Can I have some feedback here ;)

[Aquanaught]

Aqualung Legend LX Supreme (din)
Aqualung Octopus LX
Mares Volo
Standaard Manometer
Suunto SK7 (Wrist)
Suunto Vyper (Wrist)
Mares Dragonfly Airtrim + MRS weights
Mares X Vision
Boots (3 types)
Gloves 5mm
Mes RS
ScubaPro Pacific 5mm Steamer

Actual internetprice 1725,-- Euro

The boots and masks don't really got a decent brand but I don't feel like they are very important to me as long as the boots won't slip and fit in my fins and as long as both, the boots and gloves, are warm enough.

Anyway is this a good deal? Are there any things YOU would change and can you than give me the reasons why you would change it.

Some additional information is that I'm a PADI OWD cursist at the moment (I won't buy after I tried them and got certified). I live in The Netherlands so it isn't really warm here but it's more for tropical destinations. I will have to buy a 7mm or drysuit when I'm going to dive here.

Thanks in advance people!

 

[docmartin]

1. why a 5mm for tropical destinations? 3mm is all you need.
2. volos are expensive. there are other good fins for less (quattros, jets...).
3. finally, this one has been beaten to death on the board but you asked for it: i would consider a bp/wing or a dive rite transpac instead of the dragonfly. much more versatile for your diving future and they pack like a charm.

 

[Aquanaught]

Aren't BP/W's a bit expensive or is that just me? How much does a good BP/W costs?

Are 3mm Fullsuits also warm enough for nightdives in a country like egypt?

I also heard that if you equip yourself with a BP/W you might have problems when floating on the surface? Is this true? Can you give me some cons of BP/W's and some pros? (Just keep it short )

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

You can find a wing for 250-350 depending on your source, backplates are around 100, Tank adapter another 50-75. Webbing is cheap, dive rite is making the "transplate" now which has the transpac harness on a plate so comfort above water is retained somewhat. Quite comparable to cheaper than a bc in my experience.

There most obvious pros to me, another drysuit diver, in that with the right combination of bp/sta you can take over 11lbs off the weight belt. As for floating on the surface if your weight pockets/belt are adjusted correctly you'll float vertical and when reclined or swimming on the surface be resting on top of the wing. In the water there is not so much busy in the front of your rig, and there is no constriction from the rig.

Most obvious cons, not as comfortable above water and a little heavier to lug around.

 

[Aquanaught]

Ok so a BP/wing will cost me 500 to 700 euro probably?
Btw keep in mind that I'm still a rookie with diving so is the bp/wing a smart idea...?

What about the rest of the equipment?

 

[docmartin]

one of the big misconceptions is that a bp/wing is not for beginners. think about it, why would it not be suitable? the operation is the same as for a traditional bc but there is less "wrapping". the reason why people think it is only for advanced divers is because when you dive doubles you will pretty much not get around a bp/wing. therefore, you see these tech divers with bp/wings and think it's only for the experienced. the reality is that the tech diver thinks " i wish i had not bought that jacket bc when i got certified. the bp/wing would have worked from the start all the way through tech certification and i could have saved the money for the now useless traditional bc." well, in reality most tech divers brain has endured way too much damage for such complicated thoughts
as for the rest of the gear, i'd say good choice. top notch reg, computer, compass, etc.
as for the wet suit, the red sea is a bit of a special case. water can be cooler than in tropical destinations depending on time of year. i would still get the 3mm and wear a hood (big difference) if you get a little chilly. day or night makes no difference in the water only on the boat afterwards. bring a towel and a windbreaker.

 

[Aquanaught]

Ok that's kinda clear. I will ask my Diveinstructor for some more information.

By the way can you buy BP/W's in local diving shops or do you have to order them on the internet? And what do you need so the BP/W is complete? Wing, Backplate...?

 

[ScubaRon]

First of all I am assuming that you will be diving both in the Netherlands and in tropical destinations. Here are my comments:

- regulator: excellent, IMO the best regulator in the market today and quite suited for the cold Dutch lakes and rivers.
- rethink your wetsuit. 5mm is not enough in the Netherlands and way too much in tropical destinations. I would recommend you go with a 2 piece 6 or 7 mm suit for cold and somewhat-cold (Mediterranean) destinations. For the real tropical diving (Egypt, Caribbean) you can buy a 2 or 3 mm shorty for 70 Euro or so.

The price seems very good for the whole package.
ScubaRon

 

[Aquanaught]

Scubaron,

Is a 2 or 3mm shorty suitable for nightdives in a country like egypt? And won't full wetsuits protect you better in the water, especially when you dive near corals ?

In The Netherlands I will most probably need a drysuit. I think I will rent the drysuit the first year. Not to sure yet but ok.

A question about the regulator... is the scubapro MK25/S600 that much better as the Aqualung Legend LX?

 

[docmartin]

the legend lx is an absolute top regulator and the cold water performance is superior to the scubapro because the 1st stage is dry sealed.
asking your dive instructor for advice is great in theory. in practice make sure he/she is not affiliated with a shop. in that case they will most likely recommend what the shop carries.
for a bp/wing setup you need the bp, the wing, the harness, and - depending on the wing - an sta (single tank adaptor).