Eanxbr
Registered
I think most computers nowadays will support Nitrox, which is highly recommended class that you can take right now if you want.I have 4 dive shops within an hour of me. I’ve been to all 4, some of them multiple times. What’s the thought process on the 150 dollar computer? Would a good 150 dollar computer at least be able to handle nitrox? Is the thought for the backup computer to set it to air only and that’s your buffer if and when (maybe never if I’m lucky) the perdix dies on me mid dive?
I feel like with regulators acqalung, apeks, scubapro, etc are all solid especially with thought given to ease of servicing. Please do correct me if I’m wrong. I like the ACV on acqalung so that way I never have to fret about destroying my first stage when I clean it. I don’t have and won’t buy tanks, so I can’t pressurize them to prevent this when cleaning.
I don’t care about brand, but as it stands right now I have a scubapro mask, scubapro seawing supernovas and acqalung boots. I swear I’m not brand loyal- the mask just fit, the fins are able to detach (easier packing) and the boots were just the most comfortable ones I tried on with the fins. I thought about a hydros pro bcd, but I’m not crazy enough to spend 1200 dollars for a bunch of plastic with an S on it.
I hate the bcds that get rented/given to you on vacation. My fiancé likes sandals/beaches. They all have the same ones, and without buying your own I’m destined to encounter them again and again. However there is a common consensus here to wait, so I get that.
To add to @lexvil post, the $150 computer can be used in gauge mode as a backup to your primary computer. Sounds silly right now, but later on you will appreciate backups of all sorts. Most likely the $150 computer will have a very conservative algorithm (RGBM or similar) running the calculations, and that is all you need for now. As you grow your skills in diving you may feel comfortable with different types of diving that will require more aggressive calculations (Bühlman or similar). When you reach that point you will have a few choices for a computer upgrade: Suunto EON Steel Black, Shearwater Perdix 2, Ratio, Garmin Descent x50i.
I used to dive jacket style BCDs but migrated over to BP/W with absolutely no regrets. There is a little learning curve, but nothing you can't handle. One of the great features of the BP/W is the modularity of the system. If something breaks, you just need to switch out that particular part, example: replace the harness or a dump valve (both of which are VERY uncommon). Also, should your diving adventures take you into diving double tanks, there is virtually no changes necessary on your BP/W set up... maybe a larger wing, but we'll cross that bridge when get there.
There are a number of great BP/W manufacturers on the market and most likely you can't go wrong with any of them. It will boil down to how you feel with the gear under water. Besides the larger manufacturers, be sure to check out HOG, DEEP 6, XS Scuba, Dive Gear Express as well. Check with your local dive shops if they can rent (or even loan) you a few different types of gear so you can try them out at a local dive spot.
The more divers you meet, you will quickly realize that we can spend all day talking about gear. Many times they will let you try out some of their gear for a dive or two. Take advantage of that to help you identify what works best for you.