Diving Equipment

[Aquanaught]

Mask: Mares X-Vision
Snorkel: Mares Stream Dry
WetSuit: Scubapro Tradewind steamer 5mm or Mares Thermic Jumpsuit - 5 mm

Gloves: Mares Unitherm 5 mm
Boots: Mares Boots with Zipper - 6.5 mm
Fins: Mares Volo
Jacket: Mares Dragon Fly Airtrimn en MRS
Regulator: Mares V32 Proton Ice
Octupus: Mares Octopus Proton
Console/computer: Suunto Cobra + SK7 + Q
Scuba Bag: Mares Hercules


This is what I am planning to buy. I'm looking around for some weeks to find myself a good diving equipment.
Can you guys give me some advice...

What to replace for what and also why?
Why a good choise Why not...

Thank you,

Roy

 

[scubasean]

I use a wrist mount computer(Suunto Vyper), and a wrist mount compass (until recently, I used a console mount compass).

Most of the stuff you want is probably fine.

You'll find that many folks here will recommend the Apeks regs, Scubapro Split fins, etc.

I used the Henderson Hyperstretch 7mm wetsuit with a hooded vest, but will be taking my new drysuit for a spin this weekend.

Its all in what you really want to do, how much money you want to spend, etc.

 

[paulwlee]

I don't have experience with the gear you are buying, so I can't comment on those, but I feel that wrist mount computers are nicer.

I used to dive with a console for 8 years, but then I found that it's much easier if the computer is on my right wrist, especially during ascents. I don't need to hold a console up all the time, I can just glance on my wrist to get my depth and ascent rate. The downside is that you need to pay a lot more for air integration (Vytec) which is nice to have, since it makes logging and figuring the air consumption rate a little more easier. (You don't really need the remaining air time feature if you are using your brain.)

The best of both worlds would be to get a Vytec with air integration, but if I had to choose between air integration and wrist mount, I would choose the wrist mount. Get a Vyper, (or a Vytec without transmitter if you eventually want the air integration; you can get the transmitter seperately) and get a pressure gauge.

Another advantage is when you log your dives you can take your computer whereever you want. No quick disconnects or such workarounds. It does mean that you need to put one more thing on, but that hasn't really been a problem for me.

You can also get the SK-7 compass as a wrist mount. Best compass there is.

 

[Wendy]

Don't waste your money on a dry snorkel, its a nice idea, but a plan simple everyday cheap snorkel will be just fine.

As far as the rest of the stuff, its up to you what you get. You seem to have picked out what you want, rather than asking us what we think, what do you think? You must have had reasons and did research on these items.

Have fun diving. I love new gear.

 

[Aquanaught]

Ok, as for the boots and gloves the branch doesn't even matters as long as they are comfortable and warm enough. Snorkel will be ok to, just a cheaper one because I probably hardly use it and will put it in one of my pockets.

The Mares X vision was very comfortable for the reviewers and it fits well, tried it once so thumbs up.

Mares Volo will give you an advantage in peddling. Everyone was satisfied about the light peddling, something that I'm searching for. I don't want to lose to much air/energy on it, just as less possible.

The jacket Mares Dragon Fly Airtrim I've never used before but I saw some decent reviews on it from a couple of divers. I also recognised many people like Halcyon as BC. Can you guys explain me why? What is the difference between those 2 products.

Mares V32 Proton Ice looks good, feels good, light weight, and stands the tests very well. Now I also have read about the Aqualung Legend LX which seems to be very nice to. Can anyone tell me the difference between those 2?

The computer...I've chosen for the Cobra with Quick Release and the SK7 because it's Air Integrated and because it supports using Nitrox. I may not be so far to use Nitrox but I will in the future most probably and else I'll have to buy myself a new computer so than my first computer would be a waste of money.
Now something isn't clear to me very well. The Suunto Vyper, is it usable when you are a Nitrox Diver?
I know the cobra has works like a console or actually is one. You have to keep grabbing to it. That's a disadvantage but the computer is superb.

The bag isn't really a big deal. As long as my gear fits in the bag and as long as the bag isn't full with cuts soon than it's ok to me.

 

[Warren_L]

I would tend to agree on the computer myself - wrist mount over air integrated. If you do want to go AI eventually, Vytec is great as it is reasonably priced and you can add the transmitter later.

 

[IceBergSlim]

Dont forget a Spare Air

 

[dsgobie]

Save your self $20-$30 and don't even buy a snorkel.. I would bet you'll find one within 20 dives or so. Use the money to pay for air fills.

 

[dsgobie]

IceBergSlim once bubbled...
Dont forget a Spare Air

Your kidding right?

 

[IceBergSlim]

Uh,,,Yeah I was kidding. thats what the was about. peace, D