BC So many options to much info and just confused

[fire5man]

Ok,

I have been a diver for about 8 years and in that time have only logged about 2-4 dives a year. Due to a crazy work schedule. Well now I have time. So its time to buy some gear and get under. Now I have been all over this site trying to find answers but I have yet to see anyone address what I am looking for. My activities would include diving in the Chesapeake Bay maybe for a few oysters and some treasure hunting. As well as some of the diving lakes in the PA and VA area. There may be some diving in the ocean however I am in need of getting over a fear of sharks first. Yes there in the bay I know.

Anyways I am looking for a "system". BC and Air delivery. Maybe one of the Wing things. I don't know

I need something thats safe, reliable, and upgradeable as time goes by. Money is always a issue with everyone and I am not different.

I am till undecided about weight systems. Weighted BC, Belts, Half and half. These are areas I could use your thoughts. I have only dived with belts and I don't complete care for them. I have a hard time keeping them on with out them sliding out of place.

I would like to eventually integrate my backup regulator to a alt. inflator.

Any advice would be great, and some places to buy the equipment a good price.


Thanks

 

[fire5man]

Oh btw- I am a one tank diver.

 

[Walter]

You can't go wrong with the Scubapro Classic Sport. Do not let them talk you into the more expensive Classic or Classic Plus, they aren't as good.

 

[scubatoys]

Well... as far as places... I could make a suggestion! But a bit to obvious!

In your description, you are listing some varied types of diving, so something that is versatile would be a big plus. I would probably lean toward a Zeagle BC... great customer service, (Scott is always out here on the forum) and they make a great product that is also modular. That meaning you can change out the bladder for different sizes... example, a smaller one if you are just diving single tank and want to travel and pack it easily... then something like a Zeagle Brigade. But if later you decide you do want to dive with doubles, you can swap it out for a larger bladder and run twins.

Zeagle has their own octo inflator, or you can out fit it with many other brands.

Then the reg decision would take a bit more talking as far as budget, what features are important, like do you want adjustable, etc, and instrumentation... computer? Wrist or Gauge? Air integrated... etc.

But there is a start... feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions or don't understand any of the terms I've used.

 

[fire5man]

Do you have any other photos of the zeagle brigade?

 

[Bratface]

My Scubapro gear is comfortable and reliable. Go down to your LDS or any shop and try on as many BC's as you can.

 

[scubatoys]

Do you have any other photos of the zeagle brigade?

Well, it's really a Zeagle Ranger with an extra roll down pocket and a different bladder on it. Here is Zeagles website on the Ranger which will show a different angle: http://zeagle.com/index.php?submenu=HeavyDutyBC&src=gendocs&link=Ranger

 

[fire5man]

I think I like what I see in the brigade.

Then the reg decision would take a bit more talking as far as budget, what features are important, like do you want adjustable, etc, and instrumentation... computer? Wrist or Gauge? Air integrated... etc.

I don't know? I have always liked what I have rented and used in my training. I am sure none of it is top of the line. I would love a computer that would be a neat upgrade. I would like my primary to be comfortable, and use full for the diving I want to do. (AIR only / cold Water mostly)

Can you make some suggestions.

 

[scubatoys]

Pretty hard to beat a Zeagle Envoy if you want something that will work good... took top scores on the tests, and if you're not doing "stupid cold" it should be fine. If getting below 40, we'd want to look at a sealed 1st stage... but if cold is 45 +, then just a good diaphragm 1st stage will work fine. If you like the idea of adjustable (which I do) then the Zeagle Envoy Deluxe.

If getting a computer - may as well get nitrox - you may use it later, even if you don't now. Then just an octo - and you're stylin' !

 

[CardShark]

As some of the local ( Pa, Md & Va ) quarries / lakes require an environmentally-sealed 1st stage during the colder months ( and you may enjoy cold-water diving ), I would recommend spending a bit more money to get a safer & more reliable reg.

- Rusty