BC Packages, help please.

[Tully NE]

Hey all, I used the search function, and couldn't find a thread addressing my exact issue.

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on SCUBA packages that are relatively cheap?

I'm wondering because I plan to start diving very regularly, very soon. I want to get the basic kit, for as cheap as I can (without compensating quality to much) and then start swapping out individual pieces of kit with what I really want.

Now, I know ideally I should buy what I really want, right from the beginning, but that just is not possible at the moment (I don't make much money).

I will be doing the majority of my diving in New England, so the kit would have to be cold water capable, and suite the conditions.

My budget would be under $700 if at all possible, though 800-1000 would be doable.

So, can anyone point me towards a good kit-package that they have used or heard good reviews about?

Thanks for your time,

- Tully

 

[PerroneFord]

Well,

If you want it cold weather capable, and you want to swap parts, AND you want it cheap, I'd recommend you look into a Hogarthian BP/W combo. Most BCs are incapable of swapping parts out. BP/W (Backplate/Wing) are designed for this very kind of thing. Buying a used one should present little problem as it's only 3 pieces. A metal backplate, some 2" webbing, and a bladder. Swap the bladder out for more or less lift, and the other parts stay the same. You'll NEVER wear the metal plate out, and the webbing is a $1 a foot, and you'll need 12-14 feet to thread up the BC.

Dead simple. Do a search for BP/W or Hogarthian, and go from there. If you want some ideas on models or brands (new) for good prices, PM me and I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck.

 

[Tully NE]

I've been looking at BP/W's a lot, and that is one of the things I REALLY want. Im going to look at the Hogarthian right now, though what I wanted was the DSS Plate/Harness + Oxycheq Mach V.

What I meant by "swap things out" would be, for example, after getting a complete package, swap the whole BC with the BP/W I actually want. Switch the regulator with a regulator I actually want. Etc. etc.

Are their any shop that does good BP/W combo packages with reg, octo, comp, etc. ?

 

[msedivingdoc]

Here's another idea... settle on a reg, octo and gauge set you will want to keep for life....buy that .. then buy the rest as your budget allows. For $1000.00 you can get a sweet set... if you want a comp buy that as an add on later.
Basically buy your gear in modules.

 

[Tully NE]

Here's another idea... settle on a reg, octo and gauge set you will want to keep for life....buy that .. then buy the rest as your budget allows. For $1000.00 you can get a sweet set... if you want a comp buy that as an add on later.
Basically buy your gear in modules.

Yea, thats pretty much what I meen, but with a BC as well. Comp/gauge I should have said, I didn't mean a dive computer exclusivly.

 

[PerroneFord]

Hogarthian is not a "brand" of BC. It is a style or method (of configuring gear) of configuring your BP/W that is very simple and uncluttered. DSS makes a FINE product and you can get a hogarthian setup from them. Same with Oxycheq. I have products from both companies.

In terms of getting a complete set of gear to dive with for under $1k, you are going to be hard pressed unless you get some or all of it used. I am of the opinion that there are some things you simply should either buy new, or buy high quality, well cared for used gear. As a newbie, it may be very difficult to determine what high quality used gear is.

For recreational diving you have some pretty basic needs:

1. Fins, mask, snorkel, suit, boots, bag.
2. Regulator, BC, guages, light, knife.
3. Rent tanks.

Don't start buying a lot of junk you don't need. If you buy a used regulator, be SURE to have it properly serviced by a competent shop. Regulators are one thing I PERSONALLY do not suggest youu buy used as a newbie.

So how does this break down?

Category 1:

Mask, fins, snorkel about $125
Boots, bag $75

Category 2:

Regulator set $250-$300 (new or used with servicing)
BC $250 used
Guages $100 used
Light $25
Knife $15

Category 3

Tank Rental: $25 a weekend or so.


So yes, you can do it if you shop carefully.

 

[rlwalker]

Check out Leisurepro.com they have some inexpensive gear that will get the job done.

 

[PerroneFord]

Not to be argumentative, but how do you suggest a newbie with no experience with a regulator, select one he or she will "keep for life"? There are people here who've been diving 10+ years who haven't settled on a regulator yet. I would be more inclined to suggest the user buy a quality brand to use, try some others, and upgrade as needs, wants, and finances allow.

Here's another idea... settle on a reg, octo and gauge set you will want to keep for life....buy that .. then buy the rest as your budget allows. For $1000.00 you can get a sweet set... if you want a comp buy that as an add on later.
Basically buy your gear in modules.

 

[PerroneFord]

Check out Leisurepro.com they have some inexpensive gear that will get the job done.

True, but you may want to inform him about the warranty issues. Could really affect a new buyer.

 

[riguerin]

I've been looking at BP/W's a lot, and that is one of the things I REALLY want. Im going to look at the Hogarthian right now, though what I wanted was the DSS Plate/Harness + Oxycheq Mach V.

What I meant by "swap things out" would be, for example, after getting a complete package, swap the whole BC with the BP/W I actually want. Switch the regulator with a regulator I actually want. Etc. etc.

Are their any shop that does good BP/W combo packages with reg, octo, comp, etc. ?

Have you cheked out he complete DSS Hog rig ?