Gear Package Recommendation?

[fllawyer]

Good morning all. My wife and I just got certified, and are looking to pick up some gear. We're both fairly proficient free divers, and are looking for the best all-around scuba equipment package (bcd, reg, octo, and gauges) for under $1,000. I've done a fair amount of research, but was hoping the community might have some tips on what gear to steer towards (and to avoid). Thank you in advance!

 

[victorzamora]

Something like this would work out very well for the both of you....I'm assuming (I'm assuming a lot). Assuming you do most of your diving in local Tampa waters or fly to blue water, like simple&clean, and you meant $1k per person. Things to avoid, in my book, are gimmicky "features" that add little or nothing. I started off wanting pockets and bags and bells and whistles and all of the gadgets. I quickly learned I had wasted my money. I've ended up with as simple, clean, and reliable as I could possibly get. I also recommend highly that you call Cave Adventurers and tell them what you're looking to get (BCDs and reg set for two). I've recommended a Backplate/wing....and before I get yelled at for daring to mention one, let me tell you that a backplate wing has little or nothing that can fail, wear out, or go wrong. It is as simple and clean as can be, adjustable, customizable, and modular. Some of the biggest dives in the world are being done on similar gear configurations, and it's still perfectly suited to a 10ft reef dive at Blue Heron Bridge and in between. For $1k per person, I've even included a dive computer (not that you mentioned it, but it's a very good deal and still under budget).


Cave Adventurers BPW - (I'd probably add stainless plate, no pockets or pouches or weight systems, 30# wing, 2" cambands, and CA Hogarthian harness)
Cave Adventurers Regs - Solid regs, nothing fancy, great price, and you can get your own parts kits if you ever want to service them yourself
Zeagle N2ition Dive computer - Good, basic computer. Nothing fancy, but you won't really outgrow it for a long time. Hard to beat $/performance

 

[Imla]

And what he didn't mention, is that a BPW often will fit women better than standard jackets. Especially if she has _any_ level of curves.


(I did the same as Victor... went with bells, whistles, pockets and stuff.... I now dive a clean BPW and will not go back )

 

[diversteve]

I have a slightly odd suggestion mostly because I don't know local Tampa shops so I'd suggest you drive to Orlando and go to Divers Direct one day. As you can see, they have a lot of gear options - SCUBA Diving Shops Orlando Fl - GearUp Experts!

They have some package deals listed on their website for around $1K to consider but Divers Direct will probably mix/match other gear in their store as well to come in around $1000. Scuba Packages and Combos at Divers Direct

They sell most of the better brands. Aqualung, Atomic, Oceanic, Zeagle, others - are all ones to consider, Zeagle is made near you (sort of) in Zephyr Hills.

One thing I'd suggest changing on any except their travel packages is the BCD. For some reason (lower cost?) most packages bundle a jacket BCD. It's possible you trained on one, liked it and if so buying a better one is an acceptable option but many divers later switch to a back-inflate design for various reasons. No one generally ever switches back.

Also your local shop might be able to match their prices. And whatever/wherever you buy make sure someone locally can provide service.

I also think the N2Intuition is a remarkably good value - it will even work for basic (3 gas) technical diving should you move into that in the future. For the price, I'd get it over a package deal computer. You will need a basic pressure gauge with it as well.

 

[KevinNM]

It's really not that hard to build a BP/w from a box of parts. But most places that sell them will also fit you, and you most certainly have them do this if practical. The people who run cave adventure or extreme exposure (or other such shops) know how to get the best fit, which isn't always obvious.

 

[tbone1004]

i wouldn't recommend the cave adventurers bp/w, not good value for money, get a more cohesive package with DSS or the Trianta. Go with Deep Sea Supply ~$500 each, or DRIS Dive Gear 28lb BP/W System | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba at just under $400.

CA reg set is great, and the computer is as well.

 

[victorzamora]

Buying regs and bpw from cave adventurers would likely net you a better deal. The Oxycheq wing I linked to is worth the price bump over the Trianta in tbone's if you ask me. DSS is a great option, though

 

[runsongas]

take a look also at regs from DGX or their package with a travelpac if you don't necessarily want a bp/w.

https://www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-custom-rg3ice-streamlined-ow-reg-package

https://www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-custom-dive-rite-bcd-and-streamlined-rg3-reg-package

 

[Michael Guerrero]

I like HOG regs. Divegearexpress has a good recreational computer for under $250. BP/W would be what I'd get also, and DiveRightInScuba would be my shop of choice for that (lots of people are very happy with Tobin's rigs at DSS though). Some cheap blade fins (HOG Tech2 fins are $80 I think).

For octo, I would buy the same reg as my primary. that way the gear is standard, and you know that if you or your buddy have to breath off it they have a high performance reg.

 

[decompression]

Some great advice from some of the most experienced posters!


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