Gear questions- looking forward to tech

[txaggie08]

I know this is a too oft asked and repeated topic, but bear with me, I promise this will be pointed and specific.

I am looking forward in the next few months taking a step into the tech world, probably starting simply with nitrox and a doubles class. I'm still using borrowed gear for some of my diving at this point in time, and need to get my own equipment.

The two SPECIFIC things I'd like to make sure that, going forward, are going to be compatible are my computer and regulator set.

I'm looking at the hog environmentally sealed units. They seem to be an excellent ROI and up to par with significantly more expensive gear. They're also user serviceable, and that interests me as well

The computer I've got in my mind I want is the shearwater predator. It appears to be an EXCELLENT computer, can be used with CCR, and has all the functions that I've seen listed as desirable for trimix etc.

Thanks for your input, Cory

 

[BabyDuck]

cory, i don't see a question here. is there something you'd like to know about your choices?

 

[TreyR]

You'll absolutely love the Shearwater. It will allow you to grow into it.

As for HOG regs I have no experience.

 

[txaggie08]

babyduck, I'm just wondering if these are sound choices or not? I was hoping if they where poor choices, or if there was a significantly superior choice, one of yall would tell me. Thanks

trey- that's what I was hoping for.

 

[boulderjohn]

There is nothing wrong with either, but I would hold off on the computer.

Computer usage is very controversial in the tech world. In your first classes, there is a very good chance you will not even be allowed to use one. It all depends upon your instructor and your agency.

For me personally, I was not allowed to use a computer in any of my tech classes except for cave instruction. I know many tech divers who don't even own one. On the other hand, I know others who use them all the time.

If I were you, the first thing I would do is select an instructor. Do this carefully! There is a big difference between instructors. Additionally, the agency can make a pretty big difference, too. (There as a recent thread about this.)

Once you have selected the instructor, ask for advice on equipment. In my case, the instructor I chose had enough extra gear that I was able to start with about 90% his stuff and then slowly build up my own equipment. As my knowledge grew, I was able to make better gear choices than I would have made if I had started out buying my stuff before I started the instruction.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I would just like to add to boulderjohn's comments on the instructor. The instructor can make all the difference in the world. My tech instructor was awesome, he loaned me the equipment I didn't currently own and he took extra time when we needed it and went well above the standards. Just a couple of weeks ago I was talking with him and he was suggesting we try a skill he just though of (sharing air in a confined space where the OOA diver was not able to go in front of the donating diver) and he suggested we come and practice in the pool. I would also second the using loaned gear as long as you can so you can see what you like and dislike, this stuff is very expensive and you dont want to purchase twice if you don't have to.

 

[txaggie08]

If the computer was purely for tech diving, I would probably wait, or buy a cheapo to use for now and see where it went.

I'm also training with and working with a search and rescue team out of our local VFD and sherrif's office. The team leader, and for good reason, is asking us to find good computers that will work in near zero viz conditions and hold up to the beating we will throw at them. He and I(honestly we're all learning this together, drawing on support from other agencies for training and aid when dives are beyond our skill) are both of the opinion that running computers in the hectic and often spur of the moment dive situation we are in, is advisable on top of tables.

Do y'all know of anyone in the south eastern part of Texas that does technical instruction? I've contacted the TDI location in Houston, but they have not had time to get back to me as of yet. The only other place in TX that's close to me is PADI TEC, and I'm not sure about going that route, I've not really looked into using padi based TEC training.

 

[waterpirate]

You should check out the PSA diver section. Peple there who can advise you on your mission. Typically S&R work is shallow and you will gas out prior to timeing out. If your S&R is going to be deep and low to no vis I see formal cave training in your future.
Eric

p.s.
All your questions are reallly choices that need to be sorted out with instructor and your team. psa is mission driven and the mission drives the gear.

 

[txaggie08]

Actually the PSD section is who got me looking at the shearwater.

 

[exposure]

With 0viz, go for an OLED like Shearwater or OSTC (that is largely sheaper). As already said, the use of a computer in tech dive is a very long topic. Personnally I haven't make the switch and use my computer only in rec dives. I did the PADI tec course and really enjoyed it, maybe because of the instructor. In my view there is no wrong choice of the agency, but it can be with the instructor. Regarding the gear, I guess the best thing is to wait, do your course, rent for some dives and then decide by yourself with experience. If you haven't started yet, try a backplate with a basic harness. It is something that you can use on every dive and that you will keep for life, for the rest, don't rush.