Equipment Suggestions for a $ challenged newby

[MagicDave]

I am new to Scuba, so be easy....I have decided not to rent any longer. That decision was tuff, but what to buy is as I am learning even harder. Rental BC for example are all Jacket styles where I have been, but I am told, long term, I would like the back bc best. Thoughts? Also, on the Jackets, I like the feel of the Ballance (out of my price range though), Mares Dragon, Tusa Plantia. The OceanPro is afortable but looks very basic and not sure if I would like it long term, but again the price is right...Are there really that many differences between the brands on BC's?

For Regulators, I am considering the Omega II/CDX5 or the GT3/CDX5 by Oceanic. The Omega II is on clearance so it is a little less expensive. The GT3 is @ $ 375.
Thoughts?

Dive computer is either a Cobra or Atmos IS. The Atmos is @ $300 cheaper, so leaning that way unless you folks consider it junk.

Is it a problem if I get one brand of regulator and a different BC?

Again I am very new, I may not be even asking the right questions, but I am a sponge so I greatly respect your experience and any thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jsmharley]

keep renting and save your hard earned money to buy after you have some exp with different brands. if you have to buy something first it would be a good set of regs in my opinion. next maybe a wetsuit ( yuck factor plays here ) but definitly save that money until you have a good knowledge of how and where your new hobby will go. Welcome to the boards and diving

 

[SkullDeformity]

Get a backplate and wing, screw the computer and get a bottom timer, use tables. You can mix and match brands. First purchase would be a regulator for sure.

 

[MagicDave]

OK, are the regs I am looking at "good"? Or am I headed the wrong way?

 

[MagicDave]

What is a back plate and wing?

 

[spectrum]

Hi Magic Dave,

Telling us a little about your planned diving will help identify BC requirements. Adding some detail to your profile would help us help you. I will say that for single cylinder recreational diving that as long as the BC fits it is not the BC that makes the diver. After that it's personal preference.

The differences between brands are more of precise layout and preferences than overall quality. For instance I like my Sherwood inflater valve but dislike my wife's Seaquest. It's darned hard to get poorly made dive gear.

The BC regulator and BC do not need to match but it is nice to be able to walk into one shop and get any of those items serviced.

I would suggest holding onto your cash for a bit while you devour the gear forums here and form your own opinions. It sounds like you have had the luxury of trying a number of BCs in a wide price range. That's more than most of us ever get to do.

Pete

 

[spectrum]

OK, are the regs I am looking at "good"? Or am I headed the wrong way?

You need to talk about your diving to get a worthwhile answer MagicDave

 

[jsmharley]

for good prices and service behind the product, not to mention a discount if you mention being a SB member try http://www.scubatoys.com/ browse around the site then give them a call with your ?'s they are great and will help ya out.

 

[spectrum]

Use this criteria to decide what to buy first:

I have a hard time renting a [fill in the blank] that I like but I know what I want to buy.

If you are not certain what to buy then don't

All things being equal:
1. BC since it's the core of your diving and all of the skills you need to master
2.Regulator set because it's nice to have your own
3. Computer can be well down the road. Tables will serve a novice well for a while. When your bottom time is limited by your NDL it's computer time. A serious dive intensive vacation is also a computer purchase trigger.

Pete

 

[MagicDave]

I will be diving mostly in Panama City FL and if I am lucky the Keys several times a year.

Sorry, this is also the first time I have ever posted on a board, so learning that here as well.