Buying gear, need advice! Thanks.

[RiverRat]

Those things really look streamline! I am wondering how 'ruff' the price is on those though..

George_ORH,
Keep in mind, even though a BP/W setup may cost as much as an expensive BC up front, it may save you big bucks down the road because it's so modular. The main reason I got the BP/W was that in my open water dives the rental BC's really gave me an annoying squeeze. I also experience lots of air bubble trapping. I almost purchased a back inflate jacket style BC to have the air behing me (stability reasons) but then decided on the BP/W.
The other reason I went with the backplate was to move some of the weight up off my waist and onto my back (9# plate + 2# STA's = 11#). This improved my trim immensely. I can't say enough about how building your own rig will really force you into understanding proper weighting, trim, neutral buoyancy etc. It takes some major homework in the beginning but the rewards are well worth it. I can now concentrate on becomming a better diver and not just struggling to get through a dive. Do a search on the board for backplates, wings etc. There's plenty of info here.

 

[Glenn V]

George
I have all of the equipment that you have listed (except I choose the standard octo) and don't have any complaints. The dry bleed system on the regulator isn't a problem it is intended to keep the first stage dry (water is the biggest enemy of the first stage, if it gets inside that is). The Avid BC is very comfortable no squeeze at all (provided you get the right size for you). The Wisdom computer works very well. I have it mounted on a retractor (a nice add on that Sherwood has set up their BCs for) and its easy to access and read. As mentioned in an earlier post, a wrist mounted computer is nice to have. It is easier to glance at your wrist then to reach down and grab the Wisdom hanging off of your waist/hip. As for the BP/wing setups referenced, they are the most versatile setups to own offering the most flexibility. However, they do cost a bit more. If your looking to get your feet wet and get into diving you've made a great choice in gear that will serve you well without breaking the bank. If you have the money and are planning on taking your diving beyond the recreational level then go with the BP/Wing. Just my opinion.

 

[George_ORH]

Ok,... I think I have decided to go with a jacket style bc... I "think" I want back inflation on it, and know that I want some type of integrated weight system.

Now I have to figure out which brand to go with, without breaking the bank.

I want a good regulator that won't be giving me problems at 100ft.

I may have to settle for a gauge style computer instead of a wrist mounted one, I REALLY don't want to!

I am trying to keep this at/around $1200....That's my budget... Now who can tell me what I can get for "about" this price.. If I have to spend 1-200 more then so be it.

All of this info has been so helpful so far everyone...Thanks!!!!

 

[jonnythan]

$480 for bp+wings (from COVCI), $425 for Apeks ATX50 + ATX40 + DS4 (from DiveInn), SPG $54.95 (from LeisurePro), $234.95 for Oceanic Veo 200 nitrox computer (also from LP)

Total price $1194.90 + shipping

Any questions?


Course if you really really want the jacket BC (which you don't), you could save $200 and get the Tusa Platina Evolution from Scubatoys or Genesis Phantom or Seaquest Pro or Sherwood Magnum from LeisurePro.

 

[RiverRat]

Ok,... I think I have decided to go with a jacket style bc... I "think" I want back inflation on it, and know that I want some type of integrated weight system.
Now I have to figure out which brand to go with, without breaking the bank.
I want a good regulator that won't be giving me problems at 100ft.
I may have to settle for a gauge style computer instead of a wrist mounted one, I REALLY don't want to!
I am trying to keep this at/around $1200....That's my budget... Now who can tell me what I can get for "about" this price.. If I have to spend 1-200 more then so be it.
All of this info has been so helpful so far everyone...Thanks!!!!

If you really want a wrist mount, get the Suunto Vyper from Leisurepro, $325.00 I'm glad I did! Especially now that I dive Nitrox. If you get an air only computer you may regret down the road if you go to nitrox.

If you still want to think one last time on a BP/W, PM FredT on the board, he'll answer ANY questions you have!

The Apeks info you got on previous post was good. $350.00 - $400.00

OK, $725.00 max, $475.00 left for a BC or BP/W, don't scimp on 'puter or reg!