gear choices

[crpntr133]

My turn!! I am in the process of buying some of my own gear. What I did was to buy a couple of dive magazines and visited all the manufacturers web pages that were listed in the mags. Dive training mag is a good one for this since they also have a card in the back that lists a majority of dive manufacturers. I also included those that I knew of and weren't listed.

When I found something that I thought I wanted, I did a further search on the internet and then here. Most of the time you can find where someone has done a review on a product. Some will say that most reviews are biased but you have to start somewhere. Most of the time a manufacturers web page will also have a list of who in your area is a dealer. This will help with finding a LDS.

I know this is a lot of time spent on the internet but I think that you will find it is well worth it in the long run.

Good luck!!

 

[boomx5]

Thank you I,m just concerned spending $500.00+ on a BC that does not fit right. LDS only carries one brand! I would like to find a place where you can tyout before you purchase.

Sometimes they have Experience days in Monterey where you can take a BP&wing for a spin. If you are interested, PM me and I'll try and get you the details, if not no big deal.

 

[Web Monkey]

I'll second that!

Buy a BC that fits and is comfortable. The only way to tell, is to try it on, and preferably dive with it (or a rental of the same model/size).

I didn't realize that my first BC was sloppy and poorly designed until I tried on a better one in a couple of different sizes.

Having stuff that fits makes diving *much* easier. (sloppy fitting BCs flop all over the place underwater, loose fins tend to slip off).


Terry

Thank you I,m just concerned spending $500.00+ on a BC that does not fit right. LDS only carries one brand! I would like to find a place where you can tyout before you purchase.

 

[MichaelG]

Gear preference is completely dependant on who you speak with. I'm not sure there is a perfect set of equipment since each person has there own preference.

Here is my setup

Regulator: APEX ATX200
Octo: APEX ATX40
Comp: Suunto Cobra w/comp
BC: Genesis Recon 75
Mask: OceanMaster View3
Fin: Tusa XpertZoom splits
Tank: 2 Genesis Steel HP120
Wetsuit: Henderson 7mm 2 piece
Knife: OceanMAster Titanium

-

 

[coa]

Hi

I am new to the scuba board and like to get some advise on purchasing a Genises 2000 regulator. The regulator has very good test ratings. But any advise from some one who has actually used it. Thanks

 

[Michael Schlink]

Atomic, Scubapro, or Apeks regs. or Oceanic Delta's
DiveRite Transpac II or Halcyon BP and wings
Jet fins for wrecks and caves, Atomic splits for reefs
Uwatec and Suunto Stinger, DiveRite Nitek computers
Mask- whatever, personal preference
Wetsuit- custom made
Drysuit- Bare or DUI
Knives-don't carry one
Lights- HID
You drive an F18, dive with one
I like to see people support their LDS's, go make a good deal on good gear, develop a relationship with a LDS you like and buy good gear that will last you awhile. Alot of people go out and buy med. quality gear and end up "trading" up a short while later. Spending more than if they went after the good stuff at first-Good luck-PM me if you want

 

[ScubaFrog]

Can anyone tell me how ScubaPro is? I have been renting my equipment for 2 years now, and want to buy my own gear.

 

[OE2X]

Can anyone tell me how ScubaPro is? I have been renting my equipment for 2 years now, and want to buy my own gear.

All depends on what ScubaPro gear you are talking about. I have a few MK25's and S600 regulators that I love. I also have a couple of Uwatec computers that work great. I'm not fond of their wrist compass, since for me it is hard to read the #'s through the small opening. I have one of their knives which needed to be sharpened before it got used. I used to cook for a living so a dull knife has no place in my life. Putting a new edge on it means that it will go through 5/8" nylon rope like it is butter.
Other than that, I like their products. I'll continue to buy their regulators and not worry about them.

 

[Taucher]

Talk to your local dive shop. That is what the wife and I did. Everything is now about 2 1/2 years old and we love our choices. Our local dive shop gave us great advice and excellent pricing. We went with Apeks regs, SeaQuest Balance BC's, Mares fins, Sunnto Cobra dive computers. Have been very happy with our choices.