Building a Kit

[Playground Legend]

I'm new to the board. I want to combine different pieces of equipment to arrive at a complete regulator package. Please advise if this combination is compatible and suitable for a travel reg.

Mares loop 15x 1st/2nd stage
Mares Air Control octo
Mares mission 2 2c

Missing anything?

Will be using a Mares pure bcd

All constructive responses will be appreciated.

 

[runsongas]

i am not a fan of integrated octos and i would urge you to consider an entry level wrist dive computer (mares puck, suunto vyper) instead of the console. get another loop 2nd stage to match.

haggle with the shop for a deal on the combo if you decide to still go with the integrated octo and depth gauge console at least.

 

[The Chairman]

I dove an integrated Octo until someone ran out of air and I had to go on it to share mine. I went to a traditional second immediately after that.

 

[Playground Legend]

i am not a fan of integrated octos and i would urge you to consider an entry level wrist dive computer (mares puck, suunto vyper) instead of the console. get another loop 2nd stage to match.

haggle with the shop for a deal on the combo if you decide to still go with the integrated octo and depth gauge console at least.

Thank you. I forgot to mention that I have a dive computer. the guages will be pressure and compass

 

[runsongas]

a retractor compass or wrist compass is easier to hold out in front of you than the console

 

[HantsDiver]

a retractor compass or wrist compass is easier to hold out in front of you than the console

That would depend on the length of the hose wouldn't it. And I'd make a strong argument that a bulky double/triple gauge is easier to hold and balance than a small thing on a retractor. A wrist compass does work nicely though.

That being said - this is the real world. 99% of people who dive recreationally don't carry a compass. And the idea of your average recreational diver putting on a wrist compass is unlikely. So I think integrated consoles are a nice compromise. You have it if/when you need it.

 

[runsongas]

Retractor compass doesn't cost much more than console and if you clip it to the bc, you have it if/when you need it.

 

[Scuba J7]

I find that students have issues holding a compass strait when it’s mounted on a console. The HP hose is too short, and lengthening it isn’t a good fix to me. I prefer wrist mount, actually I wear it on the back of my hand slightly cocked so my arm can be a natural position, I’d take one a retractor before mounting to my gauge console.

 

[scubadada]

Hi @Playground Legend

Why are you tied into Mares, do you have experience with the brand, is that what your LDS carries and/or pushes?

I would also trade the console for a SPG and a wrist compass. What computer do you already have?

Everyone has their own favorite brands and configuration, I'm sure your choices would work just fine

 

[Kohanbash]

I will second not being a fan of the integrated octos.

Also I like having the computer on my wrist and not on the console. I feel it is more convenient to look at my wrist than at my console. If you get a computer with a compass, then you get both on your wrist with only one device. That saves you from carrying more gear and having to suit up with more items.