Getting into tech

[Colliam7]

Fully agree with the drysuit as the first step, and sounds like you are already starting that process.

I have: 2 xtx 100's and that is about it.

So, good start, you have your backgas regs already.

-backplate and wing, was going to go w/ H eclipse 40# and evolve 60#, but am not so sure about that now after reading a bunch of posts.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that as a starting point. Get a SS BP, and a small wing, and start diving singles. Add a doubles wing a little later.

-twins, I would just assume go as big as I can for now. I can always get smaller ones later, but don't want to be limited by size now! Does that make sense, what should I be looking for?

At your age, and assuming a level of fitness, think about HP steel 130s. They are good single tanks, and a good doubles rig when you add a manifold. But, if you can find already doubled HP100s (or 120s) at a good price, that would be an additional option.

-deco bottle size?

Start with a 40 cf AL. You may add 80s or 30s later, but having a 40 is a reasonable first step. If nothing else, it is a good pony bottle and allows you to develop skill slinging it on single tank wreck dives.

I don't mind spending the money, I just don't want to spend it and then wish I had gotten something else, and have way too much info running through my head right now.

If you get a GOOD drysuit, a SS BP (irrespective of brand), a good singles wing and doubles wing (again, irrespective of brand), and HP steel tanks (100, 120, 130, whatever), chances are you won't 'wish you had gotten something else'. You WILL add gear over time, and you may tweak your gear - sell something and buy something else - but you probably won't regret the initial purchase.

 

[ianr33]

-twins, I would just assume go as big as I can for now. I can always get smaller ones later, but don't want to be limited by size now! Does that make sense, what should I be looking for?

The largest tanks most people dive are LP104's/HP130 (essentially the same tank).These are the tanks to use if you want to do 20 minutes at 300 feet.They hold a lot of gas but are heavy! Climbing boat ladders or walking across a rocky shore wearing them would not be much fun.
I only use my 104' when I really need them. You might want to consider something smaller to start with.

 

[TSandM]

Halcyon makes good gear, but it tends to be on the high end for price. They have a lot of competition these days, from companies like Deep Sea Supply, Oxycheq, and Golem Gear, among others. You may save a substantial sum by doing some comparison shopping.

 

[c6six]

Quote:
Originally Posted by c6six View Post
-backplate and wing, was going to go w/ H eclipse 40# and evolve 60#, but am not so sure about that now after reading a bunch of posts.
Absolutely nothing wrong with that as a starting point. Get a SS BP, and a small wing, and start diving singles. Add a doubles wing a little later.

I was thinking 40# single, should I go w/ a 30#?? as you said small!
So I think I'm going to get xsscuba x-series 130 (worthington x8-130) < same thing right?, They swing from -11.7 to -2lbs is salt water.

Should I consider an argon bottle right away?

and what is a GOOD dry suit, my dealer is trying to get me into a "BARE XCD2 Tech Dry"

BARE Scuba Diving - USA

It has been used for a dry suit coarse and the the guy decided it wasn't for him so I can get allot cheaper than new

THANK YOU EVERYONE, I'm trying to learn as fast as I can. Since I've caught this bug, every dirty river and lake I drive by here in NY gets my attention, ha ha.

 

[texdiveguy]

I was thinking 40# single, should I go w/ a 30#?? as you said small!
So I think I'm going to get xsscuba x-series 130 (worthington x8-130) < same thing right?, They swing from -11.7 to -2lbs is salt water.

and what is a GOOD dry suit, my dealer is trying to get me into a "BARE XCD2 Tech Dry"

BARE Scuba Diving - USA

It has been used for a dry suit coarse and the the guy decided it wasn't for him so I can get allot cheaper than new

THANK YOU EVERYONE, I'm trying to learn as fast as I can. Since I've caught this bug, every dirty river and lake I drive by here in NY gets my attention, ha ha.

Glad you are getting what you find is useful information.....The BARE dry suits are very good...I dive a BARE and find it excellent. If you can pick one up at a good price and it fits....can't go wrong.

 

[skippy31]

Should I consider an argon bottle right away?

I would not worry about argon until you get into trimix diving. There is very little (if any noticeable) difference between air/nitrox and argon in the suit.

Putting helium into your suit however does suck.

Mat.

 

[battles2a5]

The first test in deciding whether or not you are ready for technical diving goes as follows: 1. Walk into bathroom. 2. Open wallet. 3. Fetch largest bill. 4. Drop in toilet. 5. Flush and repeat steps 1-4. If you can handle this without cringing, you are ready for tech diving

I think you'll like your 130's. They are great tanks, trim out very well, and you'll have oodles of gas. While you are getting used to the equipment you will be able to get two recreational dives on them so no need for multiple sets on the boat and not switching tanks between dives. They are heavy but you'll get used to them.

As for the BP/wing, I have no problem w/ the quality or function of Halcyon gear but it is just way overpriced for my tastes. I'm not going to shell out the cash for an "H" on my gear when I can get just as good if not better gear from Agir, DSS, Oxycheq, etc., etc.

You will be happy with Bare. I dive a DUI myself, but dive with some folks who own Bares and they love them.

Take the time you need to gather gear to work on your skills. You don't need to be in a technical environment to work on the skills that you need to be successful in a technical environemnt. Bouyancy and trim needs to be spot on. Ascents and descents need to be very controlled, especially your ascent through shallow water (30 to 20, 20 to 10). Good buddy and environment awareness, communication, and the ability to plan a dive and execute that plan. All this stuff can be practiced on any dive and so take advantage of the time you have before now and the start of your training.

Find a good mentor! It is good to have a sounding board while you are working through issues and you won't have the pressure to perform that might have with an instructor. Just make sure you find someone who is doing the kind of dives that you want to be doing.

Good luck w/ your transition and congrats on the decision. As with many other things in life, it's all about the journey and not just the destination.

 

[BGF]

I have no doubt about getting into technical diving for the right reasons. (like you haven't heard that before) I just want to do it right

I'm also slowly getting into tech and DIR agreed w/ me from the very start. I went straight to a bp/w (Halcyon 27lb pioneer) and long hose, Apex atx200/50. Just got my 1st dry suit afer 4 yrs am going to upgrade to a double steel setup soon (still using al80's). I definitely don't regret buying anything, just wish I could find a bottomless wallet . Good luck and enjoy learning.

 

[c6six]

does it make more sense for me to get a 30 or 40lb singles wing?? how do i decide??

 

[ianr33]

does it make more sense for me to get a 30 or 40lb singles wing?? how do i decide??

What are you going to use it for?
If you are diving in the Caribbean with a lycra skin and an Al 80 then the 30 pound wing is more than enough.
If you are diving a 7mm farmer John with a steel 130 then you might prefer the 40 pounder.

So the answer is "it depends" !