Equipment advice wanted!

[beardown]

Hi to All!

I'm new to certified diving (used to dive - but never certified) and trying real hard to make equipment decisions on BC, regulators, computer/gauges, and other stuff. I've spent LOTS of time in local dive shops, the web, etc. and found no equipment reviews of any real help. Seems kind of like looking in car mags for good car reviews - it's all just advertising BS.

Here's helpful info - 5'10", 190 lbs., located in Houston and will dive warm water, don't think I need real cold water equipment. Would prefer to spend somewhat more and get good equipment that I'll keep and use. This philosophy has worked well for me on snow skiing, surfing, climbing, hiking/camping, golf equipment - some is 20 yrs. old and still being used.

I'm a former national class competitive swimmer and real comfortable in the water. I like the unrestricted feel of a back inflate vs. full jacket BC. I keep looking at an AERIS Atmos 2 or AI gauge/computer, and I don't have a clue about regulators except that a combination second stage inflator/octopus seems better than a separate octopus. I was considering a TUSA R240 reg with a combination inflator/octopus and was told by a LeisurePro rep that Tusa was poor equipment (made in Taiwan). Also looked at an Eagle Z-1 BC (back inflate) being offered by Universal Scuba Distributors in Houston. They claim it is a brand mfg'ed by a California company that is the OEM for several big name brands. Same with Triple L equipment - just found their site on the web, and the BC prices got my attention. Anyone know anything about the Eagle Z-1 or TripleL (ScubaL) BC?

I've looked at equipment from every major OEM, and gotten no real help from anyone - dive shops, websites, whatever. There has to be several OEM's that are price competitive (I can't believe I just typed that - and I thought good ski equipment was expensive...) and offer superior products. I'm sure they differ for BC's, reg's, gauges/computers, etc.

My shopping around tells me I'm asking for a lot (I don't really think so - hey, it's just life sustaining equipment!), but any SPECIFIC equipment advice, HELPFUL websites, REAL equipment reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for letting me rant.

BW

 

[Laser]

Hi to All!



I like the unrestricted feel of a back inflate vs. full jacket BC.

Then also consider a BP/wing .

I don't have a clue about regulators except that a combination second stage inflator/octopus seems better than a separate octopus.

No it's not.





I've looked at equipment from every major OEM,


Have you looked at Dive Rite, Halcyon, Oxychek ??






My shopping around tells me I'm asking for a lot

I don't think you're asking a lot at all.

Going with a back inflate BC over a back plate and wing is in my opinion just silly. The ability to change the wing and keep the same plate alone makes the decision for me, beyond it being just a more logical piece of gear.
If it were me, I'd stick with Scubapro, Apeks or Atomic for regs. ( long hose of course )

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I'm new to certified diving (used to dive - but never certified) and trying real hard to make equipment decisions on BC, regulators, computer/gauges, and other stuff. I've spent LOTS of time in local dive shops, the web, etc. and found no equipment reviews of any real help. Seems kind of like looking in car mags for good car reviews - it's all just advertising BS.

<stuff snipped>

My shopping around tells me I'm asking for a lot (I don't really think so - hey, it's just life sustaining equipment!), but any SPECIFIC equipment advice, HELPFUL websites, REAL equipment reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Dude...

C'mon now...

It's clear you've been around. It's ALL just hype and opinions. Mercedes or Lexus? Better of those two against Jaguar? Once you hit a certain level of price versus performance it comes down to a matter of personal preference. It's a matter of who you listen to and why.

There are perhaps 8 or 9 well-known larger manufacturers of regulators. Assuming you purchase one of their better products, you won't go wrong with any of them. A list of more popular regs from this board might include Scubapro, Apeks, Aqualung, Mares, Oceanic, Atomic, Sherwood, and Poseidon. Sure there are more. But these are pretty popular for a wide variety of applications. New, high quality regs from any of them will most likely meet your needs just fine.

For BCs take a look at Zeagle. They make a fine range of products, and Scott (the CEO) is on this board. He listens to what the field is saying and participates, and thats quite cool.

If you're going for a technical orientation, backplates and wings are offered by Halcyon, Oxycheq, DiveRite, and DeepSea (Tobin is also on this board).

No manufacturer's website is going to say something like "well, our stuff sucks, but not as bad as ABC's stuff sucks". (Except OMS, and they're a special case.) All the websites are going to give you the gladhand grin and hype their wares. It's a matter of where you can get maintenance done, who locally supports your stuff, and how quickly you can get more of it on a Saturday night when you break or lose it before your next dives on Sunday. (Another point - if you get a good working relationship with a LDS it will pay dividends in the long run.)

In the way of SPECIFIC equipment advice; I only use DUI drysuits, I like Scubapro regs (but I'd dive Apeks, Atomics, or Aqualung also), I only buy PST steel and Luxfer aluminum tanks, I like Thermo valves and manifolds, and the rest of my stuff is mostly Halcyon.

And don't get a combo inflator/octopus. Get a regular octopus and bungee it around your neck.

Your mileage most definitely may vary.

Dive safe,

Doc

 

[ParamedicDiver1]

Hi to All!

I'm new to certified diving (used to dive - but never certified) and trying real hard to make equipment decisions on BC, regulators, computer/gauges, and other stuff. I've spent LOTS of time in local dive shops, the web, etc. and found no equipment reviews of any real help. Seems kind of like looking in car mags for good car reviews - it's all just advertising BS.

Here's helpful info - 5'10", 190 lbs., located in Houston and will dive warm water, don't think I need real cold water equipment. Would prefer to spend somewhat more and get good equipment that I'll keep and use. This philosophy has worked well for me on snow skiing, surfing, climbing, hiking/camping, golf equipment - some is 20 yrs. old and still being used.

I'm a former national class competitive swimmer and real comfortable in the water. I like the unrestricted feel of a back inflate vs. full jacket BC. I keep looking at an AERIS Atmos 2 or AI gauge/computer, and I don't have a clue about regulators except that a combination second stage inflator/octopus seems better than a separate octopus. I was considering a TUSA R240 reg with a combination inflator/octopus and was told by a LeisurePro rep that Tusa was poor equipment (made in Taiwan). Also looked at an Eagle Z-1 BC (back inflate) being offered by Universal Scuba Distributors in Houston. They claim it is a brand mfg'ed by a California company that is the OEM for several big name brands. Same with Triple L equipment - just found their site on the web, and the BC prices got my attention. Anyone know anything about the Eagle Z-1 or TripleL (ScubaL) BC?

I've looked at equipment from every major OEM, and gotten no real help from anyone - dive shops, websites, whatever. There has to be several OEM's that are price competitive (I can't believe I just typed that - and I thought good ski equipment was expensive...) and offer superior products. I'm sure they differ for BC's, reg's, gauges/computers, etc.

My shopping around tells me I'm asking for a lot (I don't really think so - hey, it's just life sustaining equipment!), but any SPECIFIC equipment advice, HELPFUL websites, REAL equipment reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for letting me rant.

BW

First off...howdy! There are several fellow Houston Divers here on the boards, check out our Texas Section of the board at Texas Swamp Divers (http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34).

As far as the gear, there are several things to consider, I am probably the only person you will meet that likes a jacket style BC, mainly because when I am on the surface with students it is easier to maintain upright position. But back inflates are a big plus under the water...and from what I have seen, for the price, it is hard to beat a Zeagle from ScubaToys.com. If you want to get into more technical diving, then a backplate and wings style BC is the way to go, DiveRite Makes a fine product. Regualtors are another issue, but any of the mid range regs should work in Houston and warm water diving. ScubaDiving.com has some reviews of equipment and is probably a good guideline. I think that covers my 2 cents, drop us a line over at the Texas Swamp Divers forum some time, some of us try to meet once a week and just get wet either at Twin Lakes or Tiki Lake...come join us.

 

[Fishlips_1]

If you plan on diving alot, maybe a dry suit should be a thought? Even 80* water makes your core temp drop to below a comfortable zone after a few dives in one day. My instructor wears his even in Roatan. But he's putting in usually three dives a day.
As far as equipment, it's totally a personal call, what feels good and comfortable is usually a good choice. ( do you like NIKE or REEBOK? Ford or Chevy?) Get the picture?
This is one time when, IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU !!!! The one thing I still can't figure out why if diving is supposed to be done underwater, why you would want your BC to keep you upright? I prefer to swim horizantally. So, unless you are already an instructor with students. I would suggest a back inflate BC. As far as the BC inflator regulators go. Great for a third air source, but pretty short. Would do in a major pinch.
Remember, Diving should be fun and relaxing not scary and stressfull.
Good luck,
Lips

 

[Vie]

I was considering a TUSA R240 reg with a combination inflator/octopus and was told by a LeisurePro rep that Tusa was poor equipment (made in Taiwan).

TUSA aren’t THAT bad! In fact, they make fine products.

Most TUSA/Tabata regs are made in Japan and at least one, the RS-460, is a Scubapro design (MK16/S550) made in Italy.

See also http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=94173

 

[ChrisA]

Hi to All!

located in Houston and will dive warm water, don't think I need real cold water equipment.

I'm a former national class competitive swimmer and real comfortable in the water. I like the unrestricted feel of a back inflate vs. full jacket BC. I keep looking at an AERIS Atmos 2 or AI gauge/computer, and I don't have a clue about regulators except that a combination second stage inflator/octopus seems better than a separate octopus.

any SPECIFIC equipment advice,

BW

You will be diving in warm water? I don't know what the water temp is in TX. But if you need advice on exposure suits look and see what other divers areusing in your area or tell us the water temp. By "warm water" do you mean you only indent to dive a few times a year at tropical resort locations? If so then (1) you want light weight stuff that packs well and (2) relistically you will reamain a beginning diver forever if you can't ge in the water frequently. Buy ger like what you used in trainning (3) get brands that can be serviced in the location(s) you will be diving in. Be that either the troopics or in TX. Brands like Aquallung and SubaPro can be serviced anyplace, Atomic maybe not.

DOn't get a combo octo/inflator. Well at least don't buy oneuntill after you have tried to both breathe on one and vet air out the BC at the same time. The thing is only good ifyou never use it.

About computers. If you will dive infrequently, ease of use is the #1 criteria. If youthink you nmight want to get nitrox certified then buy a nitrox computer now

 

[TheYellowSubmarine]

I too have gone for the spend a bit more now and have good quality gear for ages. When I found out about backplates and wings, I tried one for a dive and was amazed. I've got a Halcyon Eclipse and its wonderful. I used to feel the tank moving a little and found that straps would sometimes loosen on my BCD. Now my backplate almost feels like its part of me, I hardly notice it. I also got Aqualung Titan LX regulator, which breathes easy and dry, even upside down at 40m I try to dive hogarthian with a 5" primary hose and my octopus on a short hose bungeed around my neck.
Now that I'm looking at doing some technical diving, I don't have to replace any gear either, which is nice.

If you're not exactly sure what I am talking about, have a browse of the technical and gear forums, or just ask.

EDIT:
oh yes, regarding computers, same as above, if you even think you might do Nitrox, get a nitrox capable computer (there are plenty of good brands, read the gear forums regarding which you want). I bought a Suunto Cobra. Pretty much all my buddies either have a cobra or some Suunto computer. They're certainly not the only descent brand, but after choosing the cobra based on specs and what I wanted, it worked out well that everyone else is familiar with my computer too.

 

[ae3753]

I've spent LOTS of time in local dive shops, the web, etc. and found no equipment reviews of any real help.

What do you mean that they are no real help? I have found scubaboard and some other sites such as DiverNet helpful in narrowing my choices. I don't think that you'll be able to get more than that from reading reviews and people's opinions. Not everyone is the same and care about the same features.

I like the unrestricted feel of a back inflate vs. full jacket BC.

For back inflate, then you'll be looking into 3 types of BCs:

1. Back-inflate bcd. The ones that are discussed a lot on this board are Zeagle products, ScubaPro Knighthawk, and SeaQuest products. There are many threads on the board that you can search on or browse through. Here's a few to get you started:
* Battle of the Back Inflation BCD's
* which bc to buy
* Black Diamond Vs Ranger
* scubapro knighthawk
* I'm a believer! - Zeagle Stiletto
* SeaQuest BCD

2. Soft packs. Dive Rite TransPac II, OMS IQ Pack, OxyCheq O-Pac, ScubaPro S-Tek. Again, many links exist on this, but here's one:
* Dive Rite Transpac

3. Back plates. Mentioned by other boardmembers, but the more discussed ones are Halcyon, Oxycheq, Dive Rite, Deep Sea Supply, FredT, and Hammerhead. Some of these provide backplates and wings, others provide just backplates. Tons of bp/w discussed here, one example:
* Need advice with BP/W selection

I keep looking at an AERIS Atmos 2 or AI gauge/computer, and I don't have a clue about regulators except that a combination second stage inflator/octopus seems better than a separate octopus.

I agree with others in that I do not like integrated inflator/octopus. But I know people who dive with them and like it. This is something that you'll have to try on your own.

I was considering a TUSA R240 reg with a combination inflator/octopus and was told by a LeisurePro rep that Tusa was poor equipment (made in Taiwan).

* Ranking of Regulators

Anyone know anything about the Eagle Z-1 or TripleL (ScubaL) BC?

Triple-L is discussed a lot here too, from specific bcds (ex. orions) as well as their wetsuits. Many threads to search through and read. As for Eagle, not so much. More links to get you started with:

* Triple-L BC's and Products in general
* Eagle Z-1

There has to be several OEM's that are price competitive and offer superior products.

Sure, but this again is subjective. What what I think is priced competive and offering superior products may not be what you think of. But since you asked. . . for regs, I think of the Zeagle Envoy and Envoy Deluxe. I dive their DS-IV and have been very happy. For back inflate bcs, I think of the Zeagle Brigade (from ScubaToys only), Deap Sea Supply's bp/w, JetHarness, NESS's DiveRite TransPlate special, Hammerhead's bp, and OxyCheq's wing based on reviews and price. Others would say that Triple-L's Orion would be it. And other's still would say that Halcyon offer superior products that are priced competively. Here's an interesting thread on pricing (again, one of many out there):

* BP/Wing pricing

 

[scubatoys]

Hi to All!
I was considering a TUSA R240 reg with a combination inflator/octopus and was told by a LeisurePro rep that Tusa was poor equipment (made in Taiwan). BW

Whoever told you that is either lying to bait and switch you into different gear... or is clueless. The Tusa IR3 Octo inflator is made in Italy - in the same factory as the Scubapro Inflator. They are virtually identical units except one has round blue buttons and one has square gray buttons... Internally they use the exact same parts.

As far as their other gear, most is manufactured in Japan - Tusa being a Japanese company originally called TABATA, but then changed to Tusa for the american market - Tusa for Tabata USA. And over all, their regs are great regs that come with a lifetime warranty on parts.