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"My plan is to crowd-source a plan."
Hello ScubaBoard, for my first post, I've decided to call on your expertise because I've spent the last two months chasing my tail on equipment and weighing so many options they've all blended together.
I've already got my suit, fins, mask, (lost my snorkel, but I can replace it), boots, hood, gloves... so the basics are in hand, but it's time to get serious about this affliction known as Scuba-diving and purchase my gear.
After a few months of trying out my buddies' equipment, I've settled on a BP/W setup, and I've decided to go through DeepSeaSupply after reading numerous recommendations here and a good conversation with Tobin at DSS.
I've also settled on getting Steel HP100 or HP120 tanks with DIN valves, so that just leaves me with the part that has plagued me the most... regulators.
My Typical Diving: Southern California 'chilly' water (50-60 degF) saltwater.
I've searched, re-searched and researched (see what I did there?
) these for so long that I've come to some good conclusions as to generally what I want and how much I want to spend, but not what to actually get. So here we go...
DIN or Yoke: DIN, but I'll buy an adapter in case I'm stuck with using Yoke tanks.
New or Used: I like used prices, but due to my general lack of competent knowledge of the equipment retail trade, I'm reluctant/unsure about it what I should look for in a good used reg. To me, it seems that the reg is one of the most important parts of scuba, so I kinda want supreme confidence in my rig.
First-Stage: It seems that an environmentally sealed is not required, but I get the feeling perhaps I should get it... advice welcome on this point. Also, swivel vs not-swivel? How important is this? It seems that once you get a setup that works, not-swivel is just as good, but I can see where having swivel would make the rig more comfortable. How much stock should I put in this 'feature' and how much trouble is it if I change my mind later?
Second-Stage: One thing I'm sure is that I want my secondary to be a combo-filler/breather on my BC instead of a full second octo hose. I don't like diving with a lot of dangle, and I like the idea of combining the two. Is this an unsound belief? In the end, I just want a reliable setup though that doesn't require a lot of effort on my part to maintain.
Price: I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to satisfy my requirements, but one of my requirements is that I get a good deal on whatever I get. There are such varied levels of gear and varied prices, that I am having trouble finding the diamonds in the rough. Ideally, I'd like to get the 1st and 2nd stage and filler/octo secondary for under $500. And I think it can be done, but if A) it can't, or B) I can do it for significantly less than that, I'd like to know now.
Brand: I am not set on any single brand, but a good buddy of mine dives Atomics, and I've liked those so far, but they seem to be on the high end of the price-value scale. I really just want a brand that the collective diving consciousness does not scoff at and generally holds in high regard.
Additional Advice: Anything I can glean from the general experience of those who traverse this board is greatly appreciated. This includes any places to buy from, any questions to ask, any things to consider.
Thanks in advance!
Hello ScubaBoard, for my first post, I've decided to call on your expertise because I've spent the last two months chasing my tail on equipment and weighing so many options they've all blended together.
I've already got my suit, fins, mask, (lost my snorkel, but I can replace it), boots, hood, gloves... so the basics are in hand, but it's time to get serious about this affliction known as Scuba-diving and purchase my gear.
After a few months of trying out my buddies' equipment, I've settled on a BP/W setup, and I've decided to go through DeepSeaSupply after reading numerous recommendations here and a good conversation with Tobin at DSS.
I've also settled on getting Steel HP100 or HP120 tanks with DIN valves, so that just leaves me with the part that has plagued me the most... regulators.
My Typical Diving: Southern California 'chilly' water (50-60 degF) saltwater.
I've searched, re-searched and researched (see what I did there?
) these for so long that I've come to some good conclusions as to generally what I want and how much I want to spend, but not what to actually get. So here we go...DIN or Yoke: DIN, but I'll buy an adapter in case I'm stuck with using Yoke tanks.
New or Used: I like used prices, but due to my general lack of competent knowledge of the equipment retail trade, I'm reluctant/unsure about it what I should look for in a good used reg. To me, it seems that the reg is one of the most important parts of scuba, so I kinda want supreme confidence in my rig.
First-Stage: It seems that an environmentally sealed is not required, but I get the feeling perhaps I should get it... advice welcome on this point. Also, swivel vs not-swivel? How important is this? It seems that once you get a setup that works, not-swivel is just as good, but I can see where having swivel would make the rig more comfortable. How much stock should I put in this 'feature' and how much trouble is it if I change my mind later?
Second-Stage: One thing I'm sure is that I want my secondary to be a combo-filler/breather on my BC instead of a full second octo hose. I don't like diving with a lot of dangle, and I like the idea of combining the two. Is this an unsound belief? In the end, I just want a reliable setup though that doesn't require a lot of effort on my part to maintain.
Price: I'm willing to spend whatever it takes to satisfy my requirements, but one of my requirements is that I get a good deal on whatever I get. There are such varied levels of gear and varied prices, that I am having trouble finding the diamonds in the rough. Ideally, I'd like to get the 1st and 2nd stage and filler/octo secondary for under $500. And I think it can be done, but if A) it can't, or B) I can do it for significantly less than that, I'd like to know now.
Brand: I am not set on any single brand, but a good buddy of mine dives Atomics, and I've liked those so far, but they seem to be on the high end of the price-value scale. I really just want a brand that the collective diving consciousness does not scoff at and generally holds in high regard.
Additional Advice: Anything I can glean from the general experience of those who traverse this board is greatly appreciated. This includes any places to buy from, any questions to ask, any things to consider.
Thanks in advance!
