Equipment Preferences

[Troutbuster]

I am new to the sport but have always thought Scub Pro equipment to be the equipment of choice. Being that I am currently in a different part of the world it is obvious that there is a wide range of opinions. I have purchased Scuba Pro equipment exclusively and am very happy with it. I have two other guys that are from other parts of the globe and are looking to purchase equipment. What would you recommend. I have heard all kinds of stories about (sp?) Mares, Posieden, Apex, US Divers, AquaLung, and to many others to remember but would like some professional opinions

 

[Halthron]

That's a rather broad question. Most of the manufacturers make decent products, some are better than others while some are more expensive than others. A lot depends on the type of diving that will be done. IMO, focusing on the manufacturer to the exclusion of all else is the easiest way to waste money in the long run.

 

[hugedodge2000]

I roll with scuba pro and aqua lung baby!!!

 

[pterantula]

True, there is so much good gear our there that it is hard to go "wrong"... I use Aqua Lung regs, Pinnacle suits, and I just picked up an old Dacor BC that seems to work fine.

That being said: there are some mentions on this board to avoid Sherwood, Genesis and Akona - which are distributed (in the US at least) by Cramer-Decker (http://www.cramerdecker.com/watersports.html). Reason being, their customer service is apparently quite bad. Their gear is apparently still of good quality though, so it's all about preference.

 

[joe rock]

I have mostly Aqualung (or affiliated companies) stuff and I think it's great. IMHO, much of the manufacturer bashing has less to do with the quality of the product and more to do with the pricing/distribution/post sales support policies of the company. All are valid issues to consider when making a purchase.

BTW, I am not a professional in diving by any stretch of anyone's imagination

JR

 

[Loneranger]

No one manufacturer meets my needs for all of the required gear. Each has produced something a little different than the next. Make sure a dealer is near to service your gear, that should be near the top of your list when making your selection.

 

[sasscuba]

I use

Zeagle
Dacor
Sherwood
Cressi-sub
Suunto
Mares
Pelican
Aqua-Lung.

Never had a complete set of gear from 1 manufacturer. Always have mixed and matched to get the best out of each.

 

[Zeeman]

No one manufacturer meets my needs for all of the required gear. Each has produced something a little different than the next.

Yup - which is why just about each different piece of my gear is a different brand.

Oceanic maske the only Semi Dry that fits me, I love my Zeagle regs and BCD (though I'm transitioning to a BP/W), my Tusa splits and Mares Volo Sport fins, Cressi makes the mask I find most comfortable on my face.... the list goes on...

Z...

 

[TheRedHead]

Of the brands mentioned, I prefer Apeks and Zeagle. These regs are trusted by technical divers at extreme depths. I find the Apeks a slightly easier breather.

 

[MikeFerrara]

I have mostly Aqualung (or affiliated companies) stuff and I think it's great. IMHO, much of the manufacturer bashing has less to do with the quality of the product and more to do with the pricing/distribution/post sales support policies of the company. All are valid issues to consider when making a purchase.

BTW, I am not a professional in diving by any stretch of anyone's imagination

JR

I tend to agree. After owning a dive shop for several years I wouldn't own a piece of SP equipment if they paid me. Of course, I don't want to contribute to an increase in the wealth of AL either.

Divers sometimes complain about pricing (and other) policies of their dive shops and then go buy equipment online made by the very companies who DICTATE the very policies that made them so mad. Oh well, no one every claimed that the public was good at figuring things out.