DukeAMO
Contributor
I would recommend at least trying on a Zeagle Zena if you haven't already. It made such a big difference for me that it was my first big gear purchase. The corset setup holds the BC securely in place, so it won't ride up around your shoulders. I prefer the integrated weights to a weight belt too. And if you get it from a good dive shop they can custom fit it to you. I ended up with XS shoulders, and a medium size for the other two parts. (I usually wear size L.) Plus my favorite color on the corset, all for no extra charge. I put it in the expensive but worth it category.
Our regs are the Zeagle Onyx. They do come in a cold water version. They're pricey, but we got a good deal on them. They breathe effortlessly. We've fiddled with the tuning a bit already, and they free flow easily because they're so sensitive. I would put them in the sports car category so far - great performance but a bit touchy. Oh, and they are very pretty.
Our octos are the Aqualung ABS. No complaints about those. They breathe well, even when upside down. They're nice and compact too,
Definitely try stuff in the water before you buy it if you can, and also do you first dive with new gear in a pool if you can. We got tripped up by our new gear for the first hour or two, and it was great to have someone from the shop around to help us figure it out.
Our regs are the Zeagle Onyx. They do come in a cold water version. They're pricey, but we got a good deal on them. They breathe effortlessly. We've fiddled with the tuning a bit already, and they free flow easily because they're so sensitive. I would put them in the sports car category so far - great performance but a bit touchy. Oh, and they are very pretty.
Our octos are the Aqualung ABS. No complaints about those. They breathe well, even when upside down. They're nice and compact too,
Definitely try stuff in the water before you buy it if you can, and also do you first dive with new gear in a pool if you can. We got tripped up by our new gear for the first hour or two, and it was great to have someone from the shop around to help us figure it out.