably rent to your liking. If the BC needs to fit just right for you to be secure then get that. If you are hypersensitive to breathing characteristics then the regulator may be the best choice. Get whatever it takes to get you diving and keep you diving. Your personal answers may differ. One may get a whole rig and one may stay all rental for now.
I would not be too paranoid about rental regulators if you dive within the limits of your training.
A computer is a great source of trivia at this stage and can wait a good while. For now your depth and bottom time should not warrant it and spending some times with tables is a good thing.
Pete
I would not be too paranoid about rental regulators if you dive within the limits of your training.
A computer is a great source of trivia at this stage and can wait a good while. For now your depth and bottom time should not warrant it and spending some times with tables is a good thing.
Pete
You may find a dive shop or shops that offer package deals, but you have to do some research and be careful. Like all businesses you have honest and dishonest proprietors. All you really have to do is check the prices on the reg and BCD...and maybe a computer to see if you are getting a good deal that will save you money. You can also find package deals online. Personally I am a supporter of my LDS but there are many who buy online. It all boils down to how you want to shop.
Most regulators today are downstream, single hosed, balanced regulators. You may not get all of the bells and whistles but a lower end reg will be just fine to start with...The same goes for a BCD. You will find that the more expensive models will have metal D-rings, as opposed to plastic, a couple more dump valves and generally better material, but with the lower end models you will still have a BCD that is all around safe. The same for computers. You don't have to get a computer with a built in compass that is air integrated, etc... I would however buy one with 2 gas capability because if you continue to dive you will probably take a Nitrox course at some point.
"Low end" dive equipment does not mean the equipment isn't safe. You are simply going with a Toyota as opposed to a BMW. If you want the BMW you will obviously pay more, but the Toyota will work just fine.
Most regulators today are downstream, single hosed, balanced regulators. You may not get all of the bells and whistles but a lower end reg will be just fine to start with...The same goes for a BCD. You will find that the more expensive models will have metal D-rings, as opposed to plastic, a couple more dump valves and generally better material, but with the lower end models you will still have a BCD that is all around safe. The same for computers. You don't have to get a computer with a built in compass that is air integrated, etc... I would however buy one with 2 gas capability because if you continue to dive you will probably take a Nitrox course at some point.
"Low end" dive equipment does not mean the equipment isn't safe. You are simply going with a Toyota as opposed to a BMW. If you want the BMW you will obviously pay more, but the Toyota will work just fine.
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