I'm still trying to decide what I want to buy for my first scuba setup. I would eventually like to try some tech diving but that might be a year or two away. Probably wrecks and deep dives. Not so sure about cave. I was thinking about getting a BP/W system and using a single tank adapter. This way I could use it for sport diving and not have to buy another BC someday when I try tech. Is it possible to get a regulator and computer that would work for sport and tech diving? From what I have read that would mean buying a regulator with a DIN valve, balanced first and second stage and sealed. I may just get the BC/W setup and a computer and rent the rest of the gear for awhile.
Gear for Sport and Tech Diving
- Thread starter utediver
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adm3745
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The BP/W system is definately beneficial for all types of diving. All of the brands: Halcyon, Dive Rite, Oxycheq, OMS, and DSS will give you a great rig. I own the Halcyon Eclipse and love it, but alot of people will say they are not worth the price. Not going to get into that. Depending on what you want out of it-those companies will give ayou the proper wing, plate, and harness.
As far as when you start tech: dabbling can be done with single tanks and H valves. anything more your gonna need a 2nd wing for doubles. I'm just getting into tech myself and saving money is becoming pretty useless. At least you can use the same harness/BP.
Not sure how computers are developing into the Extreme technical scene, but I do know there are a couple trimix computers out there. Dive Rite and Uwatec make a cheap 2 gas computer. (Nitek duo and Uwatec Tec 2g). You can do alot with that. Any serious tec your looking at +$1000 range. Uwatec Galileo would prob be best for both worlds because I hear they are coming out with trimix software but that nears $2000.
For reg's I always recomend people Scubapro. The Mk17 or Mk25 are incredible. There are other great brands, hopefully people will chime in on those.
As far as when you start tech: dabbling can be done with single tanks and H valves. anything more your gonna need a 2nd wing for doubles. I'm just getting into tech myself and saving money is becoming pretty useless. At least you can use the same harness/BP.
Not sure how computers are developing into the Extreme technical scene, but I do know there are a couple trimix computers out there. Dive Rite and Uwatec make a cheap 2 gas computer. (Nitek duo and Uwatec Tec 2g). You can do alot with that. Any serious tec your looking at +$1000 range. Uwatec Galileo would prob be best for both worlds because I hear they are coming out with trimix software but that nears $2000.
For reg's I always recomend people Scubapro. The Mk17 or Mk25 are incredible. There are other great brands, hopefully people will chime in on those.
adm3745
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If your gonna buy two, get the reg and BC. I'm forcing my friend who just started diving to still dive tables and not get a comp yet. I think it's very valuable to ingrain those tables into your mind. IF you've been diving for awhile already, disregard that.
Clanggedin
Contributor
I bought my gear with the idea that someday I may try tech diving without having to repurchase any equipment.
Most dive computers with Nitrox algorithms will be good for some tech diving. If you want to go really deep then you will need one that also offers Trimix.
With the setup I purchased in the beginning I will only need to purchase another wing for diving doubles and a trimix computer plus a deco tank or two. The rest of the gear works great for standard rec diving.
I have Apeks XTX50s and I love them. I also got an Oxycheq Mach V extreme wing for the extra security if I ever do wreck dive my wing wont puncture.
Most dive computers with Nitrox algorithms will be good for some tech diving. If you want to go really deep then you will need one that also offers Trimix.
With the setup I purchased in the beginning I will only need to purchase another wing for diving doubles and a trimix computer plus a deco tank or two. The rest of the gear works great for standard rec diving.
I have Apeks XTX50s and I love them. I also got an Oxycheq Mach V extreme wing for the extra security if I ever do wreck dive my wing wont puncture.
Atomic_Diver
Scubaboard Enthusiast
I Highly reccomend Dive Rite, and Atomic Aquatics
Blackwood
Contributor
If you go DSS or HOG you will not need a single tank adapter.
If you're looking at a recreational computer, just be sure it can be put into gauge mode, so you can use it with tables later on. When you choose your regulator, instead of buying a cheap octo, get another second stage to match the first. Later on, you can add another first stage and be set for doubles and you'll be happier with it if you decide to donate your primary. You can buy DIN from the start, the adaptor to use them on yoke valves is inexpensive, and many tanks have convertible valves. A BP/W is great for recreational diving, and can be expanded to meet future needs.
Any computer that has a gauge mode will work for subsequent technical diving -- many tech divers do not use computers in decompression mode. Some do, but those computers are extremely expensive (ones that do trimix, I mean) and there is absolutely no point in purchasing one of those before you even know what you are going to do in the sport.
It is true that, for technical/cave diving, you will want a DIN connection on your reg. And you will want a reg that permits reasonable hose routing. Quite a few regulators meet those criteria, and not all of them are expensive. Most regulators nowadays are balanced, and environmental sealing is important if you intend to enter very silty environments or dive in very cold water.
On the other hand, it might be quite reasonable simply to buy a good quality regulator for single tank diving, and just plan on picking up doubles regs later, when you're ready to move up. That's what I did, and I still use the Aqualung Titan reg I bought for vacation and home single tank diving. Believe me, when you go to get into tech diving, whether you have to buy one reg or two is going to be a small part of the total cost -- and tech divers regularly sell their gear, so you can pick stuff up used for reasonable prices.
It is true that, for technical/cave diving, you will want a DIN connection on your reg. And you will want a reg that permits reasonable hose routing. Quite a few regulators meet those criteria, and not all of them are expensive. Most regulators nowadays are balanced, and environmental sealing is important if you intend to enter very silty environments or dive in very cold water.
On the other hand, it might be quite reasonable simply to buy a good quality regulator for single tank diving, and just plan on picking up doubles regs later, when you're ready to move up. That's what I did, and I still use the Aqualung Titan reg I bought for vacation and home single tank diving. Believe me, when you go to get into tech diving, whether you have to buy one reg or two is going to be a small part of the total cost -- and tech divers regularly sell their gear, so you can pick stuff up used for reasonable prices.
Rainer
Contributor
Please refrain from "tech" gear recommendations if you have more than a hundred dives. It really doesn't help the discussion, too, if you're actually doing these deeper dives. Let's try to stay on message, ok? Thanks.
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