First set of equipment questions

[-Kit]

First post here, but I've been lurking for a bit since I took up scuba last year, finally decided to post since I have a few questions regarding gear.

Preface - I live in Southeast Asia, and mostly travel out of my country for dives since there's nothing interesting here. Will most likely just dive in warmer waters, I don't really like the cold, although I guess an option to do it later would be nice. Most major brands seem to have servicing available, but servicing and stuff here tends to be very expensive. I was recently on a liveaboard in Egypt, and the gear there was in terrible condition; it was functional but just barely, hence the decision to start collecting my own equipment.

I already have a dive PC (Garmin Descent G1, great for everything outside of dives too) and mask (Hollis M1), and I'm happy with them.

While it would be nice to keep cost lower, I'd rather just spend once and not have to think about replacing them for awhile, stores in the US don't seem very willing to ship here and prices on Amazon aren't very competitive. I have some access to EU stores and prices too since my partner is Polish and I have friends in other parts who will probably be fine with helping with shipping if needed.

Options for the rest after narrowing it down to just 2:

Regulators
-Mares Dual ADJ 62X set for sale, complete with hoses and SPG for around 550USD
-Scubapro MK17 EVO 2/ S600 with S105 Octopus for 700USD, with SPG probably an additional 100

Leaning towards the Mares, since it's cheaper, lighter, and seems to be able to convert to cold water use with a kit if I go that route in the future. It also has an auto sealing function which seems great if I get careless around it. The MK17 from what I understood, is sealed so works better in debris and the cold, and is supposed to be more reliable. Main question would be if the auto sealing thing is just a gimmick and if it is, would it be better to just get the MK17.

BCD
-Scubapro Hydros Pro (750USD)
-Xdeep Zen Deluxe (700USD)

The Xdeep by itself is actually much cheaper, but adding a cargo pocket and weight pockets puts it slightly more expensive at around 850. I'm ambivalent here, Scubapro has great reviews, but my partner really likes his Zeos and the brand, so there's some peer pressure there

Fins
-Zeagle Recon
-Mares Avanti Quattro Plus

Both seem well reviewed as all rounders, and I can get the Recon at a similar price to the Avanti (100~ USD), so that's a non factor for me. Recon seems to be heavier, and more negatively buoyant. Leaning towards the Recon since some sites I was looking at in Indonesia has currents, and it seems better for that.

Of course, any other suggestions would be great too.

Thanks!

 

[kcc6001]

I've been mostly doing longer dive trips since my cert, and have met experienced divers in most places, and it's been very helpful. On the last trip, my friend let me try his ATX40 (? not too sure) and it breathes so much better than my rented one.

Personally, after renting from a few places, the fins and BCD were the biggest annoyances for me, especially since the condition of BCDs can vary a lot. Wetsuits I don't really notice a difference, so I'm not too fussed about renting it since it takes up so much space in the suitcase as well.

A rental BCD cost me a lot of money initially as I was taking a buoyancy class and the weight pockets started dumping out on me. Absolutely awful.

 

[KenE]

I highly suggest you try a BP/W in the water, it is very customizable and flexible as you progress with your diving. I dive a jacket, because that is what I bought and will wear it out, then a BP/W. The BP/W dries quicker for travel back home. SP regulators can be serviced and parts available world wide, so that is what I use. I also suggest identical second stages, they will operate and breath the same. When you need it, it will feel the same as your primary and this helps. I suggest G260s or S600s, both breath great, cost and physical size is major difference. The Mares Quattro fins have been around forever and are great fins, unless you are trying to fit them into a suitcase. I started with Quattros and moved to SP Go Sports, they travel better and are less stress on calves. I will use the Quattros if expecting heavy current, but had no issues with the Go Sports on drift dives. I hope this helps! Keep diving!