so im a new diver and in the process of buying gear and i found a package and was looking for some input from some ppl on what you think of this setup and if its any good 444 Mares Scuba Gear Package | Mares Regulator, Octo, BCD, & Gauge: at JoeDiverAmerica.com
BC Package
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bamamedic
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I'm a pretty new diver, so please take anything I say with a really big grain of salt...that being said, you might want to look at getting an environmentally sealed regulator, because one would think that the diving in Massachusetts might get kinda cold, and that particular regulator isn't environmentally sealed and might be prone to freeflow in cold water...
Also, that particular BC isn't weight integrated, so you'll have to wear a weight belt.
Also, that particular BC isn't weight integrated, so you'll have to wear a weight belt.
WartedEmperor
Contributor
If I were you I would save up and get higher quality gear. I would rather spend more money to get something that is more reliable. This is life support and I would like to have something that I can trust more instead of just trying to get my gear as cheap as possible.
If you're looking for a budget minded package ScubaToys has a package with the same reg but different octo & BCD for under $400.
I'm in the same boat (no pun intended) as you are when it comes to gear. Lots of choices and it's hard to separate hype from fact. I came to the conclusion that a package like that wasn't for me, maybe I over-think things but I concluded that it made more sense for me to accept a little short term financial pain for products that will give me years of service and that I'm not too likely to be selling on eBay next year for fraction of what I paid.
I also found that manufacturers all have a different idea of what sizes mean, for example my wet suit is an XXL Short (you won't see me modeling clothes in GQ anytime soon) but my BCD is a Large - go figure.
I haven't decided which reg & octo I'm going to buy yet but I do know the decision will be based on quality/value rather than initial purchase price.
Take your time, do a little reading (I've learned a lot here at SB), talk to other divers and make an informed buying decision.
I'm in the same boat (no pun intended) as you are when it comes to gear. Lots of choices and it's hard to separate hype from fact. I came to the conclusion that a package like that wasn't for me, maybe I over-think things but I concluded that it made more sense for me to accept a little short term financial pain for products that will give me years of service and that I'm not too likely to be selling on eBay next year for fraction of what I paid.
I also found that manufacturers all have a different idea of what sizes mean, for example my wet suit is an XXL Short (you won't see me modeling clothes in GQ anytime soon) but my BCD is a Large - go figure.
I haven't decided which reg & octo I'm going to buy yet but I do know the decision will be based on quality/value rather than initial purchase price.
Take your time, do a little reading (I've learned a lot here at SB), talk to other divers and make an informed buying decision.
LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
I'd recommend comparison shopping this package with what is available at ScubaToys.
As far as the pacage itself is concerned.... we ordered five of these for our family about a year and a half ago from Joe Diver America. I did not know about ScubaToys (or Scubaboard
) at that time. If you look at my profile picture to the left, I'm using the BC shown in the package you are considering Anyway, when we ordered the packages we "upgraded" the basic package to three sets to the MR-12 / Proton (for the kids), and 2 sets to the MR-22 / Abyss (for the wife and I).
FYI: The Mares MR-12 and MR-22 are balanced diaphragm regs. They've been around forever, and are good, solid performing regs. The MR-22 is a workhorse, and is a good cold water reg. However, the M2 Rebel reg in the basic package is an unbalance piston. Fine for easy, shallow and warm, but probably not a good reg for cold water or deep.
The BC in the package is a basic, no-frills jacket style, but is really sturdy and well made. It is Mares' "entry level" BC, and is the type of BC you'll see as a rental. But it's quite rugged and just fine for starting out.
One of the best things you can do is ask other divers in your area what equipment they use, and why (or why NOT) they'd recommend it.
Having said all of the above, I am in the process of changing to a BP/W ( stainless steel backplate and wing) instead of the jacket BC. This has nothing to do with the quality of the BC itself, just that I originally started diving in the pre-BC era, and wanted something simpler and more streamlined.
Good luck!
shoturtle
Contributor
I would upgrade the reg to at rebel 12, and the BC. Look at scubatoys and Leisurepro. They have some higher grade reg and bc packages that may fit your budget.
If you want LP has the same package for less then what you found with all new equipment, and you get a full factory warranty if that is something you were worry about. They have a bunch of packages is the 500 dollar price range.
Mares Package #1 from LeisurePro.com
If you want LP has the same package for less then what you found with all new equipment, and you get a full factory warranty if that is something you were worry about. They have a bunch of packages is the 500 dollar price range.
Mares Package #1 from LeisurePro.com
shoturtle
Contributor
cold water on a budget I would get this
Sherwood Package #3 from LeisurePro.com
PS
the sherwood bc has a weight integrated option, I would opt for it for 40 bucks
Sherwood Package #3 from LeisurePro.com
PS
the sherwood bc has a weight integrated option, I would opt for it for 40 bucks
Last edited:
Trimix2dive
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Scuba diving lessons, scuba diving gear equipment, technical diving gear equipment, oms
note I don't get a penny. I have never bought a piece of equipment from these people that has not preformed as new. If you want maximum bang for the buck, try the people mentioned above and these folks.
note I don't get a penny. I have never bought a piece of equipment from these people that has not preformed as new. If you want maximum bang for the buck, try the people mentioned above and these folks.
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