gear choices
- Thread starter F18driver
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gfisher4792
Guest
If you state where you want to do your diving (i.e., Florida, New England, PNW, etc.) you'll give people better idea of what to suggest.
JRScuba
Contributor
If your looking for gear and want to know the performance of various manufacturers go to this site.
www.scubadiving.com
Good Luck and dive safely.
Joe
www.scubadiving.com
Good Luck and dive safely.
Joe
boney
Contributor
Not sure if you have already or not, but you can check out the gear sections of the board. I'm sure you'll find more info there...
Congrats on your certification!!!
Equipment advise is always like opening a can of worms, but its one can you must open if you're going to buy something that will work for you. Check out scubalab (the link Joe provided). It's a great place to start.
Personally, I like Mares regs because they're very reasonably priced, their design is quite simple, they're very reasonably priced, their quality is top notch and did I mention, they're very reasonably priced? They're also available for purchase over the internet without sacrificing warranty (just don't purchase them from leisurepro), unlike scubapro, and aqualung, who do not allow their items to be shipped to the purchaser. Three places to check on the net, www.diversdirect.com, www.scubatoys.com, and www.scuba.com.
Enjoy your purchasing experience and just post any questions you have; you're certain to get good advise here.
Semper Safe,
Rick
Equipment advise is always like opening a can of worms, but its one can you must open if you're going to buy something that will work for you. Check out scubalab (the link Joe provided). It's a great place to start.
Personally, I like Mares regs because they're very reasonably priced, their design is quite simple, they're very reasonably priced, their quality is top notch and did I mention, they're very reasonably priced? They're also available for purchase over the internet without sacrificing warranty (just don't purchase them from leisurepro), unlike scubapro, and aqualung, who do not allow their items to be shipped to the purchaser. Three places to check on the net, www.diversdirect.com, www.scubatoys.com, and www.scuba.com.
Enjoy your purchasing experience and just post any questions you have; you're certain to get good advise here.
Semper Safe,
Rick
F18driver:
What I think might be best is to get a scuba package from Dacor, Mares, or Sherwood. They usually include a BC, Regs, and gauges. The Fins, mask, booties, etc. are all very personalized items so go with whatever works for you. I wound up getting a Mares X-Vision mask b/c it was one of the only ones that fit my face (and I've got a big face). I would also suggest buying used gear although not for your life support stuff. If you dive much at all, your gear will not be pretty for long.
What I dive with though: Dacor Talon BC, Suunto Cobra, AL legend LX regs, Beuchat XJet fins, and the Mares Mask.
Go with fit over all else. If you're miserable diving with it, no amount of cost (or lack thereof) will make it worth it.
enjoy,
-PV.
The best advice I can provide is this... listen to others opinions, but try for yourself. A lot of shops now have programs setup to let divers/prospective buyers try the gear out before they buy. Usually this will be in the pool while another class is going on and your kind of on your own, but some will actually send a DM with you to help you out. Only you can tell what you will like the best.
Now, here's my $.02 on some of the products available...
Fins: I usually recommend a paddle fin for newer divers. Helps promote good propulsion techniques. The Mares Quattro is awesome as are the Aqualung blades. A fairly recent addition is the Scubapro Razor. Amazing nice fin. If you absolutely want split fins, I like my Scubapro Twin Jets. I think the black are better because they are stiffer.
BCDs: I personally prefer back inflates and currently dive a BP/Wing. I think it provides the most in the form of versatility and flexibility. On the jacket side, my absolute favorite is the Scubapro Glide+, but the Seaquest Pro QD is not far behind. Both have really good construction and excellent trim characteristics without the bulkiness of many jackets.
Regulators: I use the Mk25/G250HP and love them. I've also used Apeks (awesome regulators) and Mares. I like the MR22/Abyss system. One thing I really like about Sherwood regulators is their toughness and dependability. I work for Sherwood dealer/service center and am amazed at the abuse these things will take.
Computers: I prefer UWATEC for two reasons. Customer Service and readability. Don't over look Suunto, however, they make really good instruments, I just think they can be difficult to read at times.
The only really good advice I can give you is to keep it simple. Don't over load yourself with overly complex and bulky equipment.
Good Diving and congrats on you OW cert!
Now, here's my $.02 on some of the products available...
Fins: I usually recommend a paddle fin for newer divers. Helps promote good propulsion techniques. The Mares Quattro is awesome as are the Aqualung blades. A fairly recent addition is the Scubapro Razor. Amazing nice fin. If you absolutely want split fins, I like my Scubapro Twin Jets. I think the black are better because they are stiffer.
BCDs: I personally prefer back inflates and currently dive a BP/Wing. I think it provides the most in the form of versatility and flexibility. On the jacket side, my absolute favorite is the Scubapro Glide+, but the Seaquest Pro QD is not far behind. Both have really good construction and excellent trim characteristics without the bulkiness of many jackets.
Regulators: I use the Mk25/G250HP and love them. I've also used Apeks (awesome regulators) and Mares. I like the MR22/Abyss system. One thing I really like about Sherwood regulators is their toughness and dependability. I work for Sherwood dealer/service center and am amazed at the abuse these things will take.
Computers: I prefer UWATEC for two reasons. Customer Service and readability. Don't over look Suunto, however, they make really good instruments, I just think they can be difficult to read at times.
The only really good advice I can give you is to keep it simple. Don't over load yourself with overly complex and bulky equipment.
Good Diving and congrats on you OW cert!
H2Andy
Contributor
f18driver, sounds like you are somewhere a bit out of the way. maybe a trip
to the nearest "big" dive shop is in order, even if it entails some driving?
to the nearest "big" dive shop is in order, even if it entails some driving?
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