equipment question- want to get involved with caves/wrecks

[Tony7781]

Or for $390 you could get the same from Golem Gear (including the knife)
Or for $460 you could get a full rig from DSS

Lot's of options out there for the bargain hunter.

For no more than $100 difference, its better off to go with the DSS package right? Seems higher quality?

 

[gbf]

Don't know about GG, but I do know that DSS is very high quality.

Besides that, with DSS you getTobin's advice.

 

[PerroneFord]

For no more than $100 difference, its better off to go with the DSS package right? Seems higher quality?

Both are of very high quality, and I would not hesitate to recommend either one. I own products from both companies and respect both owners. I tend to prefer the plates from DSS a bit more than anything else out there. The wings from both companies are remarkable. The webbing is the same.

I will say that Tobin is very active here on Scubaboard and that might be worth a lot to someone who is new to this.

 

[b1gcountry]

It sounds like you are leaning towards BP/W now. It is probably the most versatile combo, and a HOG harness will also be very versatile, and you won't really be losing much if you decide to switch to something like a transpac, or a deluxe harness later on. As far as BPs go, DSS ones are talked about a lot on this board. I also like the plates FredT makes (look him up on the board), and I like it that he makes each one hisself. Halcyon also deserves mention since they are popular, and most importantly, they will web it up for you when you buy it.

My best advice for getting a wing is just to look out for a used one for sale on either SB or The Deco Stop. You can get some killer deals, and they are so low upkeep, that it doesn't matter that you don't get a warranty or anything.

Jet Fins will work fine for any type of diving you do, but you will probably need a separate pair if/when you get to diving dry as the shoes are larger. The benefit with Jets is they are so cheap, you can get two sizes for less than the cost of the twin jets. I don't have a problem with split fins; they work perfectly fine on lots of dives, and really do make kicking easier...but if you're into cave/wreck, you'll eventually get some Jets, and won't dive with anything else ever again. The Mares type fins never worked for me since I have large feet.

Computer- there are a lot of different approaches to using a dive computer in tech diving. The best advice I can give you is that you do not know what type of computer you will want when you get into staged deco, so don't even bother trying to get a dual gas/deco computer at this point. If you feel the need to get a dive computer to use now, best advice is to get one that is easily readable in guage mode so you can use it as a backup later on to a more expensive tech computer, or you can use it like I do, as your primary timing device for deco using tables. There are a lot of tech divers that don't use computers. You might become one of them.

As far as regs go, I think everyone except me uses Apeks or Scubapro regs around Lake Michigan. I've got a pair of Sherwoods that I also use, but the dry-bleed isn't quite ideal as a stage, and isn't the best for backgas since you wouldn't notice a manifold bubbling from other bubbles. You won't go wrong with either Apeks or SP. You can get a nice reg now that you can double up later for doubles, or you can get a less expensive reg that can be used later on a stage/deco bottle. My primary doubles regs are SP Mk 17s, and I have a couple Mk2s I use on stages. (The Sherwoods are my backup doubles regs for when my wife steals the Mk17s.)

Tom

PS- other than the bubbling from the dry bleed system, I love the sherwoods.

 

[Tony7781]

I have to admit that all you guys (and ladies) are absolutly amazing! You have all helped me sooo much and I feel I am much smarter in just the few days of speaking with you all. I decided to go with the SP Jets, and a complete setup from DSS. After my wallet rebounds from those purchases Ill go for the Regs. Again, i want to thank you all for all you insight on this. Im sure we will all be talking much more!

 

[simcoediver]

And Tony, keep taking courses and keep on diving as much as you can. You have a long exciting, incredible adventure ahead.

 

[Jimmer]

Another thing to consider is buying used regs. You can get some really great deals on used regs, sometimes already setup for doubles or stage bottles and ready to pop in your mouth and go diving. Also, if you purchase the right regs from the get go, you wont need to ever worry about replacing them, because they will either continue as back gas regs, or move on to deco regs. My personal favourite reg is the Zeagle ZX-DSV, and in my opinion is one of the best bargains you can buy for performance vs. price.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Dive a-holic.....Thanks for this information. it is very helpful!! I was planning on renting some BP/W to test but couldnt find any for rent. Ironically my parents just purchased a house in Clermont Florida, where I am told are lots and lots of good springs. So it sounds like I can go there and rent BP/W's to test and see which will suit me best?? I am just really excited to get started in this new world that I cant stop thinking about it..lol I know I probably sounds like a little kid who got laid for the first time, but thats how I feel! I have to admit, I am very happy I found this forum because all of you helpful, knowledgeable and friendly(at times ..lol JK) people have opened my eyes to so many different things. Like I said I had originally purchased a BCD. Looking back at that, I am lucky I am in the position where I can return it to go for a more versatile BP/W setup. As for the regs, I have looked and 3 that I am interested in. Below are the three. I have tested them in my LCD and all seem pretty good, if you have any opinion please advise. Also, do you know off hand if Oceanic, Aqualung, Mares or Apex sell the service kits to divers? Oh and lastly a friend of mine has a mares abyss, would you recommend me picking that up and using it as my octo? I apologize in advance for the long winded and probably novice question filled post!
1- Oceanic Delta 4 FDX10 Diaphragm Regulator with Environmental seal, Black with Svival
2- Apeks XTX50 Regulator
3- AquaLung Legend LX ACD Supreme Regulator

While I dive AL Legends and they are my favorite regulator. AL does not sell kits to customers. Many of us have sources for kits. I, personally, have a couple of sources. I only hope those sources don't dry up. I believe Apeks is the same. Oceanic just went that way as well. Although I do know of sources for them as well. Dive Rite and Oxycheq are 2 companies I know will sell kits to customers. I'm sure there are some others.

I don't know of any shops in or around Clermont that rent gear, but if you head north, you can find some. If you come over to the panhandle, I can guarantee you can try out gear before purchasing.

 

[sskasser]

Ooo, Rob is my new best friend...my trusty AL Legend is due for service and I was wondering where I'd get the parts kit.

Most of my other regs are Salvo. They sell the parts kits, plus they're extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

 

[Tony7781]

And Tony, keep taking courses and keep on diving as much as you can. You have a long exciting, incredible adventure ahead.

I cant wait!!! I plan on thaking the adventure/AOW course next. I want to take so many of them, I wish I lived somewhere it was easier for me!