wadedeeper
Contributor
The funny thing is that everyone is suggesting going with a more Tech rig setup for diving both tech and rec. I disagree... I did exactly that, and realized that it's really too much for a standard quick shore dive. Having 1 rig do both is more cost effective, but not more practical. I got myself a lovely Dive Rite with plate, wing, harness, etc and had a lovely time with it...and the discomfort. Then I went and got a nice little "Rec" rig with back flotation and modified my tech rig for tech. If you are going to get into technical diving, money is a prerequisite. You'll spend a ton of cash for all the Tech gear, tanks, harnesses & straps, extra gear, etc. So then my question is why would you want to get your gear all prepped and set for diving tech to constantly swap setup for rec diving? I had the same idea about getting a Tech rig and having the option to use it for Rec since I'd do more of that...but it just was such a pain and really stupid. It was soooo much easier to buy a rec BCD, and set my tech rig up the way I like it and get it geared in. I have since even bought a Halcyon rig and use it over my dive rite. As for your initial question, Zeagle....hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. I used to sell it at a dive shop I taught at and really can't tell you how many faults it has...I don't have enough time to list them. You're better off going with OMS, Halcyon or Dive Rite if you want a rig that really is Tech and capable of rec. Any rig designed as Tec/Rec is really Rec/Junk.
I realize I am about to get slammed by a few die hards who will tell me that they have always dove their tech rig for rec, but to those insane few...is it the same rig you take to the tropics...back plate and all? or do you do something different then? I have been on hundreds of dive trips to some great places and only once did I see some idiot try and use his tech rig outfitted with "travel wings" on travels. I had a bit too much to drink the night before and sat out the first dive and let the guy use my rig for the dive. I saw him the next day with a new BCD (similar to mine) and having a blast.
I realize I am about to get slammed by a few die hards who will tell me that they have always dove their tech rig for rec, but to those insane few...is it the same rig you take to the tropics...back plate and all? or do you do something different then? I have been on hundreds of dive trips to some great places and only once did I see some idiot try and use his tech rig outfitted with "travel wings" on travels. I had a bit too much to drink the night before and sat out the first dive and let the guy use my rig for the dive. I saw him the next day with a new BCD (similar to mine) and having a blast.